Overview#

Microsoft Account (MSA) (which was previously known as:

• Microsoft Passport
• .NET Passport
• Microsoft Passport Network
• Windows Live ID

is a Marketing term for Single Sign On Profile Microsoft Digital Identity for Microsoft users to log into Microsoft

• websites (like Outlook.com)
• devices running on one of Microsoft's current Operating Systems (e.g. Windows 10 computers and tablets, Windows Phones, and Xbox consoles)
• Microsoft application software (including Visual Studio).

Microsoft Account uses Windows Client Authentication Architecture using, currently, Windows Hello and the Windows Credential Provider to perform Authentication

Microsoft Account appears to be a Federated Identity from a Microsoft Identity Provider (IDP)

More Information#

There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:

• Active Directory Account Lockout
• Active Directory Locked Accounts
• Digital Identity
• MSA
• Windows Client Authentication Architecture