Starting in February, Microsoft is making a significant change to how you stay signed in to your account. Once this change goes into effect, you’ll automatically remain signed in to your Microsoft account unless you manually sign out or use a private browsing window. Here’s what you, as a regular user, need to know to stay secure and comfortable with this update.
What’s Changing?
Currently, when you sign in to a Microsoft account, you’re asked if you want to “Stay signed in” for a faster login the next time. Beginning next month, this prompt will disappear, and you’ll automatically stay signed in by default.
While this is convenient for personal devices, it’s something to watch out for – especially when using shared or public computers.
Why This Matters for You
Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Sign out every time: Make sure to click the “Sign Out” option when you’re done.
- Use private browsing: Private browsing (sometimes called incognito mode) automatically erases sign-in credentials and browsing data once you close the browser.
Steps to Keep Your Account Secure
Here are some easy ways to ensure your account remains safe:
- Sign Out Remotely: If you forget to sign out on a public computer, don’t panic. You can remotely sign out of your account from all browsers and apps (except Xbox consoles). To do this:
- Go to the Microsoft account security page.
- Select “Sign out everywhere” and follow the steps.
- Use Private Browsing: Browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox all offer a private browsing option. This mode deletes all browsing activity, including logins, when you close the window.
- Set Up Passkeys for Added Security: Microsoft recently introduced passkeys to make signing in safer and easier. Passkeys let you use your face, fingerprint, PIN, or a security key instead of a password. You can set this up by visiting this link.
Stay Secure and Confident
By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of staying signed in on personal devices while protecting yourself on shared computers. If you have any questions or need help, reach out to us today: sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400.
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