In recent years, Microsoft has been making significant strides towards a passwordless future, a move that many view as beneficial. Passkeys, which are auto-generated credentials, offer enhanced security because they cannot be intercepted or stolen, and eliminate the need for users to memorize complex passwords.
Starting on May 1st, 2025, all new Microsoft accounts will be configured to use a login method that bypasses passwords entirely. In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that new users will have various passwordless options at their disposal and will not have to register a password during the account creation process.
Existing users will also have the option to remove their passwords through account settings. While current users can still opt to use traditional passwords, Microsoft actively promotes passkeys as a more secure alternative.
The company has optimized its login screen specifically for passkey usage, though it will not mandate a shift to passkeys just yet. The blog further emphasizes a passwordless-preferred sign-in method that simplifies the process of logging in.
This means that when users attempt to sign in, Microsoft will automatically suggest the most secure option available on their account, such as a “one-time code,” instead of a password. This change has shown promising results, reducing password usage by over 20% in Microsoft’s experiments.
As more users adopt passkeys, the reliance on traditional passwords is expected to diminish, paving the way for a future where password support may ultimately be removed. If you feel uncertain about the switch to passkeys, that’s completely normal.
However, many users find the experience of using passkeys easier and more convenient than anticipated. Once you create your first passkey, you may find it to be a seamless transition.