i do not understand the email about "Passkeys by default and retirement of Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication"

Question

i do not understand the email about "Passkeys by default and retirement of Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication"

dan 0

I do not know what this is or what it means.

"Passkeys by default and retirement of Microsoft-provided SMS and voice authentication"

H0ow does this apply to me?

0 comments

2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Microsoft has declared that SMS text or voice will no longer be supported for newly created Personal accounts and is phasing out SMS as a method of authentication and account recovery for personal Microsoft accounts since at least May. which a simple search will find many articles discussing online.

Microsoft to stop sending SMS codes for personal accounts | Microsoft Support

You're likely receiving this email since your particular account(s) are about to have the SMS ability removed, so Microsoft is trying to get you to update your security verification methods to the most secure passkey option or the only others that still exist in order to be able to recover or modify the security settings of your account once SMS is gone.

There's already many who've posted here having had SMS stop working for whatever reasons, which may be technical in their particular region, and who have found no way to recover their accounts, since Microsoft Support can no longer make manual changes to them and thus if there are no alternate methods of verification available, the account is effectively lost forever.

Ignore the warnings at your own peril, it's really that simple.

Rob

Answer 2

Marcin Policht 103.7K MVP Volunteer Moderator

This applies to you if you use a Microsoft account that currently sends you a text message or phone call for login security codes. Microsoft recently updated their official security policies to make user accounts safer from hackers. They are moving away from older verification methods and pushing for more modern, secure options.

The phrase means Microsoft will now prioritize a newer security feature called a passkey. A passkey lets you sign in safely using your device's built-in face scan, fingerprint reader, or screen lock PIN instead of a typed password. At the same time, Microsoft is retiring the use of free text messages and automated phone calls for sending verification codes because hackers can easily trick or intercept them.

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

dan 0 Reputation points

2026-08-22T22:14:33.6533333+00:00

I use a non work or school, personal account. But I do receive pop ups to make a passkey, which I pass on, and now these emails to make more confusion. Why not just sent the notifications to the users that are affected? I thought that technology was supposed to make things easier. Not in my world.

Thank you for the explanation, Marcin
Marcin Policht 103.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2026-08-22T23:14:32.1766667+00:00

You're welcome

Incidentally, passkeys are generally more secure and easier to use. A passkey uses public-key cryptography. Your device keeps the private key, while the website keeps only the corresponding public key. You authenticate locally with your Windows Hello PIN, fingerprint, or face, and the private key never gets sent to the website. This makes passkeys highly resistant to phishing and password theft.

If you're hesitant about using passkeys, the benefit becomes pretty obvious when you look at the sheer volume of desperate Microsoft account owners asking for help on the Microsoft Learn Q&A forum after their accounts have been hacked. Many of those situations start with a compromised or phished password or even SMS or voice authentication. Passkeys largely remove that particular avenue of attack.

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin