Strong passwords are your small business’s first line of defense against cyber threats. The problem is that many people tend to forget their passwords. To make a strong password, you must use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. As a result, you may end up forgetting it. Microsoft, however, is looking to solve this problem with its Windows 10 operating system (OS) by offering a new password-free login solution.
Microsoft Announces Password-Free Logins for Windows 10
On July 10, Microsoft published a blog post on its official Windows blog announcing a new password-free login solution for Windows 10. In the post, Microsoft explained that the feature is “currently being rolled out to a small portion of Insiders.” In other words, the Redmond company is still testing password-free logins for Windows 10, but it’s expected to roll the feature out to the general public in the coming weeks and months.
How Windows 10 Password-Free Logins Work
So, how do the new password-free logins for Windows 10 work exactly? In the latest build of Windows 10 (Insider Preview Build 18936), users can choose a new option titled “Make your device passwordless.” Once selected, this option will switch the user’s Microsoft account on the device running Windows 10 to modern authentication.
Using the “Make your device passwordless” feature in the new build of Windows 10 allows users to log in to their Microsoft account using one of several alternative methods. For example, you can log in using Windows Hello, which is Microsoft’s signature facial-recognition technology. Assuming your Windows 10 computer has a camera, you can use it to take a photo of your face, which Windows 10 will scan to verify your identity.
In addition to Windows Hello, you can also log in to Windows 10 using your fingerprint. Fingerprint recognition has become one of the most popular biometrics authentication methods in recent years. It’s fast, easy and highly secure. Furthermore, the new build of Windows 10 allows users to log in using a PIN or USB security key.
Statistics show over four in five of all data breaches experienced by businesses are attributed to poor passwords. With Microsoft launching new password-free logins, though, you don’t have to worry about someone accessing your Windows 10 account without your authorization. Whether you choose Windows Hello, fingerprint recognition, PIN or USB security key, you can rest assured knowing that your Windows account is safe and protected from unauthorized use. Of course, the password-free feature is still being rolled out, so it may not be available to you yet.