For years, passwords have been the only thing between us and someone trying to force their way into our digital lives. In a bid to make unauthorized access harder, companies have tightened password requirements. For instance, some companies want you to mix symbols, numbers, and alphabets to create strong passwords.

But stronger passwords aren’t memorable and are prone to users forgetting them and losing access to their accounts. As such, Microsoft has decided to change this by eliminating passwords. Here’s how you can go passwordless on your Microsoft account.

How to Go Passwordless on Your Microsoft Account

Before you can use your Microsoft account without a password, you need to do a couple of things beforehand.

Download and Install the Microsoft Authenticator App

First, you need to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone. So, install the Microsoft Authenticator app from your smartphone’s app store and enter your Microsoft account details upon request.

Download: Microsoft Authenticator for Android | iOS (Free)

Related: Your Microsoft Account: 5 Things Every Windows User Should Know

Set Up the Microsoft Authenticator App

Once you have connected the Authenticator app to your Microsoft account, go sign in to your Microsoft account. Then navigate to Settings > Advanced security options. You may have to verify your identity once again.

Microsoft account advanced security settings

Some users will get a prompt to enable passwordless sign-in. If you are getting that prompt, click on Get it now.

Passwordless option prompt for the Microsoft account

Otherwise, when the Security page opens, scroll down to Additional Security and turn on the Passwordless account option.

Microsoft account's passwordless option

Finally, follow the few simple prompts that pop up and the passwordless option will be up and running.

Passwordless Accounts are the Future

Passwords are becoming obsolete with the rise of alternative authentication options like Windows Hello, hardware security keys, and authenticator apps. Aside from the fact that memorable passwords are repetitive and easy to breach, managing passwords are a hassle. So, it is refreshing to see Microsoft push for alternative methods.

So, give the passwordless option a try. And if you don’t like it, you can always turn it off.