Microsoft to Auto-Keep Users Signed In Starting February
Microsoft will soon implement a change to its sign-in
process, automatically keeping users signed in to their accounts unless they
manually log out or use private browsing. This update, effective February,
eliminates the current prompt asking users if they want to stay signed in,
raising security considerations for those using public computers.
If you frequently access your Microsoft account on shared or
public devices, it’s crucial to adopt safe habits like signing out after use or
browsing in private mode. Neglecting to do so could leave your account
accessible to others. However, Microsoft offers a safeguard: users can force a
sign-out across all browsers, apps, and devices, except Xbox consoles, to
protect their accounts if they forget to log out.
This adjustment comes as Microsoft continues to enhance
account security features. Last year, the company introduced passkey support
for consumer accounts, allowing users to sign in with biometric methods such as
facial recognition, fingerprints, PINs, or security keys. To enable passkeys
for your Microsoft account, you can set up your preferred authentication method
through their platform.
While this update aims to streamline account access for most
users, it underscores the importance of staying vigilant, especially on public
devices. Regularly reviewing and managing your account settings ensures your
personal information remains secure.