Microsoft's new sign-in experience
Das Wichtigste in Kürze
- Microsoft modernizes the sign-in with the "Fluent 2" design system, fewer options per dialog and now also dark mode support
- Sign-in becomes passwordless: one-time code or passkey instead of a password, set as the default immediately for new customers. Microsoft Entra (business accounts) will follow later
The new look is based on the Microsoft design language «Fluent 2». In addition, the dialogues and their sequence have been optimized for better comprehensibility: The number of options in the individual dialogs has been reduced to simplify operation and speed up the login process. The new arrangement of the steps ensures a more logical process.
At the same time, Microsoft has added the frequently requested support for dark mode themes. According to a blog post by the Microsoft Entra team, the reason for the revision is different user experiences for cloud services and the introduction of passkeys, the passwordless login.
Simplified new registration for services
When logging in again with an existing e-mail address, a recovery process is now carried out instead of setting up a new password, which could easily be forgotten or cracked. Confirmation takes place using a one-time code from the authenticator or a passkey.
This method will become the default login, allowing users to use the service «passwordless» right from the start. Account recovery and moving to a new device will then also be easy using the email address. Microsoft will increasingly suggest setting up a passkey. This is now standard for new customers.
Not yet for Entra-ID
This redesign of Microsoft account authentication currently has no impact on Microsoft Entra accounts («business or school accounts»). Customers do not need to do anything. However, the Entra team will evaluate the experiences from the user experience rollout for private users and introduce improvements for Microsoft Entra and Microsoft Entra External ID as well. «This includes the common sign-in screen for applications that support both Microsoft accounts and Microsoft Entra accounts for authentication,» the blog states.
