says everyone can remove the password from their Microsoft account and use it starting today. The company rolled out the option for business users earlier this year.
Instead of remembering or using a password, you can use Microsoft Authenticator, Windows Hello, a security key, or SMS or email codes. You can sign in to services like Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft Family Safety, and even Xbox Series X / S without a password. Microsoft will implement the option for everyone over the next few weeks as it prepares for the.
Once you’ve installed the Authenticator app and linked it to your account, you can turn off your password. Go to Advanced Security Options and Additional Security. From here, you can switch your account to another without a password. Then follow the instructions and approve a notification in the Authenticator app to seal the agreement.
You can reactivate your password at any time, but other login methods may be much more convenient and secure. Passwords are not only a field of cybersecurity mines, but they take a long time to enter and, at best, are annoying to deal with.
It would be welcome to see other services that remove passwords if they can offer users secure and alternative login methods. Until then, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible and get a password manager and use unique passwords for all your accounts. .
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, regardless of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we can get an affiliate commission.