Is it really possible that passwords – the foundation of online security for decades – are becoming obsolete? Microsoft just confirmed it. In the coming weeks, the company is rolling out a global change: instead of traditional passwords, Windows users will log in using passkeys. This shift affects over 1 billion user accounts and marks a new era of digital security.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are a modern authentication method designed to replace passwords completely. Instead of entering your login and password, authentication relies on biometrics (like a fingerprint or face scan) or a local PIN – all on a device you already use.
Passkeys use public-key cryptography. One key (private) is securely stored on your device, while the other (public) is saved on the service’s server, such as Microsoft’s. When you try to log in, your device signs a special challenge with the private key, and the server verifies it using the public one. That means you don’t need to type any password, which could be intercepted or stolen.
Why Is Microsoft Getting Rid of Passwords?
Back in December 2024, Microsoft made it clear: “the password era is ending.” The company warns that passwords are the weakest link in the entire security chain – easy to crack, phish, or simply forget.
“Even if a user has both a passkey and a password, the account remains vulnerable to phishing,” Microsoft explains.
The company blocks 7,000 password-based attacks every second, double the number from a year ago. With AI-powered tools now helping cybercriminals, password attacks are more dangerous than ever. Microsoft’s goal is to completely remove passwords and replace them with more secure alternatives.
How Is the Transition to Passkeys Happening?
By the end of April 2025, Microsoft users will be able to:
- Sign up without creating a password – just enter your email and a one-time code.
- Create a passkey that becomes the main login method.
- Log in 3x faster than with passwords and 8x faster than with passwords + 2FA.
Microsoft integrated passkeys with a new platform called Entra, making it easier to manage accounts without passwords. If available, passkeys are now the default login option.
Why Are Passkeys More Secure?
- They can’t be stolen like passwords – the private key never leaves your device.
- They are phishing-resistant – they work only on the site they’re tied to.
- You can’t forget them – most systems (like Google and Apple) sync passkeys across your devices via the cloud.
What About Other Platforms?
Google and Apple have supported passkeys since 2023. Apple uses iCloud Keychain, while Google relies on Password Manager in Android and Chrome. Now that Microsoft is on board, we can talk about a global authentication revolution.
Any Downsides?
Some users may face a few challenges:
- You’ll need a device with biometric support or a secure PIN.
- Older systems may not be compatible with passkeys.
- Microsoft recently removed the “bypassnro” trick in Windows 11, making it harder to skip online account setup during installation – a controversial move for power users.
How to Switch to Passkeys – Practical Guide
- Go to your Microsoft account: https://account.microsoft.com
- Head to Security settings → Choose “Sign in without a password”
- Follow the instructions – add a device with biometrics or PIN
- Once set up, you can remove your password from the account
- From now on, you log in using your passkey – no password needed!
What’s Next?
Microsoft has made its intentions crystal clear – this is just the beginning. The company believes that within the next two years, passkeys will become the most commonly used login method worldwide. And passwords? They might become nothing more than a memory.
0 Comments