How to set up a passkey for your Microsoft account

In today’s digital world, passwords are vulnerable to phishing, brute-force attacks, and leaks. Microsoft supports passkeys—a safer, passwordless way to sign in using your device’s biometric (fingerprint, face), a PIN, or a security key. This post walks you through setting up a passkey on your Microsoft account, step by step.

Note: The exact screens you see may vary slightly depending on your device (Windows, Android, iOS) and browser. Always make sure your OS and apps are up to date.

What Is a Passkey — And Why Use It?

• A passkey is a type of credential based on public-key cryptography: your device holds a private key, and Microsoft holds the matching public key.
• When you sign in, the device proves it holds the private key—without sending it anywhere.
• Because the private key never leaves your device, passkeys are resistant to phishing, credential leaks, or reuse across sites. (Microsoft Learn)
• Using passkeys can simplify login—no more memorizing complex passwords.

Microsoft lets you register passkeys in different ways:

• Save it to your Windows device and use Windows Hello (biometric or PIN) to unlock it (Microsoft Learn)
• Save it to your phone (via Microsoft Authenticator) (Microsoft Learn)
• Use a FIDO2 security key (USB, NFC) (Microsoft Learn)

Step 1: Access Your Microsoft Account Security Info

1. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Navigate to “Security” or “My security info” (or “Advanced security options”). (Microsoft Support)
3. Look for “Add a new way to sign in or verify” (or “Add method”) and choose Passkey (or “Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key”). (Microsoft Support)

If you’re doing it via your mobile device (Android / iOS):

• Open a browser on your mobile device, go to Security Info, tap “+ Add sign-in method” → Passkey. (Microsoft Learn)
• If you want it stored in Microsoft Authenticator, you can choose “Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator” and follow prompts. (Microsoft Learn)

Step 2: Register / Create the Passkey

Once you’ve chosen to add a passkey, Microsoft will guide you through registration. The general flow:

1. You may be asked to perform multi-factor authentication (MFA) first (e.g. via an authenticator app or SMS). (Microsoft Learn)
2. Choose where to store the passkey (your device, another device, or a security key). (Microsoft Learn)
3. If the method you chose is your device (Windows):
   • The system will use Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, or PIN) as the unlock method. (Microsoft Learn)
   • Confirm and complete the registration.
4. If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator:
   • The app will guide you to create the passkey inside Authenticator. (Microsoft Learn)
   • You may need to allow Authenticator as a passkey provider in your device’s settings (e.g. enable “Autofill & Passwords” integration). (Microsoft Learn)
5. If using a physical security key (FIDO2):
   • Insert or tap the key (USB, NFC) when prompted. (Microsoft Learn)
   • Provide the key’s PIN or biometric (if supported). (Microsoft Support)
   • Give it a name (to help you distinguish among multiple keys). (Microsoft Support)
6. Finalize the registration—Microsoft will show your newly added passkey in your “Security Info” list. (Microsoft Learn)

Step 3: Sign In Using Your Passkey

After setup, the next time you sign in:

1. On the login screen, click “Sign-in options” or “Other ways to sign in”. (Microsoft Support)
2. Choose “Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or Security Key” (i.e. your passkey) instead of entering a password. (Microsoft Support)
3. The system will trigger the passkey protocol:
   • If stored on your device, you’ll unlock it via Windows Hello. (Microsoft Learn)
   • If stored on another device (phone), the system may ask you to use “Use another device” flow. (Microsoft Learn)
   • If using a security key, follow the prompt to use that key. (Microsoft Learn)

Once validated, you’re signed in—no password needed.

Step 4: Manage or Remove Passkeys

• In your Security Info page, you’ll see your registered passkeys. You can rename or remove them as needed. (Microsoft Learn)
• If you remove a passkey from your Microsoft account, it won’t be usable anymore for login. (Microsoft Support)
• On Windows, you can also manage stored passkeys via Settings → Accounts → Passkeys (in Windows 11, version 22H2 and later). (Microsoft Learn)

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Bluetooth requirement for cross-device setup: If you’re trying to save a passkey from, say, a PC to your phone, both devices often need Bluetooth enabled to communicate. Without Bluetooth, the phone option might not appear. (Microsoft Learn)
• Browser / extension interference: Some password-manager or security browser extensions (e.g. 1Password) may interfere with the passkey registration flow. Try disabling such extensions temporarily during setup. (1Password Community)
• Compatibility: Make sure your browser and operating system support WebAuthn / FIDO2 / passkeys. Keep software updated.
• Backup plan: Don’t remove all your backup sign-in methods yet. Keep an alternate MFA method or password login active until you’re fully confident the passkey works.

Final Thoughts

Switching to passkeys is a modern upgrade to your account security. You’ll enjoy:

• A login experience without typing passwords
• Stronger resistance to phishing and credential theft
• Better assurance that only your physical device (and your biometric/PIN) can access your account

If you have multiple Microsoft accounts (personal, work, school), repeat the setup for each. If you run into specific issues or error messages, feel free to send me a screenshot or the steps you followed—I’ll help you debug.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!