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 recently introduced the password-less sign-in feature for its browser Microsoft Edge in the October 2018 Update for Windows 10. You can now sign-in to your Microsoft Account using a special Security Key.
The announcement said, “We just 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. This is available now in the United States and will roll out globally over the next few weeks”.
What is a Security Key
A security key is a physical device which 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 the 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 the retailers dealing in computer accessories.
With this new feature, you can sign in to the Microsoft services without entering the 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 you start, make sure that your system is updated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update. Next, copy this link and open it- “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 for sign 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 of tap your security key.
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.
Sign out and use this security key to login.
TIP: This post will show you how to set up Windows Hello.
Hope this helps!
