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Before you remove the key: check the account and credential type
These steps apply to a personal Microsoft account. A work or school account uses your organization’s Security Info page, and a passkey is managed separately from a security-key registration. Also distinguish removing a credential from your Microsoft account from erasing credentials stored on the physical device.
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Remove a security key from a personal Microsoft account
- Sign in to your personal Microsoft account and open Advanced security options.
- Find and expand the security-key verification method.
- Select Remove, then select Remove again to confirm.
If you are replacing a key or simply want another way to sign in, first add and verify a different method, such as a phone number or email address. Microsoft recommends maintaining another way to verify your identity; its guidance explains how to help keep your Microsoft account secure.
What account removal does—and does not do
Removing the registration stops that security key from being used to sign in to the Microsoft account. It does not establish that credentials saved on the physical key have been erased. Microsoft distinguishes deleting a key from account security information from resetting the device to factory defaults; a reset clears data and credentials stored on the key. If you plan to sell, give away, or dispose of it, follow the key manufacturer’s reset instructions. The steps depend on the device. See Microsoft’s guidance for setting up and managing a work or school security key.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
If you meant a passkey
Microsoft lists saved passkeys separately from security-key verification methods. For a personal account, open Advanced Security Options, expand the passkey entry, and choose Remove. The removed passkey will no longer sign in to the account, so add another sign-in method first if needed.
For a work or school account, remove the passkey from the organization’s Security Info page and also from its storage location, such as Windows Hello Passkeys. If it is stored in Windows or a synced credential manager, you may need to manage or remove it there too. Microsoft’s passkey management instructions cover these distinctions.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
For a work or school account
Use your organization’s My Profile or Security Info workflow rather than the personal account dashboard. Deleting a security key from that page stops its use with the work or school account; resetting the physical device is separate. Whether security keys are available can depend on organization policy. If the removal option is missing or the page differs, contact your IT administrator.
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If you lost the key or cannot sign in
You can still sign in and have another verification method
Add a replacement verification method, confirm it using the code sent to the new destination, and then remove the lost key. Microsoft advises against removing all security information at once: doing so on a personal account can place it in a restricted state for 30 days. During that period, Microsoft says it cannot accept further changes or additions to security settings or billing information. See its instructions for removing a sign-in verification method and troubleshooting verification-code issues.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
You cannot sign in
Use Microsoft’s sign-in helper to troubleshoot access. Removing a key from account settings requires access to the account; do not assume support can manually change its security details for you.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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