Microsoft Makes Passkeys Default | 1.5 Billion Users Shift to Passwordless Login

Table of Contents

• What Are Passkeys?
• Microsoft’s Vision: Passwordless by Default
• How Do Passkeys Work with Microsoft Devices?
• Why This Is a Game-Changer for Security
• What About Enterprise and Developers?
• Cross-Platform Integration
• How to Set Up Passkeys on Microsoft Accounts
• Industry Momentum Toward Passwordless Future
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In a landmark move for digital security, Microsoft announced in May 2025 that passkeys—a secure, passwordless login technology—will now be the default sign-in method for all new Microsoft accounts. This rollout affects over 1.5 billion users globally and marks a major shift toward a future where traditional passwords may finally become obsolete.

The transition comes as part of a broader initiative to make the internet more secure, user-friendly, and resistant to phishing attacks, using open standards promoted by the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a passwordless sign-in solution based on public-key cryptography. Instead of relying on a password, users authenticate using a biometric scan, PIN, or device unlock pattern. The credentials are stored securely on the user’s device and cannot be reused, guessed, or stolen in phishing attacks.

Microsoft’s passkeys are cross-platform and can be synced across devices using cloud services like iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, and now Microsoft Authenticator.

Microsoft’s Vision: Passwordless by Default

Microsoft is making passkeys the default option for all new account creations starting in 2025. This includes:

• Microsoft 365

• Outlook

• OneDrive

  
  

• Xbox Live

• Azure Active Directory (Entra ID)

• Windows 11 account logins

Existing users are also being encouraged to switch to passkeys, with simplified migration tools available in the Microsoft Account dashboard and Windows Settings.

“Passwords have been a weak point in cybersecurity for decades. Passkeys offer a modern, phishing-resistant alternative that’s faster and more secure,” said Vasu Jakkal, Corporate VP of Microsoft Security.

How Do Passkeys Work with Microsoft Devices?

With Microsoft’s update, users can now:

• Sign in using Face ID or fingerprint (Windows Hello)

• Use hardware devices (like YubiKey, USB-C keys)

• Sign in on a PC using their phone’s Face ID or fingerprint (cross-device authentication)

Passkeys also work seamlessly with browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Safari, and can be shared securely across Apple, Android, and Windows ecosystems.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Security

Passwords have long been the #1 attack vector in cyberattacks—easy to guess, reuse, or steal via phishing. With passkeys:

• There’s no password to steal or reuse

• Phishing becomes nearly impossible

• Users gain faster, simpler sign-in

• Password management and resets are no longer needed

This aligns with Zero Trust security principles, where identity is verified at every access point with the least reliance on user memory or poor habits.

What About Enterprise and Developers?

For business and enterprise users:

• Microsoft is expanding Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) with passkey support for enterprise login.

• Organizations can enforce passwordless policies via Intune and Group Policy.

• Developers can now integrate passkey support into their apps using Microsoft’s WebAuthn APIs.

Cross-Platform Integration

Microsoft’s implementation is built on open standards (FIDO2, WebAuthn) which means:

• Users can use passkeys across Apple, Google, and Microsoft devices

• No vendor lock-in — credentials are stored securely and transferred between trusted platforms

Apple’s iCloud Keychain and Google’s Password Manager already support passkeys, and now Microsoft Authenticator joins this ecosystem.

How to Set Up Passkeys on Microsoft Accounts

Here’s how users can enable passkeys:

1. Log in to your Microsoft Account

2. Go to Security > Advanced Security Options

3. Select Passkey (preview) and follow the steps

4. Register your device’s biometrics or PIN

5. Done — you can now log in without a password

Windows 11 users will find similar options under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Industry Momentum Toward Passwordless Future

Microsoft is not alone. Other tech giants are also embracing passkeys:

• Google made passkeys the default for all users in 2023

• Apple implemented passkeys across macOS and iOS

• GitHub, owned by Microsoft, introduced passkey login in 2024

• PayPal, Amazon, and TikTok are rolling out passkey support as well

With more than 1.5 billion Microsoft accounts now eligible, this move dramatically accelerates adoption across both consumer and enterprise ecosystems.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Digital Identity

The era of the password is fading. With Microsoft’s massive push for passkeys, the tech industry is taking a unified step toward simpler, safer authentication for billions of users.

This change will not only improve cybersecurity hygiene across personal and professional environments, but also lay the groundwork for seamless, cross-platform digital identity — the next evolution of how we access and trust technology.

FAQs

What are Microsoft passkeys?

Passkeys are a passwordless login method using biometric authentication or device PINs. Microsoft now uses them as the default login option for new accounts to enhance security.

How do passkeys work with Microsoft accounts?

Microsoft passkeys work using public-key cryptography. The user’s device stores a private key, and authentication is completed via biometrics or PIN—eliminating the need for passwords.

Is it mandatory to use passkeys for Microsoft in 2025?

While Microsoft made passkeys the default for new accounts in 2025, existing users can still use passwords but are encouraged to switch to passkeys for stronger security.

Can I use Microsoft passkeys across devices?

Yes, Microsoft passkeys are based on open standards (like FIDO2), allowing cross-platform usage with Google Password Manager, Apple iCloud Keychain, and Microsoft Authenticator.

What happens to my existing Microsoft password?

You can still use your existing password, but Microsoft recommends migrating to passkeys for a faster, more secure sign-in experience.

Do passkeys work with Windows Hello?

Yes, Microsoft integrates passkey support with Windows Hello, enabling users to sign in using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a secure PIN.

Are passkeys more secure than passwords?

Absolutely. Passkeys cannot be reused, guessed, or phished. They are cryptographically secure and tied to the user’s device and identity.

Can I use passkeys on Xbox or Outlook?

Yes, Microsoft is extending passkey support across its entire ecosystem, including Xbox Live, Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365.

What platforms support Microsoft passkeys?

Microsoft passkeys are supported on Windows 11, Android, macOS, iOS, and major browsers like Edge, Safari, and Chrome.

How do I enable passkeys on my Microsoft account?

Visit your Microsoft Account → Security → Advanced Security Options → Enable Passkey (Preview), and follow the biometric or PIN setup instructions.

Does Microsoft Authenticator support passkeys?

Yes, the Microsoft Authenticator app now supports storing and syncing passkeys, just like Google and Apple platforms.

Are passkeys stored online or on my device?

Passkeys are stored securely on your device and synced using encrypted cloud storage like Microsoft Authenticator, iCloud Keychain, or Google Password Manager.

Is it safe to sync passkeys across devices?

Yes, synchronization is encrypted end-to-end, ensuring your credentials remain private and protected from external access.

What happens if I lose my device with the passkey?

If your device is lost, you can recover your account using backup authentication methods or retrieve your passkey from synced cloud storage on a new device.

Can enterprises use passkeys for employees?

Yes, Microsoft has extended passkey support to Azure AD (now Entra ID), allowing enterprises to enforce passwordless login policies across their workforce.

Does Microsoft still allow traditional passwords?

Yes, but passkeys are now the default for new accounts. Microsoft strongly advises switching to passkeys for better protection.

Is this connected to FIDO2 and WebAuthn?

Yes, Microsoft’s passkeys are built on the FIDO2 and WebAuthn open standards, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and security.

What devices are compatible with Microsoft passkeys?

All modern devices running Windows 11, Android 12+, macOS Ventura+, and iOS 16+ are compatible with Microsoft passkeys.

How does this impact cybersecurity?

This move significantly reduces phishing attacks and weak password usage, making personal and organizational accounts far more secure.

What if I use multiple Microsoft accounts?

You can set up and manage passkeys for each account separately, and securely access them across devices if synced with a cloud provider.

Can I disable passkeys later?

Yes, you can revert to traditional password login through Microsoft Account settings, but it's not recommended due to security concerns.

Do I need a security key for passkeys?

No, passkeys work with biometrics or PIN on your device. Security keys (like YubiKey) are optional for extra security layers.

Will third-party Microsoft apps support passkeys?

Yes, developers are being encouraged to integrate passkey support into Microsoft-based applications using the company’s latest SDKs.

What’s the user benefit of switching to passkeys?

Faster login, no forgotten passwords, fewer phishing risks, and seamless access across apps and services.

Can passkeys be hacked?

Not easily. Passkeys rely on device-stored private keys and biometric verification, making them highly resistant to hacking.

Does this apply to all Microsoft users globally?

Yes, the rollout applies worldwide across all new Microsoft accounts starting in 2025.

Can I test passkeys before switching completely?

Yes, Microsoft offers a preview mode for testing passkey login under Security settings before committing fully.

How does this affect businesses using Microsoft 365?

Organizations can adopt passwordless strategies using Entra ID with passkey enforcement, improving IT security and user experience.

How will this change evolve in the future?

Microsoft aims to make passwords obsolete altogether by 2030, accelerating passkey adoption and pushing other tech giants to do the same.