MC1192252 – External authentication methods (EAM) – Public preview update (archived)

Product:

Entra

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
External Authentication Methods (EAM) Public Preview will enforce registration starting December 8, 2025. Existing users are pre-registered; new users after December 2, 2025, must complete in-line setup. Admins can register users. Organizations should prepare by communicating changes and reviewing configurations.

Details:
Introduction
We're updating the Public Preview of External Authentication Methods (EAM) to improve security, strengthen configuration validation, and prepare for General Availability planned for the end of March 2026. Tenants currently using EAM in Public Preview should review the changes below.
[When this will happen]
Registration enforcement begins December 8, 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-12-05

updated:
2025-12-18

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Registration Enforcement
New users must complete in-line setup for external authentication methods during sign-in, potentially leading to confusion and delays in access.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/concept-authentication-external-method-provider?source=recommendations

Configuration Validation Requirements
Organizations may face disruptions if their external authentication configurations do not meet the new validation requirements, leading to access issues.
   - roles: IT Admins, Security Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/how-to-authentication-external-method-manage

User Communication and Training
Failure to communicate changes may result in user frustration and increased helpdesk calls due to lack of awareness about the new registration process.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/concept-authentication-external-method-provider?source=recommendations

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training and Documentation
With the upcoming changes in EAM requiring users to register external authentication methods, enhancing user training and updating documentation will ensure users are well-prepared and understand the new processes. This will reduce confusion and support tickets during the transition period.
   - next-steps: Develop updated training materials and documentation that clearly outline the new registration process and benefits of EAM. Schedule training sessions for users and provide easy access to resources.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Training Coordinators, User Support Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/how-to-authentication-external-method-manage

Improved Security Configuration Review
As organizations prepare for the enforcement of external authentication methods, conducting a thorough review of current security configurations can help identify gaps and ensure compliance with the new requirements. This proactive approach can enhance overall security posture.
   - next-steps: Create a checklist for reviewing current external authentication configurations and compliance with the new validation requirements. Assign team members to perform the review and document findings.
   - roles: IT Security Teams, Compliance Officers, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/concept-authentication-external-method-provider?source=recommendations

Streamlined User Registration Process
By allowing IT admins to register users on their behalf, organizations can streamline the onboarding process for new users. This reduces friction during user setup and ensures that all users have the necessary authentication methods configured before they start using services.
   - next-steps: Establish a protocol for IT admins to register new users' external authentication methods efficiently. Provide necessary tools and access rights to streamline this process.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Onboarding Specialists, HR Representatives
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/authentication/how-to-authentication-external-method-manage

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're managing a busy law firm, and you've just decided to upgrade the security of your office building. You've installed a new high-tech security system that requires everyone to have a special key card to enter. For those who already work at the firm, you've taken care of everything and handed out the key cards in advance. However, for anyone new joining the firm, they'll need to go through a quick setup process to get their key card when they first arrive.

In the world of IT, this is similar to what's happening with External Authentication Methods (EAM) in Microsoft Entra. Starting December 8, 2025, anyone using EAM will need to have a special "key card" of sorts, which is an external authentication method, to access the system. Existing users have already been set up, so they don't need to worry about anything. But new users joining after December 2, 2025, will need to complete a setup process when they first sign in.

Just like you might have a building manager or HR staff who can help new employees get their key cards, IT admins can assist new users in registering their external authentication methods if needed. It's important to let everyone know about this change, so they aren't surprised when they're asked to set up their authentication method during sign-in.

Organizations should also take a moment to review their current security configurations to ensure everything is in order, much like checking that the new security system is working correctly. Updating any internal documentation and training materials will help everyone understand the new process and ensure a smooth transition.