Attention HackingBlogs_ readers!
If you are keeping up with the most recent developments in authentication trends and cybersecurity, you can not overlook this significant change – new Microsoft accounts is passwordless by default in 2025. Microsoft is taking a risk by attempting to completely move away with traditional passwords, which will significantly reduce the success rate of phishing, credential stuffing, and brute-force attacks.With this shift, new Microsoft accounts is passwordless, relying on secure methods like passkeys, biometrics, and device-based authentication.
Microsoft has rebranded “World Password Day” as “World Passkey Day,” reflecting the company’s commitment to a future without passwords.
Note: This article incorporates information from official Microsoft announcements and reputable technology news sources to provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of the company’s passwordless initiative.
new Microsoft accounts passwordless by default 2025Join me as we examine the effects of this for digital security going forward and how you can remain on top of developments.
All new Microsoft accounts will be “passwordless by default” beginning of May 1, 2025, marking Microsoft’s formal shift to a passwordless future. This important change attempts to remove traditional passwords in order to improve account security and improve the user experience.
Why New Microsoft Accounts Is Passwordless by Default
“As part of this simplified UX, we’re changing the default behavior for new accounts. Brand new Microsoft accounts will now be ‘passwordless by default’,”
said Joy Chik, Microsoft’s President for Identity & Network Access,
There will no longer be a password-setting prompt for new users creating Microsoft accounts. Rather, they will select from safe, password-free sign-in choices like:
- Passkeys: Making use of biometric authentication techniques such as facial recognition or fingerprints.
- Push notifications: Verifying sign-in attempts by sending trusted devices alerts.
- Security Keys: Making use of physical items that offer an extra degree of protection.
The change is an aspect of Microsoft’s redesigned sign-in process, which gives passwordless authentication procedures for online and mobile apps top priority.
Microsoft is updating its web and mobile applications’ sign-in and sign-up user experiences (UX). The new UX, which was created with Microsoft’s Fluent 2 design language, provides a responsive, simplified interface that works well on desktops and smartphones equally. Notably, the design supports user preferences and improves visual comfort through the use of both Light and Dark themes.
The Rise of Passkeys
The foundation of Microsoft’s passwordless strategy is passkeys. These cryptographic keys give a secure and easy alternative for passwords. Passkeys, which are stored on users’ devices, enable authentication using device PINs or biometric information, insuring that only authorized users may access the account. Microsoft claims that passkey sign-ins are eight times faster than typical password logins, showing that this solution is not only faster but also more secure.
A worldwide trend toward passwordless authentication is supported by Microsoft’s action. Microsoft participates in an industry-wide initiative to advance secure sign-in standards as a board member of the FIDO Alliance. Passkeys are becoming more and more popular; currently, over 15 billion user accounts worldwide support them.
Because new Microsoft accounts is passwordless, users enjoy 8x faster logins and a 98% success rate a huge leap from the frustrating password era.
What About Existing Microsoft Account Holders?
While new Microsoft accounts is passwordless, existing users are encouraged to switch to a passkey-based sign-in too.
- Go to Account Settings: Go to the settings for their Microsoft account.
- Establish a Passkey: Select a passwordless login method based on their preferences.
- Remove Existing Password: After switching to a passwordless method, users have the option to remove their old password.
