The shift away from traditional passwords is accelerating at a remarkable pace, with Microsoft now taking a decisive step to redefine digital security for its vast ecosystem of users. In a major move confirmed in early 2024, Microsoft has announced that all new Microsoft accounts will be passwordless by default, steering users towards the use of passkeys—a modern authentication standard built to enhance security and convenience. This transition marks a significant moment in the evolution of user identity management, not just for Windows PC users, but for anyone tied into Microsoft’s far-reaching range of online services.
Passwords have been the cornerstone of digital authentication for decades, yet they are increasingly recognized as a glaring weak point in the cybersecurity landscape. Weak passwords, reuse across services, and phishing attempts have made traditional password-based logins a frequent target for attackers. In recent years, major tech players, including Google and Apple, have introduced passkey systems that promise to solve some of these long-standing problems. Now, Microsoft is fully joining this “passkey revolution,” formalizing passwordless logins as the standard for its user base.
When you create a passkey, two cryptographic keys are generated: a public key, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers, and a private key, which stays securely on your device. To log in, your device proves it holds the private key without actually sharing it, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept or reuse login credentials if they breach a remote server.
Crucially, passkeys are not just theoretical advancements; they are practical security measures that are built into modern operating systems. Microsoft, Google, and Apple have all contributed to the development of this standard, ensuring that passkeys work across devices, browsers, and platforms that support the FIDO protocols.
Users who have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on their accounts will experience an additional convenience shift. Previously, after entering a password, they would need to enter a verification code received via SMS or email. Under the new paradigm, the password step is bypassed entirely, and even the 2FA process can be streamlined to ultimately rely solely on the passkey authentication.
This change is not unique to Microsoft. Google and Apple introduced similar features in 2023, and the broad industry adoption of passkeys is rapidly making the technology a new default in digital authentication.
Because passkeys use biometric or device unlock methods (such as Windows Hello), the system verifies that the actual account owner is present. Authenticator applications—like Microsoft Authenticator, which is available on both Android and iOS—can also generate and manage passkeys. This approach provides a seamless, cross-device login experience that's both more secure and less burdensome on the user compared to juggling complex passwords.
According to a report from Digital Trends and echoed by industry analyses, some users have expressed concern about “vendor lock-in,” especially if proprietary features or data storage make transferring passkeys between ecosystems cumbersome. However, the adoption of open standards like FIDO2 by all three tech giants should mitigate most of these concerns over time.
Microsoft asserts that all biometric data for Windows Hello remains strictly on-device and is never uploaded or shared. Independent security audits and whitepapers from FIDO Alliance and privacy advocacy groups broadly confirm these claims, but ongoing scrutiny remains essential for public trust in biometric authentication.
A 2023 report from the FIDO Alliance highlighted pilot deployments of passkeys leading to dramatic drops in account takeovers and phishing attacks. Real-world studies from large service providers, including Google and Microsoft, corroborate these findings, citing reductions in both user-reported security incidents and attack surface area.
However, some experts urge continued vigilance. Dr. Lorrie Cranor, Director of the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, cautioned in a recent interview: “While passkeys advance security for the average user, any centralized or cloud-based recovery mechanism becomes a possible target for attackers and surveillance. It’s critical for the industry to maintain transparency and provide open auditing for these systems”.
The move to passkeys represents an extension of this philosophy, aligning with zero trust principles: never trust, always verify, and minimize reliance on shared secrets.
The journey is not without challenges—questions of recovery, interoperability, and privacy will demand ongoing attention—but the evidence points strongly to improved security, better user experience, and a dramatic reduction in the risks of data breaches and account compromise.
As Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android all converge on the FIDO passkey standard, users can look forward to a more secure, seamless relationship with their digital identities. For those willing to embrace these tools early, the days of password fatigue and phishing worries may soon be over—ushering in a new, passwordless era of digital trust and resilience.
Source: Digital Trends Microsoft accounts will push you to ditch passwords and use a passkey
A Closer Look at the Passwordless Future
Passwords have been the cornerstone of digital authentication for decades, yet they are increasingly recognized as a glaring weak point in the cybersecurity landscape. Weak passwords, reuse across services, and phishing attempts have made traditional password-based logins a frequent target for attackers. In recent years, major tech players, including Google and Apple, have introduced passkey systems that promise to solve some of these long-standing problems. Now, Microsoft is fully joining this “passkey revolution,” formalizing passwordless logins as the standard for its user base.What Exactly Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a relatively new authentication technology that leverages public-key cryptography and standards developed by the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance. Unlike passwords, which are strings of characters you must remember and enter, a passkey is a digital credential generated and stored securely on your trusted device. It can only be accessed after you unlock your device using biometrics—such as facial recognition or a fingerprint—or a local PIN.When you create a passkey, two cryptographic keys are generated: a public key, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers, and a private key, which stays securely on your device. To log in, your device proves it holds the private key without actually sharing it, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept or reuse login credentials if they breach a remote server.
Crucially, passkeys are not just theoretical advancements; they are practical security measures that are built into modern operating systems. Microsoft, Google, and Apple have all contributed to the development of this standard, ensuring that passkeys work across devices, browsers, and platforms that support the FIDO protocols.
Microsoft’s New Account Policy: What’s Changing?
According to Microsoft’s 2024 security update, all new accounts will skip traditional passwords altogether during the registration process. Instead, users are immediately given several passwordless options, including setting up a passkey linked to their device, using the Microsoft Authenticator app, or integrating with third-party passkey managers. For existing users, there’s now a clear pathway to go passwordless as well: all saved passwords can be removed from the account dashboard, replaced with passkeys for future logins.Users who have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on their accounts will experience an additional convenience shift. Previously, after entering a password, they would need to enter a verification code received via SMS or email. Under the new paradigm, the password step is bypassed entirely, and even the 2FA process can be streamlined to ultimately rely solely on the passkey authentication.
This change is not unique to Microsoft. Google and Apple introduced similar features in 2023, and the broad industry adoption of passkeys is rapidly making the technology a new default in digital authentication.
The Technology and Security Behind Passkeys
The appeal of passkeys stems mainly from how they are created and stored. Each passkey pair is device-specific, leveraging hardware-backed protection whenever possible. On Windows PCs, for example, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) provides a secure enclave to safeguard the private key, ensuring it cannot be exfiltrated by malware or attackers even if the system itself is compromised.Because passkeys use biometric or device unlock methods (such as Windows Hello), the system verifies that the actual account owner is present. Authenticator applications—like Microsoft Authenticator, which is available on both Android and iOS—can also generate and manage passkeys. This approach provides a seamless, cross-device login experience that's both more secure and less burdensome on the user compared to juggling complex passwords.
How to Set Up and Use a Passkey With Microsoft Accounts
- For New Users: When creating a Microsoft account, you’ll be prompted to select a passkey or another passwordless method as your primary authentication option. This could involve using Windows Hello (facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN) alongside your PC or linking your account with the Microsoft Authenticator app on a mobile device.
- For Existing Users: In your account security dashboard, you’ll find the option to remove your existing password and enable passkeys. Microsoft provides detailed guidance to walk users through this transition, highlighting compatibility with devices running Windows 10 or 11, Android 9 and above, iOS 16 or later, as well as macOS Ventura or newer.
- Third-Party Support: Not limited to Microsoft-only solutions, passkeys can be stored in popular password managers like 1Password, allowing users to choose their preferred authentication ecosystem.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
An essential aspect of Microsoft’s implementation is compatibility with the broader digital ecosystem. Passkey authentication works on all major browsers supporting FIDO protocols, including Microsoft Edge (version 109 and up), Google Chrome, and Apple’s Safari (version 16 onwards). This cross-compatibility extends to mobile and desktop environments, enabling a seamless experience regardless of whether you use a Windows PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone.Advantages: Security, Convenience, and Beyond
The case for switching to passkeys is strong, both from a technical and practical standpoint.Enhanced Security
Traditional passwords are vulnerable to phishing, brute-force attacks, credential stuffing, and database breaches. Passkeys, by contrast, eliminate these risks because:- The private component never leaves your device.
- It can only be used with the correct biometric or physical unlock (like PIN or device password).
- Phishing attacks become nearly impossible, as there’s no credential to “give away.”
- Replay attacks are thwarted, since the cryptographic challenge-response mechanism is different and unique for every login attempt.
User Convenience
- No more remembering complex strings of letters, numbers, or special characters.
- Faster, smoother logins across multiple devices and platforms.
- Easier for everyday users and a huge relief for those managing multiple accounts.
Better Privacy and Data Protection
End-to-end encryption ensures that even Microsoft cannot read or intercept your private keys. Using a device’s secure hardware—like TPM on Windows—means there are far fewer vectors for attackers to exploit.Potential Risks and Criticisms
Despite the glowing reports and industry backing for passkeys, no system is without potential downsides. It is essential to approach this transition with a critical eye.Device Loss and Recovery Challenges
Because the private key is tied to a specific device, losing your phone or laptop could mean losing access to all your accounts secured by that passkey. Microsoft and other passkey providers have worked on robust account recovery processes—typically through alternative authentication devices, backup codes, or re-enrolling with identity verification. Still, this can be more complex than traditional password resets, particularly for less tech-savvy users.Platform Lock-In and Interoperability
While FIDO standards guarantee a high degree of interoperability, actual implementation varies between Microsoft, Google, and Apple ecosystems. For instance, passkeys created on an iPhone are stored in iCloud Keychain by default, while Microsoft relies on Windows Hello and Authenticator apps, and Google on its own password manager. This might lead to friction for users who frequently switch between platforms.According to a report from Digital Trends and echoed by industry analyses, some users have expressed concern about “vendor lock-in,” especially if proprietary features or data storage make transferring passkeys between ecosystems cumbersome. However, the adoption of open standards like FIDO2 by all three tech giants should mitigate most of these concerns over time.
Biometric Reliability and Privacy Concerns
Biometric authentication, while generally secure, is not infallible. False positives or negatives (failure to recognize the rightful user) can become a point of frustration—especially for users with accessibility needs or in environments where reliable biometric scanning is difficult. There are additional privacy concerns, as biometric templates, if compromised (though extremely unlikely with current technology), can’t be changed like a password.Microsoft asserts that all biometric data for Windows Hello remains strictly on-device and is never uploaded or shared. Independent security audits and whitepapers from FIDO Alliance and privacy advocacy groups broadly confirm these claims, but ongoing scrutiny remains essential for public trust in biometric authentication.
What About Legacy Systems and Third-Party Integrations?
One area that requires attention is legacy compatibility. Older devices and services that lack FIDO or passkey support may still require traditional password logins, creating hybrid security models. Microsoft and others recommend keeping at least one alternative recovery method available for such scenarios, and users must ensure that all their key accounts and devices are compatible before making the switch.Industry Validation and Independent Perspectives
The enthusiasm for passkeys extends well beyond Microsoft’s official announcements. Security professionals broadly recognize the move as positive. Vitally, both Google and Apple have adopted similar paradigms, signaling an industry-wide consensus about the weaknesses of password-based authentication.A 2023 report from the FIDO Alliance highlighted pilot deployments of passkeys leading to dramatic drops in account takeovers and phishing attacks. Real-world studies from large service providers, including Google and Microsoft, corroborate these findings, citing reductions in both user-reported security incidents and attack surface area.
However, some experts urge continued vigilance. Dr. Lorrie Cranor, Director of the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, cautioned in a recent interview: “While passkeys advance security for the average user, any centralized or cloud-based recovery mechanism becomes a possible target for attackers and surveillance. It’s critical for the industry to maintain transparency and provide open auditing for these systems”.
Microsoft’s Implementation in the Broader Context of Windows Security
Microsoft’s changes are part of a larger strategy to harden Windows devices and online accounts against contemporary security threats. The company has already rolled out a range of security enhancements in recent releases—Windows 11 comes with hardware-backed security features on by default (including TPM 2.0 and secure boot), and frequent updates have strengthened built-in defenses like SmartScreen and Credential Guard.The move to passkeys represents an extension of this philosophy, aligning with zero trust principles: never trust, always verify, and minimize reliance on shared secrets.
How to Prepare for the Passwordless Transition
For Windows enthusiasts and IT professionals—many of whom comprise the WindowsForum.com community—now is the time to:- Audit all Microsoft-linked accounts for compatibility with passkeys.
- Educate organization members and users about new authentication flows.
- Ensure all critical devices meet FIDO and passkey requirements.
- Prepare backup and recovery options for key accounts.
- Monitor for updates from Microsoft, as policies and technical implementation will continue to evolve through 2024 and beyond.
Conclusion: Ushering in a New Era of Secure Authentication
Microsoft’s push for passwordless authentication marks a watershed moment for everyday users and IT professionals alike. By making passkeys the default for all new accounts, the company is betting on a future where stolen credentials and brute-force attacks become relics of the past.The journey is not without challenges—questions of recovery, interoperability, and privacy will demand ongoing attention—but the evidence points strongly to improved security, better user experience, and a dramatic reduction in the risks of data breaches and account compromise.
As Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android all converge on the FIDO passkey standard, users can look forward to a more secure, seamless relationship with their digital identities. For those willing to embrace these tools early, the days of password fatigue and phishing worries may soon be over—ushering in a new, passwordless era of digital trust and resilience.
Source: Digital Trends Microsoft accounts will push you to ditch passwords and use a passkey
