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how do i tell windows that i dont have a security key

jenson 20 Reputation points
2026-03-09T21:17:43.2933333+00:00

im trying to change something on my discord server but it needs 2 step verification, i click authorize windows is like "insert your security key" I DONT HAVE ONE and it just gets to the point it gets so annoying because it does it for other apps aswell. like i want to sign into my microsoft account on my browser to change something "insert your security key" and its just so annoying. and also it doesnt show up with another sign in option.

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Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-09T21:17:58.26+00:00

    Windows and Microsoft sites are asking for a security key because a security key sign-in method is registered on the Microsoft account and/or set as the default sign-in option. To stop being prompted for a security key, remove it as a sign-in method and use another verification method instead.

    Use these steps:

    1. Sign in with another verification method
      • When the prompt appears and asks for a security key, look for a link such as Sign in another way.
      • Choose a different method that is already set up (for example, text message, email code, or Microsoft Authenticator) and complete sign-in.
      • If Sign in another way does not appear, no other methods are configured. In that case, contact the account administrator or support to get temporary access and then add more methods.
    2. Remove the security key sign-in method from the Microsoft account
      • After signing in, go to the Microsoft account Security page: https://account.microsoft.com/security
      • Select Manage how I sign in (or More security options / Advanced security options, depending on what is shown).
      • Under Ways to prove who you are, locate any Security key entries.
      • Remove the security key entries so they are no longer offered as a sign-in method.
    3. Add and prioritize other sign-in methods
      • Still on the Security page, add at least two other methods (for example, phone number for SMS, alternate email, or Microsoft Authenticator app) so that two-step verification can use them instead of a security key.
      • If two-step verification is enabled, ensure there are multiple working methods so that Sign in another way always has options.
    4. On Windows lock screen
      • At the Windows 10 lock screen, if a security key icon is shown, select another sign-in option (such as PIN, password, or Windows Hello) from the sign-in options icons.
      • After signing in, Windows will continue to offer the last-used method by default, so using PIN/Hello instead of security key will make those the primary options.

    If a security key is not wanted at all, removing it from the Microsoft account and always choosing another sign-in method will stop the repeated “insert your security key” prompts.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Bulldog 2,100 Reputation points
    2026-03-17T20:35:31.52+00:00

    Windows is not asking you for a security key.

    Discord is asking you for a security key. It thinks you have one.

    Windows is merely asking you to insert the security key that Discord told Windows you have.

    Windows doesn't know if you have a security key or a security blanket. Here, it's only being an interface.

    You have to resolve this with Discord.

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  3. Vikki-T 5,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-10T09:38:52.93+00:00

    Dear jenson, 

    Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

    I understand how disruptive it can feel when the Windows Security dialog keeps asking to “Insert your security key” and there seems to be no way to pick another sign‑in option. From your screenshot, the prompt appears to be a WebAuthn/FIDO2 request launched by the website (e.g., discord.com or a Microsoft sign‑in page) when a security key or passkey is selected or remembered for that site. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down, could you please share a bit more detail 

    • Is the account you’re signing in with a personal Microsoft account (Outlook/Hotmail) or a work/school account? 
    • Which browser and version are you using when this happens? 
    • After you click Cancel on the Windows Security dialog, does the page behind it ever show “Use another way to sign in” (or similar)? 
    • Have you ever added a physical security key or created a passkey/Windows Hello sign‑in for this site or your Microsoft account? 

    In the meantime, here are additional steps that you can try: 

    1. Force the page to show other methods 
    • Open a Private/Incognito window and try signing in again. 
    • If the prompt still appears, click Cancel, then check the page behind it for links like “Use another way”, “Try another method”, or “I don’t have my security key”. 
    1. Clear site‑specific data 
    • In your browser, clear Cookies and site data for: discord.com and Microsoft sign‑in domains (e.g., login.live.com, microsoftonline.com, account.microsoft.com) 
    • Then retry the sign‑in 
    1. Remove passkeys that may have been created 
    • Edge/Chrome > Settings > Passwords > Passkeys 
    • Look for entries for discord.com or Microsoft sign‑in domains and Remove them.  This prevents the browser from auto‑offering a passkey that triggers the key prompt. 
    1. Check Windows stored web credentials 
    • Control Panel > Credential Manager > Web Credentials 
    • If you see WebAuthn/Passkey entries related to the affected sites, you can remove them and try again. 
    1. Windows sign‑in option 
    • Settings >  Accounts >  Sign‑in options 
    • Temporarily toggle off “Require Windows Hello sign‑in for Microsoft accounts on this device.” You can turn it back on later. 
    1. Try another device or mobile browser 
    • If the PC keeps looping to the key prompt, try signing in on a phone browser (or another PC) to add/verify alternative sign‑in methods, then return to the original PC. 

    While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

    I understand how frustrating repeated security‑key prompts can be. I hope the guidance above restores your access using other verification methods and keeps sign‑ins smooth across Discord and your Microsoft services. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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