From Smiles to Security: Microsoft’s Vision to Eliminate Passwords Gains Ground. On World Passkey Day 2024, Microsoft reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to ending the password era, unveiling a sweeping set of updates that push passkeys to the forefront of digital authentication. With over one million passkeys now being registered daily on Microsoft platforms and passwordless sign-ins eight times faster than traditional methods, the momentum behind this secure and user-friendly login experience is stronger than ever.
In an age where over 7,000 password attacks occur every second more than double the rate in 2023 the need for resilient, phishing-resistant sign-in methods has become critical. Microsoft, in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance and other industry leaders, is taking significant strides to replace passwords with passkeys cryptographically secured keys tied to biometric data or device-based authentication.
Here’s a deep dive into what Microsoft is rolling out and why it’s a cybersecurity game-changer.
The Rise of Passkeys: A Decade in the Making
In 2015, Microsoft introduced Windows Hello, allowing users to log in using their face, fingerprint, or a secure PIN. Today, over 99% of users signing into their Windows devices with a Microsoft account use Windows Hello. But Microsoft didn’t stop at local device authentication it envisioned a broader passwordless internet.
Now, in partnership with the FIDO Alliance, Microsoft supports cross-platform passkeys. These standards-based digital credentials allow users to sign in to any supported app or website using secure biometric verification no passwords, apps, or codes needed.
What Are Passkeys?
Passkeys are built on FIDO2/WebAuthn standards and replace traditional passwords with cryptographic key pairs one public, one private. The private key remains securely on the user’s device (e.g., phone, PC), while the public key is stored on the server. Only the user’s device can unlock the private key using biometric or device authentication, making phishing and credential-stuffing attacks virtually impossible.
Microsoft’s Latest Updates: 2024 Enhancements at a Glance
Microsoft’s new updates simplify user experience and tighten security posture, especially across Microsoft accounts and services like Xbox, Copilot, and Microsoft 365.
1. Passwordless Accounts by Default
All new Microsoft accounts created in 2024 are now passwordless by default. Instead of prompting users to set a password, the onboarding flow encourages setup of passkeys or other secure sign-in methods from the outset.
2. Revamped Sign-In UX
Microsoft has introduced a redesigned sign-in experience that automatically prioritizes passwordless options. This streamlined interface improves success rates: users are three times more likely to complete sign-ins using passkeys (98% success rate) compared to traditional passwords (32%).
3. Smart Sign-In Preference Detection
If a user has both password and one-time code options on their account, Microsoft intelligently defaults to the more secure method. Once signed in, users are prompted to set up a passkey, moving them closer to complete password independence.
4. Enterprise Integration Coming Soon
While the 2024 changes primarily target consumer accounts, Microsoft has hinted that Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID) will soon see deeper passkey integration. This could revolutionize authentication in enterprise environments.
5. Taking the Passkey Pledge
In honor of the first-ever World Passkey Day, Microsoft joined dozens of companies in the “Passkey Pledge,” an industry-wide initiative led by the FIDO Alliance to accelerate passkey adoption globally.
The Urgency: Why Passwords Are Failing
The Scale of the Threat
Microsoft reported in 2024 that it detects over 7,000 password-based attacks per second a staggering rise from the already-high 2023 rate. Password reuse, phishing, brute force, and credential stuffing continue to dominate the cyber threat landscape, putting billions of accounts at risk.
Passkeys as a Defense
Because passkeys are bound to user devices and leverage strong cryptography, they eliminate the risk of:
- Phishing attacks
- Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
- Server-side credential theft
Even if a threat actor compromises a service provider’s database, the passkey cannot be reused or extracted, ensuring far superior protection.
Real-World Adoption: Microsoft’s Growing Passkey Footprint
With nearly a million passkeys registered per day and hundreds of supported websites, Microsoft is seeing rapid adoption across its ecosystem. As noted in the FIDO Alliance Passkey Directory, major platforms such as Google, Amazon, eBay, PayPal, GitHub, and LinkedIn are also embracing the passwordless future.
Microsoft’s move to make passwords optional for existing accounts and nonexistent for new ones is driving these metrics upward, while encouraging enterprises and developers to integrate passkey support across their identity solutions.
10 Best Practices to Prepare for a Passwordless Future
- Adopt passkeys wherever supported – Check your Microsoft, Google, and Apple accounts and enable passkeys now.
- Phase out passwords – Use account settings to delete passwords from Microsoft accounts if passkeys are already set up.
- Educate users and employees – Train teams about passkeys, their benefits, and how to use them.
- Use devices with built-in biometric authentication – Devices with fingerprint or facial recognition ensure smoother passkey use.
- Implement hardware-backed security – Leverage TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chips or security keys like YubiKey for passkey storage.
- Avoid password reuse – Transition to unique, passwordless credentials for every account.
- Monitor login patterns – Audit for accounts still using passwords and migrate them to passwordless options.
- Enable fallback MFA – Use secure one-time codes as backup only where necessary.
- Check compatibility with enterprise systems – Ensure your identity provider supports FIDO2 and passkey technologies.
- Stay updated with FIDO Alliance standards – Visit fidoalliance.org for technical resources and policy updates.
Conclusion: Goodbye Passwords, Hello Future
Microsoft’s commitment to passkeys marks a pivotal shift in digital identity security. With attackers ramping up password-based attacks and user expectations demanding seamless sign-in experiences, the path forward is clear and passwordless.
These 2024 updates from Microsoft make it easier than ever to join this transition. With a frictionless user experience, unmatched phishing resistance, and near-instant login speeds, passkeys are poised to become the new global standard.
For cybersecurity professionals and enterprises alike, now is the time to act before outdated password practices leave your organization vulnerable.
