The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Brand-new personal Microsoft accounts are now “passwordless by default,” according to Microsoft’s May 1, 2025 announcement. That means a new user can sign in with options such as a passkey—unlocked by a face scan, fingerprint, device PIN, or security key—without creating a password. It does not mean Microsoft has automatically deleted the passwords from every existing account, and it does not make work or school accounts passwordless without an administrator’s configuration.
Will a new Microsoft account have a password?
Usually, no password enrollment is required when you create a brand-new personal Microsoft account. Microsoft says new users receive passwordless sign-in choices and “they’ll never need to enroll a password.” The account can therefore start with a passkey or another supported passwordless method instead of a memorized secret.
The change applies to new personal consumer accounts. Existing accounts are not described as having their passwords automatically removed. Microsoft says an existing user can open account settings and delete a password, but that is an action the account holder takes.
What “password-free” does—and does not—mean
Passwordless is a sign-in method, not the absence of account security
You still prove that you control an approved device, credential, or recovery method. “Password-free” means you do not type a traditional account password; it does not mean anyone can enter without authentication.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
It is not a universal switch for every Microsoft account
Consumer-account enrollment and sign-in prompts can change as Microsoft rolls out the experience. Work and school accounts are separate: an organization’s administrator must configure Microsoft Entra ID to allow passkeys for relevant apps and services.
How passkeys work
A passkey is a cryptographic key pair. Your device protects the private key, while Microsoft’s service stores the corresponding public key. The credential is created for the specific app or website, so it is not a password that can be typed into a convincing look-alike site.
When you sign in, your device unlocks the passkey with face recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. Microsoft says that biometric information and the PIN stay on the device and are not sent to the service. A physical FIDO2 security key can also serve as a passkey option.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Microsoft describes passkeys as phishing-resistant because the credential is tied to the legitimate service. That reduces the risk of surrendering a reusable secret to a fake site, but it does not replace good device security or account-recovery planning.
How to sign in without a password
- Create or select a passwordless credential. During new-account setup, follow the displayed passkey or other passwordless option. For an existing account, open Microsoft’s current passkey setup page from your account security settings and follow the device prompts.
- Approve locally. When prompted, use the device’s face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN. If you registered a security key, insert or tap it and complete its required gesture or PIN.
- Choose the method at sign-in. On the Microsoft sign-in screen, select Sign-in options, then choose the passkey or security-key method shown for your account.
- Keep recovery methods verified. The exact labels and available choices vary by device, browser, credential provider, and Microsoft’s current interface. Check Microsoft Support if a prompt differs from these general steps.
Do you need a passkey?
No. Microsoft presents passkeys as one of several passwordless choices, not as a requirement to buy hardware. Built-in face, fingerprint, or PIN authentication can be enough when your device supports it. A FIDO2 security key is an optional alternative for people who want a separate physical credential or a backup device.
Availability depends on the account and device. Passkeys may synchronize through a platform or credential provider, so they can be available on a replacement or upgraded device in some setups. Do not assume every passkey follows you to every device; keep verified recovery options current.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Can you still use a password?
If you already have a password on a personal Microsoft account, Microsoft’s passwordless-preferred flow does not by itself prove that the password has been forcibly removed. The service may offer a one-time code or another available method first and then invite you to register a passkey. On later sign-ins, the passkey may become the preferred prompt.
You can review your account’s security settings to see whether a password remains and whether Microsoft offers an option to remove it. The choices shown can change during the rollout.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat if you lose your phone or primary device?
Use another registered credential
Try a synchronized passkey on another trusted device, a registered security key, or another sign-in option displayed by Microsoft. Synchronization is platform-dependent, so this is not guaranteed for every setup.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Use verified recovery methods
Microsoft’s personal-account guidance recommends keeping a verified email and passkey available for recovery. Add and verify recovery information while you still have access to the account, rather than waiting for a lost device.
Expect less reliance on SMS
Microsoft Support says it is beginning to phase out SMS for authentication and recovery on personal accounts, citing fraud, phishing, and SIM-swap risks. The guidance does not provide one universal completion date, and SMS may not disappear from every account at the same time. Do not treat text messaging as your only recovery path.
How the main sign-in methods compare
| Method | Phishing resistance | User action | Device or platform dependence | Loss and recovery considerations | Work-account availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Password | Lower: a reusable secret can be entered on a fake site | Remember and type a secret | Low; works on many devices if enabled | Reset procedures are required if forgotten or compromised | Controlled by the organization’s policy |
| SMS code | Weaker than a passkey; vulnerable to phishing and SIM-swap attacks | Wait for and type a one-time code | Requires access to the registered phone number | Problematic if the number is lost or transferred | Controlled by the organization’s policy |
| Device passkey | Microsoft describes it as phishing-resistant because it is service-specific | Use face, fingerprint, or PIN | Depends on the device, browser, and credential provider; synchronization varies | Keep another passkey, verified email, or recovery route | Requires Microsoft Entra administrator support for work apps |
| FIDO2 security key | Phishing-resistant when used as a passkey | Insert or tap the key and complete its prompt | Depends on key and device compatibility | Register a spare key or another recovery method before loss | Requires Microsoft Entra administrator configuration |
Why Microsoft is making the change
Microsoft Security Blog reports more than 4,000 password attacks per second in May 2024, compared with about 115 per second in 2015. In May 2025, Microsoft reported nearly one million passkeys registered each day, about 98% sign-in success for passkey users versus 32% for password users, and passkey sign-ins eight times faster than password plus traditional multifactor authentication. These are Microsoft’s own identity-system and product measurements, not independent comparisons across all consumer services.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Microsoft also reported a 99% passkey-enrollment completion rate among users who started registration and said about 25% of users who saw a passkey prompt engaged with it in a December 2024 user-experience analysis. Those figures describe Microsoft’s observed flows and should not be read as a guarantee for every person, device, or account.
What existing users should do now
- Open your personal Microsoft account security settings and review the sign-in methods currently registered.
- Add a passkey on a device you control if the option is available.
- Verify an email recovery method and keep it accessible.
- Register a second passkey or security key if losing your primary device would otherwise lock you out.
- Do not remove your existing password until you have tested another sign-in and recovery route.
- For a work or school account, ask your administrator which passkey methods Microsoft Entra allows; consumer-account instructions do not automatically apply.
The practical answer
A new personal Microsoft account can be created without a password, and Microsoft is steering sign-in toward passkeys and other passwordless methods. You do not have to buy a security key, and an existing account does not automatically lose its password. The safest transition is to register a passkey, verify recovery methods, and maintain a backup credential before removing anything you may still need.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
