Did you know that you can sign in to your Microsoft account without a password? This passwordless sign-in feature is available to all Microsoft users. It is one of several ways of protecting your Microsoft account against unauthorized access. However, if you'd rather stick to your username and password, you're not alone.

In this post, you'll learn about other ways you can safeguard your Microsoft account without using passwordless sign-in. Let's dive in.

Ways to Secure Your Microsoft Account Besides Passwordless Sign-In

Here are all the other ways to safeguard your Microsoft account besides passwordless sign-in.

1. Use Your Password

This goes without saying. You can still protect your Microsoft account without going passwordless by simply continuing to use a strong and unique password.

To do so, go to Microsoft and click on Use my password if presented with the option.

Microsoft account sign in page

Otherwise, simply proceed to sign in as usual with your username and password.

However, in order to safeguard your account, you'll need to ensure that:

  • You don't reuse the same password across different accounts.
  • You change your passwords from time to time.
  • You use a password manager if need be.
  • You don't disclose your password to third parties.
  • You don't stay signed in on public computers.
  • You don't enter your passwords over open Wi-Fi, among others.

If you do these, your password should work just fine to protect your Microsoft account.

Related: Forget Your Password: How to Securely Sign In to Google With Your Phone

2. Email or Text a Code

You can also protect your Microsoft account via the Email a Code or Text a Code option. If you forget your password or if there's an unusual sign-in attempt from a new device or location, Microsoft will alert you via email or text.

This is done to confirm that it is actually you trying to sign in. If you travel or allow an app to sign in to your account, you'll also be alerted. This alert will be sent to all your alternate contact methods.

Once you provide the verification code, Microsoft will approve your sign-in request. If your email or phone number changes, you should update it promptly.

To set alerts:

  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account and click on Security.
  2. Click on Advanced security options or Get started.
    Click Advanced security options
  3. Scroll down and click on Email a code or Text a code.
  4. Turn on the Receive alerts toggle button.

3. Use the Microsoft Authenticator App

This works by prompting you to approve a sign-in request on your phone. Once set up, whenever you or someone tries to sign in to your Microsoft account, a sign-in request will be sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app (free for Android and iOS devices).

Sign-in via Microsoft Authenticator app

Simply tap on the prompt, then tap Approve to approve the request.

To use the app as your sign-in method:

  1. First, download and install the Microsoft Authenticator app.
  2. Sign in to your Microsoft account as usual or click on Approve a request on my Microsoft Authenticator app if presented with the option.
  3. Click on Security, then click on Advanced security options.
  4. Scroll down and click on Send sign-in notification or click on the plus button next to Add a new way to sign in or verify.
    Microsoft sign in options via security settings page
  5. Select Use an app. Then follow the prompts to set up phone sign-in via the app.

To use this option, you'll also need to set up screen lock on your device. This can be a pattern, password, or fingerprint.

If you change your screen lock, you'll be required to enable phone sign-in again. Simply follow the prompts to re-enable phone sign-in. It's simple, easy to set up, and more secure than using a password.

Related: How to Use the Microsoft Authenticator App

4. Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification uses two different steps to verify that it's actually you trying to sign in. You can set up two-step verification for your Microsoft account to help prevent unauthorized access.

Two-step verification can include signing in with your password (first step) and providing a verification code sent to your email or registered phone number (second step).

To quickly turn on two-step verification:

  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account and click on Security.
  2. Next, click on Advanced security options.
  3. Scroll down to the Additional security section and click Turn on.
    Set up two step verification for your Microsoft account

Then, enable two-step verification for your Microsoft account.

For apps and the likes of Xbox 360 that don't support 2SV, you'll need an app password; a single-use randomly generated password, to sign in to your account.

5. Use Your Windows PC: Windows Hello

Windows Hello lets you sign in to your Microsoft account using your face, fingerprint, or PIN. However, you can use Windows Hello only on the device on which it is set up.

To use Windows Hello as your sign-in method:

  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
  2. Click on Security, then click on Advanced security options.
  3. Scroll down and click on Send sign-in notification, otherwise, click on the plus button next to Add a new way to sign in or verify.
  4. Select Use your Windows PC. You'll be asked to sign in to verify your identity.
  5. Upon signing in, you'll be directed to the Windows Hello page.
  6. To use Windows Hello on your device, you'll need to add your Microsoft account to Windows.
  7. On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Email and accounts.
  8. Click Add an account, sign in, then set up Windows Hello.
  9. Return to the Windows Hello page, select Next, then follow the prompts to start signing in using your Windows PC.

6. Use a Security Key

One of the most secure ways to protect your Microsoft account is by using a security key such as Yubikey. Your security key allows you to sign in to your Microsoft account without your username or password.

To set up your security key:

  1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
  2. Click on Security, then click on Advanced security options.
  3. Scroll down and click on Add a new way to sign in or verify.
  4. Select Use a security key from the options presented.
    Microsoft sign in set up Security Key
  5. Select your security key type, USB or NFC device, and click Next.
  6. Insert the security key when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your security key.

Related: How to Use a USB Drive as a Secure Unlock Key for Your PC

Passwordless Login Isn't the Only Way to Secure a Microsoft Account

You can also secure your Microsoft account by reviewing your sign-in activity. It'll show you when and where you've signed in so you can tell if there's unusual activity on your account.

To check your sign-in activity, sign in to your Microsoft account and go to Security > View my activity. Sign me out is another way to protect your Microsoft account. If Microsoft suspects an unauthorized sign-in, within 24 hours, they'll sign you out of all your logged-in sessions across all devices except Xbox.

A Recovery Code can help you to regain access to your account if you happen to forget your sign-in info. You can print it out or keep a picture of it in a safe place. To generate a recovery code, go to Microsoft > Security > Advanced security options > Generate a new code (under Additional security section). With these, you can safeguard your Microsoft account without using passwordless sign-in.