Microsoft discards PassKeys password: How to switch before the August deadline
Did you know there are more secure alternatives to passwords? Some companies implement PassKey. This is logged in to your account as the first step using biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition. Recently, PassKeys can cut out the dangerous password habits that 49% of US adults have CNET Survey.
Using the same password for multiple accounts and even using personal information like names as part of the password can be guessed or leaked by the company Data Breaches. It could lead to Personal information theft and scam.
You may start to hear more topics around the passkey Microsoft We’ll create a big switch that starts in August. When saving using Microsoft Authenticator passwordHere’s what you need to know about how to set up PassKeys for your Microsoft account before the deadline.
Microsoft Authenticator will stop password support
Microsoft Authenticator houses your password and can register with all Microsoft accounts using facial recognition such as PIN, Windows Hello, or other biometric data such as fingerprints. The authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying that you are logged in if you forget your password, or using two-factor authentication as an additional layer of security for your Microsoft account.
Starting this month, how to use the app will change from this month. Microsoft.
- June 2025: You will no longer be able to add a password to the Authenticator.
- July 2025: You cannot use the Autofill password feature.
- August 2025: You will no longer be able to use the saved password.
If you want to use a password instead of PassKeys, you can save it to Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting PassKey during this transition. “We’re committed to providing a range of services to our customers,” said Attila Tomaschek, senior writer and digital security expert at CNET Software.
Why PassKeys is a better alternative to passwords
So, what exactly is PassKey? This is the credentials created by the Fast Identity Online Alliance that uses biometric data or PIN to verify your identity and access your account. Consider logging in to your account using your fingerprint or face ID. In general, it is safer than using passwords that are easy to guess or susceptible to phishing attacks.
“While you can crack your password, PassKeys requires both unpublished private keys to authenticate users. This reduces the risk of phishing and brute force casualties and victims of qualification clogging attacks,” added Tomaschek.
PassKeys are not stored on a server such as passwords. Instead, they are stored only on your personal device. More conveniently, this means remembering your password and Password Manager.
How to set up PassKey in Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft said in a May 1st Blog Post Automatically detect and set up the best PassKey and create a default sign-in option. “If your account has a password and a ‘one-time code’, you will be prompted to sign in with a one-time code instead of a password. Once you’ve signed in, you will be asked to register with PassKey. The next time you sign in, you will be asked to sign in with PassKey,” according to a blog post.
To set up a new PassKey, open the Authenticator app on your phone. Tap your account and select “Set up PassKey.” You will be prompted to log in with your existing credentials. After logging in, you can set up PassKey.