Microsoft is shifting new account signups away from passwords and toward passkeys. It’s part of a broader industry effort, with companies like Google and Apple also pushing for a future where stolen credentials are no longer a threat. This move sounds like progress, but there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Going forward, anyone creating a new Microsoft account will be guided to set up a passkey. Existing users will also see prompts asking them to make the switch. The goal is simple: reduce the security risks and user frustration tied to traditional passwords. Most people reuse weak logins. That leads to leaks, breaches, and a lot of expensive damage.