Microsoft Will Let You Remove Passwords From Your Account

For the past few years, Microsoft has been predicting a future where you don't need a password, thanks to the use of verification codes, biometric identifiers or authentication apps. Today, the company is putting its money where its mouth is and allowing you to take the password off your Microsoft account.

Those who opt out of passwords will be able to use Microsoft's Authenticator app for Android or iOS, Windows Hello facial recognition or fingerprint sensing, security keys or verification codes sent to phones or emails to sign into Micorsoft's apps and services.

Andrew E. Freedman

Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and BlueSky @andrewfreedman.net. You can send him tips on Signal: andrewfreedman.01

  • ThatMouse
    I already have 3 authenticator apps on my phone! Why is Microsoft creating a new one?
    Reply
  • hotaru.hino
    I don't know if I like this, because it's removing a layer of protection.

    ThatMouse said:
    I already have 3 authenticator apps on my phone! Why is Microsoft creating a new one?
    They've had one for a while. In any case, I suggest Authy if you want to consolidate, since it's compatible with most of the OTP 2FAs I've encountered.
    Reply
  • Kamen Rider Blade
    This won't end well IMO.

    Trying to remove the Passwords from your Account System is going to cause ALOT of unforseen issues and security vulnerabilities.
    Reply
  • plateLunch
    I wish they could find a way to get my cell phone out of the security loop. With all the SIM swaps going on, seems like a bigger weak link because you can't use good practices to protect against it.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    My password is DS134@#$%sdfgoij@#$rASDFGt4398ASDFAWSEDG!@#$5

    But my Windows Hello is 1234


    So secure...
    Reply
  • hotaru.hino
    Alvar Miles Udell said:
    My password is DS134@#$%sdfgoij@#$rASDFGt4398ASDFAWSEDG!@#$5

    But my Windows Hello is 1234

    So secure...
    Well the difference here is it only works on that device, but your password works no matter what you're logging in from.
    Reply