Why is hotmail forcing me to set up a passkey or an alternate email? how to ignore this?

Same issue here. Numerous customers are calling every 30 days it seems. They are logged into an account, let's say it's outlook. 30 days later they are suddenly logged out when clicking that link. When attempting to log back in, instead of the simple password field, a security prompt comes up demanding they setup something that they do not want to use. For some reason the normal password entry is hidden behind 'sign in another way'. You'd think after maybe a dozen times of denying that unwanted unexpected prompt, it would stop harassing the user, but it doesn't. It just keeps coming back, and there is no way to opt out of it. We do not want to use less reliable login methods, I was locked out of every single online account that I setup passkeys for because android, windows and apple devices do not share passkeys. We also do not appreciate login methods being forced on us that law enforcement needs zero warrant or signature from a judge to use. These are a massive privacy violation, and do not function as designed. We all need a way to permanently opt out of these broken passkeys.

Hi!, This usually happens because Microsoft is requiring updated security information for the account, not because Hotmail is forcing a passkey specifically. If the screen says ‘Help us secure your account’ or asks you to make sure you can receive a security code, Microsoft may block sign-in until you add or verify a recovery method. There can be a temporary skip option for some notices, but after 7 days from the first notice, you must verify or add new security info before signing in again. If there is no skip option now, there is unfortunately no supported way to ignore it permanently. To regain access, add one accessible backup email or phone number, complete verification, then review your methods later at account.microsoft.com/security and remove any passkey you do not want to keep.

It is important because that extra method is what Microsoft uses to prove it is really you if there is an unusual sign-in, if you forget your password, if your account gets locked, or if someone tries to take it over; security info such as an alternate email, phone, or another sign-in method is used for both verification and account recovery, and passkeys add stronger phishing-resistant protection than a password alone, so even if someone learns your password they still should not be able to access the account without that second method.