Fix Outlook.com Passkey Login Errors

I've been using Outlook Live (Hotmail) for over 8 years, and it has never given me any trouble. Now, for the first time, I'm encountering a passkey login error in Outlook.com.

Are you experiencing the same problem? Don't worry, this guide will help you fix the Outlook Live passkey error step by step. I faced the same issue a few days ago, so I decided to share this solution with all Outlook Live users.

What is Passkey and how does it pop up?

If you are using any Microsoft product, you can expect to see updates every month. These updates are intended to improve and enhance the service. Passkey is a secure login system from Microsoft that allows you to access your Outlook account without a password. You may have unknowingly activated it on your system while logging into Outlook Live, or you may have enabled it manually.

Now, whenever you log in to Outlook.com, this pop-up window opens automatically.

What causes Outlook Live (Hotmail) login errors?

Microsoft account passkey are a password-less login method supported on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and modern browsers. There are lots of reasons avliable that cause you face passkey login issue in Hotmail.

Wrong passkey
Cache/Cookies issue
Incompatible browser
Device authentication issue
System Profile/Updates

Steps to resolve Outlook Live Passkey Login Issues

1. Remove Cache

We highly recommend to remove cache and cookies first. This often resolve session/authentication glitches in login attempt. for that

Open your browse
Go to History
Clear All History (Do not remove old password if you have saved it)

Try again to login Outlook.com. You can also use Incognito or different browse to sign in Hotmail.

2. Ensure the Passkey Is Still Valid

If you have changed your passkey previously then ensure that you are using right one. You can re-create it by following below steps.

Go to https://account.live.com/proofs/manage
Check “Ways to prove who you are” and remove obsolete passkeys
Re-create a fresh passkey from there.

You’ll need to authenticate (face/ fingerprint/ PIN/ hardware key) to create it.

3. Device & Connection Checks

If using a passkey managed on android, iOS, or iPad then make sure that device is online and unlocked.

Enabled Bluetooth if prompted

If you see QR code prompts then scan with another device.

4. Remove Local Credentials / Reset Options (Windows)

If your device is caching incorrect preferences (especially in Outlook or Windows):

On Windows

Go to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys
Delete any passkeys associated with your Microsoft account.

Open Credential Manager > Web Credentials
Remove login.live.com / outlook.com entries.
Restart the browser/device and try again.

This forces a fresh authentication rather than relying on stored data.

5. Alternate Sign-in Options

If the passkey repeatedly fails, you can often choose another options to sign in Outlook live

For that, cancle the Passkey screen and click on “Sign in another way”.

Now you will see "password" opiton, choose it and login now.
It will verify your account via "Security code via phone/email"

If these don’t appear, you might have to temporarily disable passkey as the preferred method in your Microsoft account settings.

6. If You're Locked Out Entirely

Sometimes all recovery options may fail like passkey, password, phone etc. then you have only one option to contact Microsoft support. Follow this link to open recovery form and provide as much detail as possible.

Recovery form: https://account.live.com/acsr

Final Thought

Outlook.com passkeys are a security checkpoint that allows you to quickly access your Outlook account. However, they aren't used very often these days, and if you forget yours, you can easily reset, remove, and recreate it. Passkey login errors in Outlook are a common issue for many users, so remain calm when you encounter one and try resetting it. Once you successfully access your Microsoft Outlook account, you can even remove the passkey entirely.

For more information leave a comment.

Fix Outlook.com Passkey Login Errors - Troubleshooting Guide