Quick Answer
The answer is deploying Microsoft Authenticator for passwordless sign-in and enabling Windows Hello for Business. These two actions directly reduce the number of passwords for end users by replacing traditional password authentication with strong, device-bound credentials. Microsoft Authenticator allows users to sign in via biometrics or a one-time code, while Windows Hello for Business uses a PIN or biometrics tied to the device, eliminating the need to remember and enter passwords across Microsoft 365 services. On the MS-102 exam, this question tests your understanding of Microsoft’s passwordless authentication stack within the Zero Trust framework; a common trap is confusing passwordless options like FIDO2 security keys with the specific admin actions that reduce password count for all users. Remember that both Authenticator and Windows Hello are user-facing, device-based solutions that remove the password from the sign-in flow entirely. A helpful memory tip: “Hello and Authenticator say goodbye to the password generator.”
This MS-102 practice question tests your understanding of manage users, groups, licensing, and support. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO actions can an admin take to reduce the number of passwords in use for end users?
Enforce complex password policies
Why wrong: Increases password complexity, not reduces usage.
Enable Windows Hello for Business
Passwordless sign-in.
Configure self-service password reset
Why wrong: Still uses passwords.
Implement password hash sync
Why wrong: Syncs passwords, not reduces.
Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for passwordless sign-in
Passwordless authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable Windows Hello for Business
Windows Hello for Business replaces traditional password authentication with strong two-factor authentication tied to a user's device, using biometrics or a PIN. This directly reduces the reliance on passwords for end users by enabling passwordless sign-in to Windows devices and integrated applications.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enforce complex password policies
Why it's wrong here
Increases password complexity, not reduces usage.
Enable Windows Hello for Business
Why this is correct
Passwordless sign-in.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Configure self-service password reset
Why it's wrong here
Still uses passwords.
Implement password hash sync
Why it's wrong here
Syncs passwords, not reduces.
Deploy Microsoft Authenticator for passwordless sign-in
Why this is correct
Passwordless authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse password reduction with password management improvements, such as SSPR or password policies, which do not actually decrease the number of passwords users must remember.
Detailed technical explanation
Windows Hello for Business leverages asymmetric key pairs (public/private) stored in the device's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and integrates with Azure AD Certificate-based Authentication or key trust models. In a real-world scenario, an organization can deploy a hybrid key trust model where the private key never leaves the device, and the public key is registered in Azure AD, enabling true passwordless sign-in without requiring any password at the authentication prompt.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Manage users, groups, licensing, and support — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Manage users, groups, licensing, and support — This question tests Manage users, groups, licensing, and support — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable Windows Hello for Business — Windows Hello for Business replaces traditional password authentication with strong two-factor authentication tied to a user's device, using biometrics or a PIN. This directly reduces the reliance on passwords for end users by enabling passwordless sign-in to Windows devices and integrated applications.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This MS-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MS-102 exam.
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