Microsoft Password Change: A Peek into the Passwordless Future

Nearly everyone holds some sort of hostility toward the idea of creating yet another password for an account login. The worst part is that even if we somehow manage to scrounge up a suitable phrase we’ll remember, no one can truly guarantee cybersecurity. We’ve all heard the old adage: “Use a long, unique, and secure password!” And although it’s certainly good advice, the risk is always there. 

What is the problem with traditional passwords?

Despite their many applications across the world of digital technology, password sign-ins are the inevitable weak point of every network and storage database on the planet. In virtually every cybersecurity attack over the last few decades, you can bet that a bad password came into play. Luckily, Microsoft is well aware of the problem, and the company has made an effort to solve this.

What does Microsoft’s password removal mean for businesses?

You can take every precaution you want, but a traditional password is always going to be a significant vulnerability for every account you have. This means all of your company's sensitive data, like client information, HR data, and even your finances, is all just one inadequate password away from being stolen or otherwise compromised.

Of course, we’re only human, and all of us have reused an old password at some point or another. No matter what, you’re left with a tough choice: a password that's secure or a password you'll remember. Regrettably, we rarely use something that fits both these criteria. 

This is precisely the challenge that Microsoft's password removal aims to solve, effectively keeping your information more secure than it's ever been. The data storage situation is still the same, using Microsoft's highly secure 365 cloud; what’s changed is the process by which you access your data. The password removal process basically replaces your old text password with an authentication confirmation from your Microsoft Authenticator app. You'll need to have your device handy when logging in, but it still beats having to remember your login information!

How does passwordless sign-in work?

With this passwordless method, passwords that humans or advanced algorithms could easily guess—or brute-force attempts could crack—have been replaced with a confirmation process that only you can complete. You log in to your account, your device asks you to confirm that you're the one logging in, and you're done! This form of multifactor identification (MFA) circumvents the need for a traditional text password, boosting data security.

Password removal takes the most vulnerable part of the process out of the equation and replaces it with a simple press of a button that only you can successfully perform. While there are no guarantees in life, this security measure is predicted to prevent thousands of potential data breaches.

How do I remove my Microsoft account password?

According to Microsoft Support, users need to download, install, and set up the Microsoft Authenticator app or Outlook for Android before removing their password. It’s also recommended that you install the latest software updates on all devices. Once you have your authentication app set up, the process is rather straightforward:

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account and navigate to “additional security options.”
2. Under “passwordless account,” select “turn on.”
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your account information and allow notifications.
4. Approve the request sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app.

What are the steps for a Microsoft password change?

Removing your password as a Microsoft 365 user isn’t required, but Microsoft strongly recommends you do. That being said, if you’ve yet to implement this feature, you must ensure the password you’re using to log in is adequately strong. Here are the steps to change your Microsoft password:

1. Using your existing password, sign into your my account portal.
2. Select the “password” option from the menu on the left, or select the “change password” button located in the password block on your account home screen.
3. Enter your existing password, then create and confirm the new, stronger password.
4. Once you click “submit,” your Microsoft password has been changed. You may need to sign back in on all your devices. 

Although Microsoft account passwords don’t inherently expire, system administrators have the option to mandate password expiration, meaning your organization may force you to change your password after a certain period. 

Are the days of passwords really over?

The short answer is no. It's going to take years for all of the accounts we use every day to switch to authenticator apps and leave passwords behind. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take on your own to help prevent data loss and account theft, such as:

• Use MFA on every account.
• Try not to reuse passwords, and make them as complex as possible.
• Check the security settings of your accounts to see if a passwordless option is available.
• Change your password immediately if you’ve been informed of a breach.

We’re likely nearing the end of an era, and anyone who can possibly take advantage of Microsoft's password removal option absolutely should. But for now, it's still going to take collective vigilance and awareness from everyone in your organization to keep your data safe.

Is it really more secure to change my password periodically?

Naturally, not all of your accounts for all of your applications will make the switch to passwordless sign-in overnight. Therefore, you’ll still need to come up with strong password phrases you can use. 

The age-old suggestion (and for many business platforms, requirement) has been to update your password every 30-90 days. However, many cybersecurity analysts no longer consider this a best practice, recommending instead that you ensure the initial password you choose is especially strong and distinct. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (U.S.) and the National Cyber Security Centre (U.K.) both advise against forcing regular password changes because it’s believed that it does more harm than good.

Need help going passwordless?

No matter what industry you’re in, sufficient cybersecurity measures are crucial for keeping your company and its data safe from malicious activity. Other software providers and developers will likely replicate the passwordless approach that Microsoft implemented, so it’s important to know how it works and what its implications are for your business.

Of course, as cybersecurity methods improve, attackers adapt to increasingly advanced security measures. Remaining secure relies on implementing vigilant efforts to counteract ever-present threats; it’s a constant uphill battle. However, you can streamline ongoing maintenance and optimize your network security by partnering with an experienced managed service provider, such as Ntiva, for IT support that’s tailored to your organizational needs. Book a consultation with one of our team members to discuss what services fit your business’s bottom line.

Disclaimer: This blog was originally published in October 2021 and updated in January 2026