Microsoft PIN versus password for accessing email

It has been known for awhile that Microsoft is updating its sign-in requirements by phasing out usernames and passwords and updating to newer authentification methods and security standards, but new Microsoft emails are increasing the pressure to act now. The new method(s) require facial or fingerprint recognition, or a PIN. I would choose PIN, but it is tied to only one device.

One advantage to email is the ability to sign in from multiple devices and not be restricted to only one.

Has anyone made this transition? If yes, how did it go for you, and what will happen when the day comes you need a new device, but your PIN is only associated with your current device?

It would have to be pin for me, as on my PC I have no camera for facial recognition and do not want one on the pc.
I tried the finger one on my phone but you know what, I have old fingers and thin skin so getting a reading close to the
last one I did is difficult. Had to keep trying several times and gave up as I guess my skin texture has changed.
I guess if PIN is all that is left I will do one I can remember and the next device do it backward! Hopefully it won't be a 10 digit number

For the life of me, I can't imagine how a 4 or 6 digit PIN number is supposedly more secure than a username and password. My iPads require a 6 digit PIN, with my Linux machines I unlock the encrypted /home partition with a lengthy passphrase, then provide a password for the user space.

My version of Windows 11 requires a 4 digit pin
to get it started, then nothing else, so far!

Mike.

I decided on pin. I was not aware it is tied to a single device, though.
Mind you I never use my Hotmail/Outlook email, only Gmail.

Mac user here. I have facial recognition enabled for my phone, and a bunch of different apps on my phone, like my medical Patient Portal, Bank, Credit Cards log ins etc.

The pin on your computer is for your home computer and the main account but you can set up a sign in pin that can be used across multiple devices. I think you have to go into each device and set up the pin if that makes sense.

Nathan said:

For the life of me, I can't imagine how a 4 or 6 digit PIN number is supposedly more secure than a username and password. My iPads require a 6 digit PIN, with my Linux machines I unlock the encrypted /home partition with a lengthy passphrase, then provide a password for the user space.

Click to expand...

I agree. If they can hack a password it's not gonna be that difficult to work through the chain of numbers.