“Authenticity required: password?” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by liako
In 2022, logging into your accounts can be done in ways that are more complex than a standard password. Passwordless authentication is becoming more and more popular and, recently, Windows 10 adopted this security feature.
However, there is still uncertainty about the advantages of passwordless authentication, as well as being unsure as to how it works. Luckily, this simple guide is here to help on getting your passwordless login set up on Windows 10.
The Different Types of Passwordless Authentication
There are five main methods used for passwordless authentication, several of which you can choose from in Windows 10.
- Biometrics will send a notification to your mobile phone, asking you to verify your login through facial recognition or your fingerprint.
- Third-party authentication will have you verify your login using one of your other existing accounts on a separate platform (commonly Facebook or Google).
- Using cookies can store your login information within your browser so that you only have to authenticate your account once.
- One-time passcodes can be sent to your email, SMS, or via a push notification on an authenticator app.
- An external USB token device that generates a cryptographic key, unique to the device holder.
Advantages of Passwordless Authentication
There are many reasons that different software and platforms, including Windows 10, now incorporate passwordless authentication into their login system. Primarily, you can use passwordless authentication to improve security; it protects you against password leaks and data breaches, therefore drastically reducing your risk of being a victim of hacking/phishing. Additionally, it’s a more user-friendly system. You won’t have to worry about remembering numerous passwords, and all you’ll need is your mobile phone and face/fingerprint! This eliminates the chances of being locked out of your accounts due to a forgotten password. The benefits aren’t restricted to individual users, either. If you run a business, using passwordless authentication is more cost-effective because you won’t have to spend money on password management for example. This leaves your IT staff free to concentrate on more important matters. Not only this, but you’ll further protect your business from potential financial fraud, privacy breaches, and having your reputation destroyed through malicious social media posts.
“Password” (CC BY 2.0) by scootergenius02
How to Use Passwordless Login on Windows 10
First and foremost, you’ll need to download the Microsoft authenticator app to your mobile phone, then link it to the Microsoft account you use on your Windows 10 device. After this, you can enable passwordless login in your device’s settings – visit “sign-in options” and toggle the “make your device passwordless” option on. When you do this, you can choose from four methods; either use the authenticator app, facial recognition, your fingerprint, or a four-digit PIN code. Don’t worry if you’re still not sure that passwordless authentication is for you; it’s completely reversible if you don’t like it. However, you’ll likely find that it’s a much more convenient way to log into your accounts while keeping them more secure.
Overall, passwordless login is set to be the future for account management; there are very few disadvantages, and it’s both easier and more secure.