When you try to view or edit sensitive info related to your Microsoft account – like your credit card details – we might ask you for a security code first, to make sure that only you can get in to your account. But you can designate a PC as a trusted device. On trusted devices, you don't need to enter a security code each time you try to access sensitive info.
Read this article to learn how to add or remove trusted device in Microsoft account on your Windows 8.1 and 8 PC.
How to Add a Trusted Device to Microsoft Account
There are two ways to add a trusted device (using PC Settings or by signing into Microsoft account) to your Microsoft account for Windows 8.1 and 8. Here we go.
1. To Add a trusted device using PC Settings
For Windows 8.1 users, using PC settings to add a trusted device. But note that this is only an available option for when you sign in to Windows 8.1 PC with a Microsoft account, and the PC has not been verified to be trusted yet.
A. In Windows 8.1, open PC settings, click or tap on Accounts on the left side, click or tap on Your account on the left side, and click or tap on the Verify link on the right side.
B. Verify your Microsoft account info by entering your Microsoft account password, click or tap on OK, and go to step 3.
For Windows 8 users, using PC settings to add a trusted device. But note that this is only an available option for when you sign in to Windows 8.1 PC with a Microsoft account, and the PC has not been verified to be trusted yet.
A. In Windows 8, open PC settings, click or tap on Users or Sync your settings on the left side, click or tap on the Trust this PC link on the right side, and go to step 3.
2. To add a trusted device by signing in to your Microsoft account online.
A. While on the Windows 8.1 and 8 PC or device you want to add as a trusted device, go to the Microsoft account Security info overview webpage.
B. If not already, sign in to your Microsoft account, and go to the next step.
3. Select one way you would like to receive a code, and click or tap on Next. But if you do not see this, then sign out of your online Microsoft account and repeat to sign in your online Microsoft account.
4. Enter the security code you have received, check the I sign in frequently on this device. Don't ask me for a code box, and click or tap on Submit.
5. Now, you Windows 8.1 and 8 PC or device has now been added as a trusted device to your Microsoft account.
How to Remove Trusted Device from your Microsoft Account
1. Go to the Microsoft account Security info overview webpage.
2. If not already, sign in to your Microsoft account.
3. Under Trusted devices, click or tap on the Remove all the trusted devices associated with my account.
4. Click or tap on Remove all trusted devices to confirm your action.
5. Your Microsoft account no longer has any trusted devices associated with it. The next time you try to access sensitive information in your Microsoft account settings, you'll be asked to enter a security code.