Microsoft has added a new feature to a Windows 10 Insider Preview version that allows users to login to the operating system with a code received by SMS. With the feature, the Redmond software giant hopes to reduce usage of passwords.
In an announcement of the new Windows 10 Insider Preview, Microsoft explains that the password-less login only works for users who have their phone number in their Microsoft account. They can use an SMS code to sign in to the operating system and then setup their Windows account. Once they've setup their account, they can log in through Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint or using a PIN code.
Users who don't already have a “password-less phone number account”, can create one in a mobile app like Word, Microsoft explains. Once signed up to Word with their phone number, it's possible to add the account to Windows 10 and use it during logins to the operating system. Users then have to go through the Windows Hello setup to be able to login to the computer at anytime. Currently, the feature is only available in the Home version of the Windows 10 Insider Preview.
Another feature in this Insider Preview build is “Tamper Protection”. This is a component of Windows Defender Antivirus. When enabled, it offers additional protection against changes to key security features.
