Microsoft ditches passwords for new users—passkeys are in, friction is out. Is this the tech giants’ way of embracing smarter sign-ins?
Microsoft is officially ditching passwords—for new accounts, at least. From now on, all new Microsoft accounts will be passwordless by default, a massive leap toward a more secure and streamlined sign-in experience. Instead of typing out long strings of characters (that we all forget anyway), users will now log in using passkeys, push notifications, or security keys. This isn’t just about convenience. Microsoft is building a more secure digital world—one where passwords are a thing of the past.
A New Sign-In Experience
To support this transformation, Microsoft has redesigned its sign-in window. Whether on desktop or mobile, users now get a passkey-first experience that’s cleaner, quicker, and optimized for both light and dark modes. Reflecting this broader shift, Microsoft shared the following updates-
“Brand new Microsoft accounts will now be “passwordless by default.” New users will have several passwordless options for signing into their account and they’ll never need to enroll a password. Existing users can visit their account settings to delete their password.”
Existing Users Can Join Too
Already have a Microsoft account? You can make the switch. The account dashboard now allows users to remove saved passwords and set up passkeys instead. Passwords are still available for those who prefer them, but Microsoft’s direction is clear: passkeys are the future.
To reflect this seismic shift, Microsoft—along with the FIDO Alliance—is renaming "World Password Day" to "World Passkey Day". It’s not just a rebrand—it’s a call to action.
This milestone is the result of years of groundwork. Ten years ago, Microsoft introduced Windows Hello, allowing logins using face, fingerprint, or PIN—early signals of their passwordless ambitions. More recently, in May of last year, they rolled out passkey support for consumer accounts, laying the foundation for today’s major shift.
Why It Matters
In an age where phishing scams and password breaches are rampant, moving away from passwords isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Passkeys are harder to steal, easier to use, and offer a dramatically better login experience. While password manager apps have long helped users juggle complex credentials, Microsoft's move takes it a step further by eliminating the need for passwords altogether. This shift not only reflects changing user behavior but also sets a precedent for other major platforms.
