How to use a passkey for your Microsoft account

Aiste Medine
Content Writer
Microsoft passkey

Imagine unlocking your Microsoft account with just a tap—no typing, no guessing, and no stress. Sounds like a dream, right? With passkeys, it’s possible. Microsoft has embraced the cutting-edge passkey technology, making logging in faster, easier, and more secure than ever before. Whether you’re safeguarding your email or your Xbox profile, setting up a Microsoft passkey is a game-changer. Let us show you how it’s done.

Passkeys in a nutshell

No more forgotten logins, no more sketchy emails tricking you into giving up your credentials—welcome to the era of passkeys, the next big leap in online security.

Born from a collaboration between tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft under the FIDO Alliance, passkeys aim to eliminate the hassle of using traditional passwords. They work by utilizing pairs of cryptographic keys: your device holds a private key, and the website keeps a public one. When you log in, the two keys interact like a secret handshake, proving it’s verifying your identity without ever exposing sensitive details.

As a result, passkeys can’t be guessed or phished. They’re also easier to use, relying on biometrics like fingerprints or face scans instead of your memory. Using passkeys is, therefore, a smarter, safer way to secure your digital life—and a change worth considering.

How to set up a passkey for your Microsoft account

Switching from your Microsoft password to setting up a passkey for your Microsoft account is quick and straightforward. In just a few steps, you can switch to a more secure and convenient way to log in. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your Microsoft account, and from the “Security” tab, go to “Additional security options.”

  2. Click on “Add a new way to sign in or verify.”

  3. Select “Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key.”

  4. To complete the setup, follow the on-screen instructions.

How to sign in to your Microsoft account with a passkey

Once you’ve created a passkey for your Microsoft account, logging in is quick and effortless. All you have to do is:

  1. Choose either "Sign-in options" or "Other ways to sign in."

  2. Next, select "Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or security key."

  3. Pick your passkey from the available list.

  4. Your device will then display a security window to use your face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key.

How to remove a passkey for your Microsoft account

To remove a passkey from your account, follow these simple steps to ensure it is no longer linked to your sign-in options:

  1. Visit “Additional security options” under the “Security” tab.

  2. In the "Ways to prove who you are" list, select the passkey you'd like to remove.

  3. Finally, click “Remove.”

Effectively store and manage your passkeys with NordPass

What if managing your passkeys was as simple as using them? With NordPass, it’s not just possible—it’s effortless.

NordPass isn't just for passwords—it’s a smart way to store and organize your passkeys, keeping them secure and ready whenever you need them (among a plethora of other cool things). Whether you’re on Android, Apple, or Microsoft devices, NordPass ensures your passkeys are accessible and protected. No more hunting for keys or juggling multiple accounts. With NordPass, your passkeys are always safe, synced, and just a tap away whenever you're faced with a login screen.

Passkeys are the future, and with NordPass, you’re set up for success. Ready to make secure logins even easier? Give it a try today.

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