How to help keep your Microsoft account secure

The Microsoft Authenticator phone app not only adds another security layer to your Microsoft account, but it also lets you sign in to your account from your phone without a password. 

Get the app

Going passwordless is the next generation of account security. Simple, fast, secure. 

If my account doesn't have a password, how will I sign in? 

Once you remove your password from your account, you will need to sign in using a passwordless method like the Microsoft Authenticator app, Outlook for Android, Windows Hello, physical security keys, or SMS codes. 

Will my account be secure? 

Yes! Using alternative sign-in methods like the Microsoft Authenticator app or Outlook for Android, physical security keys, and biometrics are more secure than traditional passwords which can be stolen, hacked, or guessed. 

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account Additional security options.
   ​​​​​​​Sign in

2. Under Passwordless account, select Turn on.

3. Follow the prompts to verify your account.

4. Approve the request sent to your Microsoft Authenticator app.

Adding another way to sign in, or verify it’s you, makes it easier to recover your account if it's hacked.  

1. ​​​​​​​Sign in to the Advanced security options page of your Microsoft Account.

2. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify then choose how you would like to receive security codes.

If you sign in on a public computer, the browser you use will probably remember your sign in information.  

If you want to stay signed out on a computer, phone, or tablet that doesn’t belong to you, or is accessed by other people, you should follow the steps below: 

1. Use a private browsing window.​​​​​​​

2. Sign out when you have finished browsing.

   Tip: To sign out from your Microsoft account in a web browser, select your profile picture in the top right corner of the page and select Sign out. Alternatively, you can sign out manually below. 
   ​​​​​​​Sign out

3. Close all browser windows after signing out.

   Tip: If you no longer have access to a device where you were signed in, read How to sign out everywhere. 

Because updates help keep your mobile and computer safer, we strongly recommend that you set up your device to get these updates automatically. You can set up your PC to get the latest updates automatically for Windows. 

Check for Windows updates

Microsoft will never ask for your password in email, so never reply to any email asking for any personal information, even if it claims to be from Outlook.com or Microsoft.

Read about Outlook security for more information on email safety.