Microsoft goes passwordless by default on new accounts
1 min read
Summary
From now on, Microsoft will encourage users creating a new account to opt for more secure methods such as passkeys and security keys, rather than a traditional password.
The move forms part of a wider trend in the tech industry to increase security and decrease reliance on passwords, which many users find tricky to remember and can be subject to breach.
Existing Microsoft account-holders will not be required to delete their passwords, but can do so through their account settings if they wish.
The software giant has renamed World Password Day to World Passkey Day, reflecting its ambition to implement passkeys – which it says are used successfully in 98% of login attempts, versus 32% for password-based attempts – across its platforms in the coming year.