

Users have the option to use Credential Manager to store their credentials. Windows uses the Schannel Security Support Provider to open a Transport Level Security/Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL) connection for this function. When a new user signs in to a website that's enabled to use Microsoft accounts, the user is redirected to the nearest authentication server, which asks for a username and password. Microsoft Store is an example of this association. A user's credentials are validated by a Microsoft account authentication server that's associated with a website. How a Microsoft account worksĪ user can use a Microsoft account to sign in to websites that support this service by using a single set of credentials. The user can share many of their settings, preferences, and apps across devices. When a user signs in with a Microsoft account, the device is connected to cloud services. A Microsoft account has user-defined secrets and consists of a unique email address and a password.

A Microsoft account previously was called a Windows Live ID. Microsoft sites, services, properties, and computers running Windows 10 can use a Microsoft account as a way to identify a user. Understand how a Microsoft account works to enhance security and privacy for users and how you can manage consumer account types in your organization. Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016
