How to go passwordless with your Microsoft account

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account Additional security options.

2. Under Passwordless account, select Turn on.

3. Follow the prompts to verify your account.

4. Approve the request sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app.

Any authentication app will work. Learn how you can authenticate using Outlook for Android or follow the steps below to set up the Microsoft Authenticator app:

1. Download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app or Outlook for Android.

2. Open the authenticator app and set up your account in the app by following the prompts.

3. Sign in to your Microsoft account Additional security options.

4. Under Passwordless account, select Turn on.

5. Follow the prompts to verify your account.

6. Approve the request sent to your authenticator app.

Going passwordless refers to removing your password and using a passwordless method to sign in instead. 

Passwordless solutions such as Windows Hello, the Microsoft Authenticator app, SMS or Email codes, and physical security keys provide a more secure and convenient sign-in method. 

While passwords can be guessed, stolen, or phished, only you can provide fingerprint authentication, or provide the right response on your mobile at the right time.

If you temporarily don't have access to your authenticator app, you can still use any of your other authentication methods.

If you have lost or replaced your phone, you should remove the authentication methods on that device:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account dashboard and go to Security > Advanced security options.
   Sign in

2. Under "Ways to prove who you are", look for a line saying Send sign-in notification and your device name.

3. Expand the section, and under "App: Microsoft Outlook" select Remove.

Yes, follow the steps below.

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account Additional security options.

2. Under Passwordless account, select Turn off and then Next.

3. Follow the prompts to add a password back to your account.

No. Some older versions of Windows, apps, and services still need a password. Please continue to use a password if you use any of the following:

1. Xbox 360

2. Office 2010 or earlier

3. Office for Mac 2011 or earlier

4. Products and services which use IMAP and POP email services

5. Windows 8.1, Windows 7 or earlier

6. Some Windows features including Remote Desktop and Credential Manager

7. Some command line and task scheduler services.

Yes. After you enable two-step verification and go passwordless, some apps or older devices (including Outlook 2010, Xbox 360, and mail-sending devices like security cameras) will each need an app password. Learn more about app passwords.

Create an app password

• Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: Yes

• Xbox 360: No

To use passwordless authentication:

1. Select Use another device and open the microsoft.com link on a browser.

2. Enter the code provided on the console and sign in with your passwordless method.

Thank you for being part of a new generation of online security.

Please post any feedback at answers.microsoft.com.