How good are you at remembering the passwords? While we have to remember many of our passwords, we can at least get rid of one. We are talking about your Microsoft Account. Microsoft has introduced the password-less sign-in feature for its browser, Microsoft Edge, in Windows 11/10. You can now sign in to your Microsoft Account using a special Security Key.
We turned on the ability to securely sign in with your Microsoft account using a standards-based FIDO2 compatible device—no username or password required! FIDO2 enables users to leverage standards-based devices to easily authenticate to online services—in both mobile and desktop environments.
What is a Security Key
A security key is a physical device that can be used to sign in instead of using your username and password. However, you will always need a PIN with the security key for obvious security reasons. You can also add your Fingerprint lock with the security key for extra safety. The security keys are also available on sale from retailers dealing in computer accessories.
There are different types of security keys you can use, for example, a USB key that you plug into your device or an NFC key that you tap on an NFC reader. Your security key must be both FIDO2 and Microsoft-compliant.
With this new feature, you can sign in to Microsoft services without entering a password. The feature currently is restricted to only a few of the Microsoft services like Microsoft Edge, Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, and Microsoft Store.
Set up & use Security Key for your Microsoft Account
Before registering a security key, you must have at least one additional security verification method registered. Also, make sure that your system is updated with the latest patches. Now, copy this link and open it in your browser –
https://account.live.com/proofs/manage/additional?mkt=en-US&refd=account.microsoft.com&refp=security
It will prompt you to sign in to your Microsoft account.
Log in, and you will get a new tab open.
Scroll down and go to Windows Hello and Security Keys. Click on ‘Set a security Key’ if you want to use it as your login key in Microsoft Edge.
You can also opt out of signing in using Windows Hello, though.
Check if you want the USB or NFC type of security key and select Next.
Microsoft Edge will redirect you to complete the setup, and then you need to insert or tap your security key.
- If your security key is a USB device, insert your security key into the USB port of your device.
- If your security key is an NFC device, tap your security key to your reader.
You then need to create a PIN. You can use your existing PIN, if any.
See if your key has either a gold disk or a button. Touch it and name your security key.
Your Security Key is ready, and you can now log in to your Microsoft account using it.
Your Security info page will also be updated with your security key information.
Sign out and use this security key to log in.
You can manage your Security Key settings from Windows Settings, including resetting your security key and creating a new security key PIN.
How to reset Security Key for Microsoft Account login?
Open Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security Key > Manage.
Insert your security key into the USB port or tap your NFC reader to verify your identity, and then follow the on-screen instructions to reset the security key.
Read: USB Security key is not working on Windows 11
How to delete Security Key for Microsoft Account login?
To delete your data and credential information from the security key, select the Delete link from the security key to remove. Next, select OK from the Delete security key box. Your security key is deleted, and you’ll no longer be able to use it to sign in to your work or school account.
Read: How to make a USB Security Key in Windows using USB Raptor
How to create a new PIN for Security Key?
Open Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security Key > Manage.
Insert your security key into the USB port or tap your NFC reader. Select Add from the Security Key PIN area, type and confirm your new security key PIN, and then select OK.
TIP: This post will show you how to set up Windows Hello.
I hope this helps!
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