Microsoft Adopts Passwordless Sign-In for All New Accounts

Microsoft has announced that all new Microsoft accounts will now be passwordless by default. This means users creating new accounts will no longer need to set or use a password to log in. Instead, they will use safer options like biometric authentication (such as fingerprints or facial recognition), passkeys, or other passwordless login methods.

Why Is Microsoft Going Passwordless?

The goal behind this change is to protect users from common cyberattacks that target passwords. These include:

Phishing: Trick emails or websites that steal your login info
Brute-force attacks: Hackers try many password combinations to break in
Credential stuffing: Cybercriminals use stolen passwords from one site to log in to others

Passwords have long been a weak point in digital security. Many people reuse the same password across different sites, making it easier for hackers to cause widespread damage with just one data leak.

A New, Simpler Sign-In Experience

According to Microsoft, the rollout of a new, simpler sign-in and sign-up experience started in March 2025 for both web and mobile apps. This new experience is designed to make passwordless login the default option from the beginning.

“Brand new Microsoft accounts will now be ‘passwordless by default’,” said Joy Chik, President of Identity & Network Access at Microsoft, and Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Security.

This means when someone creates a new Microsoft account, they will choose a passwordless sign-in method right away, and won’t need to create or remember a password at all.

Options for Passwordless Login

Microsoft offers several secure and convenient login options, including:

Passkeys
Windows Hello (facial recognition, fingerprint)
Authenticator apps
Security keys (hardware devices for login)

The best available method will automatically be enabled for the user’s account.

What About Existing Microsoft Users?

If you’re already using a Microsoft account with a password, you can switch to passwordless login manually by going to your account settings. There, you’ll find the option to remove your password and set up a passkey or another secure sign-in method.

This move is part of Microsoft’s long-term plan to completely remove password support in the future. As more users switch to passkeys and similar technology, password usage will continue to drop.

“This simplified experience gets you signed in faster and, in our experiments, has reduced password use by over 20%,” said Chik and Jakkal.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a new and safer way to log into websites and apps without a password. They work using strong cryptography and often involve biometric authentication, like scanning your face or fingerprint.

Passkeys are stored securely on your device and can’t be reused or stolen like traditional passwords. Even if a hacker tricks you with a fake website, they won’t be able to steal your passkey.

Microsoft encourages all users to enroll in passkeys during the sign-in process. After the first login, the system will prompt users to set up their passkey. The next time they log in, the account will automatically use the passkey for access.

Microsoft’s Role in the Passwordless Movement

Microsoft is a major member of the FIDO Alliance, a global organization that supports passwordless authentication. The alliance has helped develop passkeys as a standard for secure sign-in, and today, over 15 billion accounts use FIDO-based authentication.

Last year, Microsoft enabled support for passkeys in personal Microsoft accounts, after releasing a built-in passkey manager through the Windows 11 22H2 update. This made it easier for Windows Hello users to manage their passwordless login credentials securely.

More recently, Microsoft has been testing updates to the WebAuthn API to allow users to sign in using third-party passkey providers on Windows 11, expanding flexibility and usability for different devices.

What This Means for You

If you’re creating a new Microsoft account now, you won’t need a password. Instead, you’ll pick from safe, modern options like facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or a trusted mobile device.

If you already have a Microsoft account, consider going passwordless too. You’ll improve your account security, avoid the hassle of remembering passwords, and protect yourself from common cyberattacks.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s shift to a passwordless future is a big step in the right direction for online safety. By making accounts more secure and user-friendly, the tech giant is helping reduce the risks associated with weak or reused passwords.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, switching to passwordless authentication is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. And with companies like Microsoft leading the way, the password may soon become a thing of the past.

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