Microsoft is shaking up its account security by making passwordless sign-ins the default for new users. The tech giant is pushing for a more secure future, and it’s not just talk.
New Microsoft accounts will now use passkeys, push notifications, or security keys to log in. This move is part of Microsoft’s effort to phase out passwords. Existing accounts can still use passwords, but new ones won’t be prompted to create one.
Why the change?
Microsoft believes passkeys are more secure than passwords. The company points to stats that show passkey users have a 98% login success rate, compared to 32% for password users. With nearly a million new passkeys registered daily, Microsoft is confident in its approach.
A Passwordless Future
Microsoft is committed to making passkeys the norm. The company has even rebranded “Password Day” as “Passkey Day.” Users can already remove their passwords and opt for passwordless sign-in methods. Microsoft’s goal is to make passwordless the default behavior for new accounts.
- New accounts will use passkeys or other passwordless methods by default.
- Existing accounts can still use passwords.
- Users can remove their passwords and use passwordless sign-in methods.
The Verge first reported on Microsoft’s passwordless push.