Why Microsoft Wants to Get Rid of Passwords

“Password was incorrect, please try again.” “Would you like to reset your password?” “Please enter the multiple-digit codes we have sent to your phone to authenticate this password.”

Dealing with passwords can be inconvenient, frustrating, and downright annoying. Microsoft has been aware of this for quite some time.

In their latest update to Windows 10, Microsoft hopes to begin removing these frustrations from our lives.

Curious about the Microsoft password change? Read on to learn more.

This Isn’t New For Microsoft

Microsoft has been fighting the war against passwords for a long time. It is just now that they are ready to strike their largest blow.

They have invested a significant amount of resources into biometric scanning, facial recognition, and even a constantly re-scrambled code app to make passwords less and less useful.

As more and more of our everyday appliances get “smart,” there is the increasing possibility of having more and more passwords to memorize.

Microsoft is attempting to stop this at multiple levels of development, but particularly with the release of S mode for Windows 10.

Windows 10 S Mode is Password-less by Default

The new S mode for the Windows 10 operating system introduces new default settings that lack any passwords at all.

The release of S mode is part of their plan to make passwords less relevant. The more integrated the new technology is, the less we will rely on passwords. They plan to slowly get us out of our password-mindset into a new way of thinking.

Their Four-Step Plan

Along with the announcement of the new S mode, Microsoft revealed their four-step plan to get rid of passwords entirely. The plan is as follows:

Develop password-replacement offerings
Reduce user-visible password-surface area
Simulate a password-less world.
Eliminate passwords from the identity directory

Let’s review the plan (we’ll review step one below). Step two involves updating accounts and technology to integrate those new alternatives. Step three is self-explanatory (no passwords), which brings us to step four.

Step four is the final stage in this plan. Once we have accepted this “brave new world” without passwords, Microsoft will delete all passwords, marking them obsolete.

What Will Replace Passwords?

Some of these password replacement offerings are already released, such as Windows Hello. Windows Hello utilizes facial recognition and multi-factor authentication to create a simpler experience than using PINs and passwords.

Another option is the Microsoft Authenticator App. This app allows you to authenticate logins from your smartphone instead of having to type in a password on your computer.

Then, of course, there is fingerprint identification built into new Windows devices. Biometric and facial recognition are Microsoft’s way forward into their envisioned world without passwords.

Have Any Questions About the Microsoft Password Change?

We realize that this will be a big change for many Microsoft users and we want to provide as much help as possible. If you have any questions about the Microsoft password change, please contact us for more information.

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.