
At this step, identity directories no longer persist any form of the password. The final step of the password-less story is where passwords simply don't exist. Eliminate passwords from the identity directory If the user is forced to authenticate, their authentication uses Windows Hello for Business. In this world, the user signs in to Windows using Windows Hello for Business and enjoys single sign-on to Azure and Active Directory resources. Once the user-visible password surface has been eliminated, your organization can begin to transition those users into a password-less world. Transition into a password-less deployment Users who rarely, if at all, use their password are unlikely to provide it. This behavior is how passwords are phished. This state helps decondition users from providing a password anytime a password prompt shows on their computer. The goal of this step is to achieve a state where the users know they have a password, but they never use it. The environment and workflows need to stop asking for passwords. With Windows Hello for Business and passwords coexisting in your environment, the next step is to reduce the password surface. Reduce user-visible password surface area This early stage is about implementing an alternative and getting users used to it. However, some workflows and applications may still need passwords. Users are likely to use Windows Hello for Business because of its convenience, especially when combined with biometrics. Windows Hello for Business coexists nicely with existing password-based security.

With Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft introduced Windows Hello for Business, a strong, hardware protected two-factor credential that enables single sign-on to Azure Active Directory and Active Directory.ĭeploying Windows Hello for Business is the first step towards a password-less environment. Develop a password replacement offeringīefore you move away from passwords, you need something to replace them.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has continued their commitment to enabling a world without passwords.ġ. This article describes Windows' password-less strategy and how Windows Hello for Business implements this strategy.
