How to set up and use Microsoft 365 passwordless sign-in with a passkey for your Brisbane small business

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to set up and use Microsoft 365 passwordless sign-in with a passkey for your Brisbane small business. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Microsoft 365 passwordless sign-in allows you to access your email, files, and applications using a passkey instead of a traditional password. A passkey is stored securely on your device and uses biometrics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, or a device PIN to verify your identity. For Brisbane small businesses, this significantly reduces the risk of credential theft and phishing attacks while simplifying the login process for your staff.

Requirements

• A Microsoft 365 business account with administrative privileges.
• Microsoft 365 administrator must enable passwordless authentication in the Entra ID admin centre for your tenant.
• A compatible device running Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS, or Android.
• A supported web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari.
• Bluetooth enabled if using a security key or a separate mobile device.

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Access your security settings

1. Open your preferred web browser and go to the Microsoft account security page.
2. Sign in using your current Microsoft 365 email address and password.
3. If prompted, complete any existing multi-factor authentication (MFA) steps.

Step 2: Add a passkey

1. Locate and click the Account security tab.
2. Under the Ways to prove who you are section, click Add a new way to sign in or verify.
3. Select Face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key from the list of options.
4. Click Next.

Step 3: Register your device

1. A pop-up window will appear asking you to create a passkey.
2. Depending on your device, you will be prompted to use:
• Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint)
• Touch ID or Face ID on macOS and iOS
• Biometrics or a screen lock PIN on Android
3. Follow the device-specific prompt to confirm your identity.
4. Give your passkey a descriptive name (e.g., Brisbane Office Laptop) to help you identify it later.
5. Click Done or Finish.

Step 4: Test passwordless sign-in

1. Open a private or incognito browser window.
2. Navigate to your Microsoft 365 portal or Outlook Web App.
3. Enter your email address and click Next.
4. If your passkey is recognised, you will see a prompt to use your passkey instead of entering a password.
5. Authenticate using your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
6. You should now be logged into your account without entering a password.

Troubleshooting

Passkey option is not appearing

If you do not see the option to add a passkey, ensure your browser is updated to the latest version. Some older browser versions do not support the WebAuthn standard required for passkeys. Additionally, check that your Microsoft 365 administrator has enabled passwordless authentication for your tenant in the Entra ID admin centre.

Device not recognising biometrics

If your fingerprint or facial recognition is not working, check your device settings:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• macOS: Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password.
• iOS/Android: Ensure your screen lock is active and biometrics are enrolled in your device settings.

Unable to sign in on a new device

Passkeys are typically bound to the device where they were created. To sign in on a new device, you must either register a new passkey on that device or use an alternative verification method, such as a security key or an authenticator app.

If you encounter issues during setup or cannot access your account, you can Open a Ticket with the 220 Internet Services support team.

For further assistance with account recovery, please refer to our guide on Password reset (Windows login).

Still Having Issues?