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| A Microsoft accounts no longer requires a password |
Microsoft now lets you remove passwords from your accounts for a passwordless future. You don't need a password to sign in to Outlook, OneDrive, Family Safety, and even services like Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
Now the software giant is allowing consumers to use Microsoft Authenticator, Windows Hello, security keys or verification codes to log into their accounts via SMS or email instead of a password.
The new option was introduced months after the company began adopting passwordless authentication for business users in March to help people adjust to the realities of working remotely.
Over the years, the company has committed to a passwordless future and the pandemic has accelerated. This is an important step for Microsoft to achieve its password-free ambitions after enabling Security Keys in 2018 and Windows 10 without a password in 2019.
When the company was established, 100% of the employees used their account without a password. With more than 200 million people using the no-password option, the company is optimistic about consumer adoption.
A Microsoft account no longer requires a password
You need to install the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app and link it to your Microsoft account to remove the password. When you're done, you can visit account.microsoft.com, choose Advanced security options, enable passwordless accounts in the Additional Security section, and then accept the changes in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
You can always undo changes and add a password to your account again in the future. However, other communication methods may be more convenient and secure.
The company is preparing to launch Windows 11 on October 5th, so it will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
He added that he was also working on a way to remove the password from an Azure AD account, which would allow an administrator to decide whether a particular user would ask for or allow a password.
Passwords are the main target of cyber attacks as weak passwords or reused passwords can be guessed through automated attacks.
Google, Apple, and other companies are also reducing their reliance on passwords. You can use Google Chrome to sign in without a password. IOS 15 and macOS Monterey updates include iCloud Keychain passwords. This is to replace the password with a more secure login process.