override or delete usb passkey

Question

override or delete usb passkey

richard fogelson 0

Recently receiving a pop up to insert passkey into usb port. never had one and just started

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Hi,

If you never created a USB passkey/security key, you do not need to insert one. When the prompt appears, select Cancel or Sign in another way and use your password, PIN, or another available method.

I also suggest checking your Microsoft account security settings for any passkey or security key you do not recognize:

https://account.live.com/proofs/manage

Microsoft’s passkey troubleshooting guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accounts-billing/security/troubleshoot-signing-in-with-a-passkey

If this USB prompt appears even when you are not signing in to a website or Microsoft account, please let me know which app/page triggers it and, if possible, provide a screenshot.

Answer 2

If the prompt just started and no USB security key was ever set up, use these checks based on where the passkey is being requested:

Try Sign in another way on the sign-in screen.
- If shown, select it and use another available verification method.
- If the message says “We couldn't use your device to verify your identity”, use one of the offered alternatives, then remove any invalid passkeys later.
If this is a Microsoft account passkey that is no longer valid:
- Sign in with an alternative method.
- Then review the passkeys saved for the account and remove any that no longer apply.
- For a personal Microsoft account, passkeys are managed in Advanced Security Options.
- For a work or school account, passkeys are managed in Security info.
If the passkey was saved locally on Windows:
- Open Settings on the Windows device.
- Go to Accounts > Passkeys.
- Review saved passkeys and select Delete passkey next to any entry that should not be there.
- In Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options, check whether Save passkeys to this Windows device is enabled.
If the passkey is stored in a synced credential manager:
- Passkeys can also be stored in providers such as Microsoft Password Manager, Google Password Manager, or Apple iCloud Keychain.
- Remove the unwanted passkey from the provider where it is saved.
If the prompt appears only in the browser when signing into websites:
- In Microsoft Edge, open edge://wallet/settings#settings-passwords-section.
- Under View and autofill passwords and passkeys, choose Fill website password and sign in automatically, or suggest available passkeys.
- In Chrome, open chrome://password-manager/settings.
- Disable Use Windows Hello when filling passwords.
If a new device was recently added or replaced:
- Old passkeys may no longer work.
- Set up a new passkey first if needed, then delete old passkeys that no longer apply.

If the sign-in page shows “This passkey can no longer be used”, the fix is to create a new passkey and delete the old one from both the account and the place where it was saved.