Microsoft is ditching passwords: Here are alternate methods to log in

Microsoft is rolling out this optional service for everyone over the next few weeks as it gears up for the launch of Windows 11 on October 5

Multinational tech corporation Microsoft is allowing people to go password-free allowing the use of fingerprints, facial recognition and authenticator apps instead, in a move to make users' accounts more secure.

Also read: Microsoft to buy back up to $60 bn in shares; names Brad Smith vice chair

Microsoft is rolling out the optional service for everyone over the next few weeks as it gears up for the launch of Windows 11 on October 5.

To go password-free, users will need the Microsoft Authenticator app. Other options to go password-free are Windows Hello, a security key or SMS or emailed codes. Users will be able to sign in to services such as Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft Family Safety, and even Xbox Series X/S without a password.

Users can visit the Additional Security Options section to add a password again if they ever wish to do so.

Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Security, Compliance and Identity at Microsoft, said passwords are easy targets for hackers. In a tweet, she said there are a whopping 579 password attacks every second. "Passwordless authentication is one of the simplest and most effective tools available to protect your accounts," the tweet read.

This move will benefit users who can not remember a password or use password managers.

Check out latest DH videos here: