Windows security something went wrong

Question

Whenever o try to sign into any app or website with a passkey that I have to scan a QR code with it ops up goes away and I get hit with, “Something went wrong”, “there was a problem signing in with your passkey

Answer 1

I recommend to remove the passkey and add it back, see if it helps.

Answer 2

Hi lekian proenza,

Since the QR code appears but closes immediately after you scan it, the cross-device passkey verification may be failing before the phone and PC finish connecting.

In addition to keeping Bluetooth enabled on both devices, please check the following:

• Make sure Windows, your browser, and your phone are fully updated.
• Restart Bluetooth on both devices, refresh the sign-in page, and try again while keeping the phone close to the PC.
• If you are using Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, open Settings > Privacy & security > Passkey access and make sure the affected browser or app is allowed to use passkeys.
• Try another supported browser to determine whether the issue is limited to the current browser.
• If another sign-in method is available, use it temporarily, then create a new passkey before removing the old one.

If this is a work or school account, your organization may restrict cross-device passkey authentication, so you may also need to check with your IT administrator.

You can find Microsoft’s official guidance here: Troubleshoot signing in with a passkey. 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.   

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Answer 3

For QR-code passkey sign-in, this error is commonly caused by cross-device requirements not being met or by a stale/invalid passkey.

Try these checks in order:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
   • Bluetooth must be enabled on the Windows 11 device where sign-in starts.
   • Bluetooth must also be enabled on the phone or tablet that holds the passkey.
2. Keep both devices nearby and online.
   • The devices must be in range of each other.
   • Both must be connected to the internet.
   • They do not need to be on the same network.
3. Retry the sign-in flow quickly.
   • If the process takes too long or a step is missed, the sign-in can time out and show "Something went wrong."
   • If Bluetooth appears stuck during registration or sign-in, cancel and refresh the sign-in page, then try again.
4. Check whether the QR-code cross-device method is blocked by organization policy.
   • If the device or account is managed by work or school, authenticating with another device using Bluetooth may not be allowed by the organization.
   • On Windows, this can also affect which passkey options appear. Check Settings > Accounts > Access work or school to see whether the device is connected to an organization.
5. If the message indicates the passkey is no longer valid, create a new passkey.
   • A passkey can stop working if it was deleted from the account or device, or if the PIN/biometric method used to unlock it changed.
   • Set up a new passkey first.
   • Then remove old passkeys that no longer apply from the account or authenticator app.
6. Make sure the device supports the passkey flow being used.
   • Supported devices include Windows 10 and newer.
   • Some newer passkey features require Windows 11.
   • If passkey options seem limited, update Windows from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
7. If no passkeys appear on the device, verify screen lock is enabled on the device storing the passkey.
   • Passkeys cannot be used on a device without face, fingerprint, or PIN authentication.

If sign-in still fails, use another offered sign-in method first, then recreate the passkey and remove the old one. If the issue continues, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper or Contact Microsoft Support.

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References:

• Troubleshoot signing in with a passkey | Microsoft Support
• What are passkeys and why they matter | Microsoft Support
• Passkeys frequently asked questions (FAQ) | Microsoft Support