How to Set Up Security Key to Sign in to Microsoft Account in Microsoft Edge
A security key (ex: YubiKey) is a physical device that you can use instead of your user name and password to sign in. Since it’s used in addition to a fingerprint or PIN, even if someone has your security key, they won’t be able to sign in without the PIN or fingerprint that you create. Security keys are usually available for purchase from retailers that sell computer accessories.
There are different types of security keys that you can use, like a USB key that you plug in to your device or an NFC key that you tap on an NFC reader. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the type of security key you have by reading the instruction manual from the manufacturer.
Starting with Windows 10 version 1809, you can sign in to your Microsoft account with Windows Hello or a security key in Microsoft Edge. This can be handy if you are tired of having to remember or reset your Microsoft account password.
See also:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account with Windows Hello or a security key | Microsoft Support
- Secure password-less sign-in for your Microsoft account using a security key or Windows Hello - Microsoft 365 Blog
This tutorial will show you how to set up a security key to sign in to your Microsoft account online using Microsoft Edge from your Windows 10 PC.
Contents
- Option One: Set up Security Key sign-in method for your Microsoft account in Microsoft Edge
- Option Two: Remove Security Key sign-in method for your Microsoft account in Microsoft Edge
EXAMPLE: Sign in to Microsoft account with Security Key in Microsoft Edge
1 If you haven't already, you will need to set up Windows Hello for your Microsoft account on your PC to add a face, fingerprint, or PIN for what you want to use with Microsoft Edge.
2 Open Microsoft Edge.
This will not work using any other web browser than Microsoft Edge.
3 Go to the Manage your sign-in methods webpage for your Microsoft account, and sign in if not already.
4 Click/tap on the Set up a security key link. (see screenshot below)
5 Select the USB device or NFC device type of security key you have, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)
6 Insert your security key (ex: YubiKey) into the USB port. (see screenshot below)
7 Enter a PIN you want to use for this security key, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshots below)
8 Touch either the button or gold disk on your blinking security key. (see screenshots below)
9 Type a name you want for this sign-in method, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)
10 Click/tap on Got it. (see screenshot below)
11 You will get a notification letting you know Microsoft account security info was added. (see screenshot below)
1 Go to the Manage your sign-in methods webpage for your Microsoft account, and sign in if not already.
You can do this using any web browser.
2 Click/tap on the Remove link for the security key sign-in method you want to remove it from. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Remove to confirm. (see screenshot below)
4 You will get a notification letting you know Microsoft account security info was deleted. (see screenshot below)
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Related Tutorials
- How to Set Up Windows Hello to Sign in to Microsoft Account in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 PC
- How to Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10
- How to Reset Security Key to Factory Defaults in Windows 10