Microsoft is celebrating World Password Day (IT people deserve a holiday too!) by helping to kill them. The company finally deployed support for consumer access keys for Microsoft accounts, almost two years later Apple And Google.
Once set up, the password allows you to sign in to your Microsoft account using your face, fingerprint, or device PIN. It works not only on Windows but also on mobile and desktop platforms from Apple and Google.
Access keys provide an easier, more secure way to access your account. They use what's called a cryptographic key pair to ensure that only you can gain entry. Half of the pair is stored on your local device, accessible only through your secure local connection. The other part stays on the app or website. Requiring that they both log in acts as a deterrent to things like password leaks and phishing attacks.
Besides Apple, Google and now Microsoft, companies adopting passwords include Amazon, 1Password, Dashlane, Docusign, eBay, PayPal and WhatsApp (among others). Google said Thursday that its passwords already been used a billion times.
Support for Microsoft Access Keys is working today on the company's desktop apps and websites, including Microsoft 365 (Office) and its Co-Pilot AI Assistant. The Windows maker says passkey support for its mobile apps will “follow in the coming weeks.”
You can start with sign in to your Microsoft account here and following the instructions.