September 16, 2021

On Wednesday, Microsoft announced that the password-free login option, which was made available to business users in March, will now also be available to individual users with Microsoft accounts.

This means that Microsoft account users do not have to log in to different Microsoft accounts with passwords as the tech giant takes a step toward a password-free future.

Users who wish to use the new passwordless option for their account are advised to first set up an alternative form of authentication and then select from an authentication app.

Apps such as Microsoft Authenticator, a Windows Hello option such as fingerprint or facial recognition, a security key or a verification code sent to the user’s phone are all options.

Users are advised to use an authentication app as it provides both security and convenience as long as a user’s phone or other supported device such as the Apple Watch is nearby.

After selecting from an authentication app, users can sign into the webpage for their Microsoft account. On their account page, they can click on the Security heading at the top and select Advanced Security Options.

In the section for Additional Security, they can turn on the option for a password-free account and click on the next one, and receive a notification about the Microsoft Authenticator app asking to authorize password removal.

For more information, read the original story in TechRepublic.