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Microsoft account online now supports password-less authentication

You can now sign in to your Microsoft account using Windows Hello and security keys for a more secure and password-less experience.

Microsoft is making the sign-in process to your Microsoft account online easier and more secure without the need of a password. It’s all possible thanks to the new support for FIDO2 security key devices that allows anyone to sign into their account using a security key or using Windows Hello.

The new security feature is available only using the Microsoft Edge browser, and it’s the first company supporting this form of authentication without the need of a password using FIDO2 and CTAP2 standards.

Although authentication to access your Microsoft account is only available through Microsoft Edge, you also need to be running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update on your computer.

If you’re already running the latest version of Windows 10, and you have a webcam or fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello, then you can configure this password-less form of authentication from the Microsoft account settings online using the “Windows Hello and security keys” settings.

In the case that your device doesn’t include a biometric module for authentication, you can get a FIDO2 key from companies like Feitian Technologies and Yubicon. Or you can also purchase a Windows Hello ready peripheral, such as the Logitech TRIO webcam or the Microsoft wireless keyboard with built-in fingerprint.

 

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.