Table of Contents
Summary
- External Authentication Methods (EAM) Public Preview is being updated to enhance security and configuration validation.
- From December 8, 2025, users must register an external authentication method to use EAM.
- New users joining after December 2, 2026, will be prompted to set up their external method during sign-in.
- IT admins can register users on their behalf if necessary.
- Organizations should communicate changes to users and review external authentication configurations accordingly.
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 31 Mar 2026
Release End: 31 Mar 2026
Services: Entra
Category: Plan for change
Tags: Feature Update, User Adoption, Admin Action
History
12/5/2025 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
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.
How this affects your organization
Who is affected: Tenants currently using External Authentication Methods (EAM) in Public Preview.
What will happen:
- Registration enforcement: Users must have an external authentication method registered to use EAM.
- In-line registration for new users:
- Existing users have been registered by Microsoft – which means there’s no action required.
- New users (any user joining your tenant after December 2, 2026) will be prompted during sign-in to complete in-line setup with your external provider.
- IT admins can register users on their behalf if needed.
What you can do to prepare
- Communicate to users that starting December 8, 2025, they may be prompted to configure an external method during sign-in if they don’t already have one.
- Review your external authentication method configurations to ensure they meet validation requirements.
- Update internal documentation, training materials, and helpdesk guidance.
Learn more
- Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication external method provider reference (Preview)
- Manage an external authentication method in Microsoft Entra ID (Preview)
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.