Quick overview to using Smart ID Desktop App

Install Smart ID Desktop App

Download Smart ID Desktop App from Microsoft Store or install it as an MSI file. See Install and upgrade Smart ID Desktop App.

Initial steps before you can start using... 

...virtual smart cards

1. Create virtual smart card, see Create virtual smart card. 

Activate tokens

Depending on how your organization has decided to onboard users, you might get an activation link or you can request a virtual smart card or other token via Smart ID Self-Service. 

Certificates and keys in PKCS#12 format can also be imported directly into Smart ID Desktop App. For more information, see Import PKCS#12 file into Smart ID Desktop App. 

Manage lifecycle of tokens

For common use cases that are covered by the Nexus Smart ID solution, see Digital ID.

About virtual smart cards in Smart ID Desktop App

Virtual smart cards in Smart ID Desktop App is based on Microsoft Virtual Smart Card (VSC) and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) technology and uses the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which is available in many computers, rather than requiring a separate physical smart card and reader. The solution uses native Microsoft mini-driver for communication with the VSC. 

A virtual smart card that is provisioned with the relevant certificates, can be used by Microsoft Base Smart Card Cryptographic Service Provider (BaseCSP) for most Windows-related use cases. See Features of Smart ID Desktop App. 

Smart ID Desktop App is integrated to Hermod for message distribution between Smart ID Desktop App and remote provisioning / verification entities such as Smart ID Identity Manager and Smart ID Digital Access component.