Microsoft Reduces "Continue to Sign In" Alerts for Windows Users
In a significant shift for users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft has announced that the frequent “Continue to sign in” alerts will be reduced when accessing applications that support Microsoft account sign-ins. This change comes as part of Microsoft’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within the European Economic Area (EEA), which aims to enhance user control over their accounts.
Previously, users enjoyed a seamless experience where their Microsoft accounts were automatically signed in when launching applications such as Outlook and Word. However, following an update in early 2024, users began encountering the “Continue to sign in” prompt, which required them to confirm their desire to use their Microsoft account for each app individually. This alteration sparked dissatisfaction among users, particularly because the prompts appeared excessively, even when permissions had been granted.
Microsoft acknowledged the concerns raised by users, particularly those with organizational or school accounts, where the frequency of prompts became a nuisance. The company clarified that the intention behind the “single sign-in behavior” was to apply uniformly across all account types, including personal Microsoft accounts and work or school Entra IDs. However, the reality of the implementation led to an overwhelming number of notifications, especially for users who had not signed into Windows for an extended period.
In response to this feedback, Microsoft is rolling out a fix aimed at addressing the bug that causes these alerts to appear too frequently. This update is being made available in Windows 10 Build 19045.4955 and newer versions, currently accessible to testers in the Release Preview Channel. An optional update is also expected to be released later this month, providing relief to users who have been inundated with prompts.
As noted in the changelog, Microsoft stated, “The SSO notice that the European Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires prompts too often. This occurs when you authenticate using a certificate.” While the initial fix targets Microsoft Entra single sign-on (SSO), there are expectations that similar adjustments will be extended to personal accounts in the near future, with Windows 11 also set to receive these updates in subsequent releases.
How Does the EU Single Sign-In SSO Feature Work?
In exploring the functionality of the DMA-related features, tests conducted by Windows Latest revealed that these elements are linked to a JSON file located within the System32 folder, titled “IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json.” Users have the option to edit this file to modify their region settings.
This JSON file governs the single sign-in SSO capabilities as well as the ability to uninstall Microsoft Edge. For instance, by changing the setting from “Edge is uninstallable” to “enabled” and adjusting the region to EU within the .json file, users can remove the browser, regardless of their original location, such as the United States. This flexibility is applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11, showcasing Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to adapting its services to meet regulatory requirements while enhancing user experience.
