How to use Passkey for your Microsoft account

Passkey is a more advanced and secure way to log in and can be used with a Microsoft account. This article will guide you how to use Passkey in your Microsoft account, introduce its advantages and the differences with passwords. Before we get into the details, we emphasize that if you frequently forget your passwords or need to log in quickly, Passkey will generally be better for you.

What is Passkey? How are they different from passwords?

Password is an advanced and secure authentication method that can replace the traditional password login method. Each application has a unique key, ensuring security and preventing threats like phishing. Users can confirm their identity via email and password, or authenticate using facial recognition, fingerprints or security keys.

Function:	Total Key	password
How are they created?	Automatically generated by your device.	Created by user
How they are stored.	Stored on your device or password manager.	Stored by the website or application.
How to use them for authentication.	You can authenticate using your device's biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition).	You only need to enter your password.
Anti-phishing	Prevent phishing attacks.	Vulnerable to phishing attacks
Brute force resistance.	Brute force attack resistance.	It can be cracked by brute force attack.

Passkey is not specific to Microsoft, but you can also enable Passkey for Google accounts.

How to use Passkey with your Microsoft account

To use keys, you need to first create them and then log in to your Microsoft account using the device.

How to create a Microsoft account password

If you want to create a key for your Microsoft account, follow these steps.

• Launch the Chrome or Edge browser on your Windows 11 PC, go to the Microsoft Account website, and log in with the Microsoft account you want to create a key for.
• Scroll down the account page and click Security Options.
• Under the Security page, click Other Security Options.

• In the menu below, click Add a new login method or verification link.

• Now, follow the instructions for your Windows operating system and use the "Use your Windows PC" option to verify your account.

• The following prompt will open in your browser and say "Windows Hello, a sign-in method that is only used on the device you set it up on. If you want to use Windows Hello to sign in to your account on this device, select Next.

• Click Next and it will prompt you to enter your PIN or password to confirm.

From now on, you can use this device (Windows PC) to log in to your Microsoft account using your current device without a password, i.e. a key.

How to use your Microsoft account password

• Open a website or application that supports the key, which can be any Microsoft website, such as forums, Microsoft accounts, etc.
• Click "Login" and select "Login Options".

• Click to log in with Windows Hello or security key.
• On Windows, you will be prompted to select an existing account. Select If Available and log in using your PIN.
• But if the account is not on PC, you can choose to use other device options.

• After clicking, you can choose one of the following options:

• • IPhone, iPad, or Android device: Use this option if you want to log in using a key stored on your phone or tablet. To do this, you need to scan the QR code with your phone, which must be close to the Windows device.
  • Linked Device: Use this option if you want to log in using a key stored on a device near your Windows device. This option is only supported on Android devices.
  • Security Key: You can use this option if you want to log in using a key stored on your FIDO2 Security Key.

• Complete the key unlocking process on the selected device.

Overall, using keys with your Microsoft account is simple. That said, the experience may vary on different devices. Windows offers deep integration with Microsoft Edge, which means you'll get a Windows Hello prompt directly instead of being asked to select a user account.

How to manage and view saved keys on Windows 11

Using keys with a Microsoft account is simple. If you are a Windows 11 user and you log in to your PC using your Microsoft account, Microsoft has already created a key for your account. To check your key, follow the steps below.

• Open Settings from the Start menu or press Windows key I to launch it directly.
• Select all accounts from the left column.
• Select Password Settings under the Account Settings section.

• On this screen you can view a complete list of your keys.

• Select the three-dot menu on the right and the Delete Passkey option to delete any of them.

Can we use Passkey in Mobile?

Yes, we can use keys on Mobile easily. We know that Microsoft does not have a mobile platform, so we need a compatible browser and operating system to use the key on mobile devices.

If you are an Android user and want to use Key, your device must have Android 9 or higher and have Chrome or any compatible third-party password manager installed. If you are an iOS user, your device must have iOS 15 or higher and use the Safari browser.

Which devices and browsers support Passkey?

Passkey is supported by various browsers and devices. Windows supports Chrome and Edge; Mac OS supports Chrome, Edge, Brave and Firefox; iOS supports Chrome, Brave, Firefox and Safari; Android supports Chrome, Brave, Firefox and Samsung Internet.

Can I use a physical security key instead of a password?

Yes, you can use a physical security key instead of a passkey because Microsoft supports security keys as an alternative sign-in method. You can set it up in Security > More security options > Add a new way to sign in or verify > Use a security key.

The above is the detailed content of How to use Passkey for your Microsoft account. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!