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

Question

I literally cannot get into my email without adding a back up email. I should have the option to opt out of this. I have already linked my personal phone number - why can I not get into my account? This is ridiculous. It was annoying having the ‘passkey’ try and set itself up without my consent each time I logged in but atleast I could press cancel. This time I’m literally stuck there is no option to get around this

Answer 1

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.