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Microsoft, a pioneer in integrating passwordless sign-in options for Windows, is taking a significant stride toward a password-free future. The tech giant is now encouraging users to adopt more secure authentication methods, such as passkeys, push notifications, and security keys, as the primary means for creating new accounts.
Microsoft’s Shift Toward Passwordless Authentication
This latest initiative coincides with the introduction of an improved sign-in interface, which features a more intuitive sequence of steps designed to enhance the passwordless and passkey-first experience.
Impact on Existing and New Accounts
While current account holders will not be required to remove their passwords, those creating new accounts will be guided away from password usage. Here’s how:
As part of this streamlined user experience, we’re modifying the default settings for new accounts. New Microsoft accounts will now be “passwordless by default.” New users will have several passwordless options for accessing their accounts and will never need to set up, or use a password. Existing users can modify their account settings to delete their password.
Passwords vs. Passkeys: A Comparison
Microsoft is also renaming “World Password Day” to “World Passkey Day” and is committed to advancing passkey technology over the next year. Last year, the company introduced passkeys for consumer accounts. According to Microsoft, passkeys are being registered at a rate of nearly a million per day, with users experiencing a 98 percent success rate for sign-ins, compared to just 32 percent for password-based accounts.
Why Passkeys Are Superior to Passwords
- Enhanced Security: Passkeys provide a more robust defense against unauthorized access.
- User Convenience: They eliminate the need to remember complex passwords, reducing user frustration.
- Higher Success Rates: Passkey users report significantly higher success rates for account access.