[Tip] How to Enable Passwordless Login in Your Microsoft Account

We need to remember several passwords for different email accounts, social network accounts, user profiles used in various online forums/blogs, etc. Many times we write down these passwords in diaries or store them in our computers. Storing passwords in PC or on paper might cause security risks. People can read your passwords if they get access to your PC or your diary.

That’s why Microsoft has launched a new feature called “Passwordless Login” for Microsoft Accounts (MSA). Microsoft Account includes your email ID such as Hotmail, Outlook, etc, your Microsoft 365 account, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, etc.

With the help of this new feature, you can remove the password requirement entirely to login to your Microsoft Account. Instead of the password, you can set other passwordless methods such as Windows Hello, physical security key, Microsoft Authenticator mobile app or verification code sent to your mobile phone as SMS or other email ID.

In such way, you’ll no longer need to remember any password to sign into your Microsoft Account. When you’ll try to login to your Microsoft Account, Microsoft will use the other methods to authenticate you such as your fingerprints, face recognition, 2-factor authentication code generated by Authenticator app in your smartphone or the OTP sent to your mobile phone or other email ID.

How to Activate and Enable Passwordless Login Feature in Microsoft Account?

You can enable passwordless login feature in your Microsoft Account using following steps:

1. You’ll need to open the official page to manage your Microsoft Account which is as following:

Manage Microsoft Account Page

Sign in using your Microsoft Account ID and password.

2. Now click on Security link given on the top of the web page. Then click on “Advanced security options” link.

Alternatively, you can visit following direct link to access Advanced security options page in your Microsoft Account:

Customize Advanced Security Options in Your Microsoft Account

3. Now look for “Passwordless account” option present under “Additional security” section.

Click on “Turn on” link given below Passwordless account option.

Microsoft will show following confirmation message:

Click on Next button and follow the instructions given on screen.

You’ll need to set other authentication methods such as Microsoft Authenticator mobile app, OTP, Windows Hello, etc to remove the password entirely.

Once finished, you can start using your Microsoft Account without any need of entering password.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

In future, if you decide to add password requirement again, you can follow above mentioned steps again and click on “Turn off” link given below Passwordless account option.

If somehow you lose access to Microsoft Authenticator app, you can still access your Microsoft Account using other alternate recovery methods such as text message or backup email address.

If you don’t see Passwordless option in your Microsoft Account settings page, wait for some time. Microsoft is rolling out this feature in phases and it’ll take some time in adding the feature to all accounts.

Please note that Passwordless feature isn’t supported if you sign in to Microsoft services with a work or school account.

Remember some older versions of Windows, apps and services still need a password. So do not remove password if you use any of the following services:

• Xbox 360
• Office 2010 or earlier
• Office for Mac 2011 or earlier
• Products and services which use IMAP and POP email services
• Windows 8.1, Windows 7 or earlier
• Some Windows features including Remote Desktop and Credential Manager
• Some command line and task scheduler services

Also Check:

How to Enable 2-Step Verification Feature in Your Microsoft Account?

How to Auto Login to Windows 10 Without Username and Password