How to Add a YubiKey to Your Microsoft Account
What you'll need:
- Your YubiKey (the small USB device from Yubico)
- Your computer with a USB-C port
- Your Microsoft account password
Step 1 — Go to your Security Info page Sign in to your Microsoft account and navigate to My Account → Security Info. You'll see a list of your current sign-in methods.
My Sign-Ins | Security Info | Microsoft.com
Step 2 — Add a new sign-in method Click the "+ Add sign-in method" button (shown in green at the top of the page).
Step 3 — Choose "Security key" A pop-up window will appear with two options. Click "Security key" (the option that says Sign in using a USB, Bluetooth, or NFC device).
Step 4 — Select "USB device" Another window will ask what type of security key you have. Click "USB device", then click Next.
Step 5 — Get your key ready and click Next A message will appear telling you to have your key ready. When you're prepared, click "Next". You'll be prompted to plug the YubiKey into your USB-C port.
Step 6 — Plug in your YubiKey Insert your YubiKey into the USB-C port on your computer. (The gold "Y" logo faces up.)
Step 7 — Choose where to save your passkey A "Windows Security" window will pop up asking where to save your passkey. Click "Security key" (not your Windows device or phone).
Step 8 — Enter your Security Key PIN Windows will ask you to enter your Security Key PIN — this is a short PIN you either set up previously or will create now. Type it in and click "OK".
Step 9 — Touch your YubiKey when prompted You'll see a message saying "Touch key when prompted." Lightly tap the gold circle on your YubiKey. This confirms it's physically you making the change.
Step 10 — Name your security key A final window will ask you to give your key a name (so you can tell it apart from others if you add more later). Type a name (for example: My YubiKey) and click "Next".
Step 11 — You're all set! ✓ A confirmation screen will say "You're all set!" Your YubiKey is now registered and you can use it instead of a username and password the next time you sign in.
Tip: Keep your YubiKey somewhere safe — treat it like a house key. If you lose it, you can remove it from your Security Info page and add a new one.
