Single sign-on (SSO)

Concept

An authentication approach where a user signs in once with one set of credentials at a trusted identity provider and can then open every app they are allowed to use without signing in again.

Title graphic: Single sign-on (SSO) (Concept)

Type	Concept
Documentation	learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/enterprise-apps/what-is-single-sign-on

Key points about Single sign-on (SSO)

Single sign-on means apps never see your password; they trust one identity service to vouch for you. · Single Sign-On (SSO) - Simply Explained
Single sign-on stops users from creating insecure shortcuts. · Lock Down Microsoft Entra ID Before Phishing…
Entra ID handles modern cloud authentication such as single sign-on and multi-factor authentication but does not replace every capability of traditional Active Directory. · Microsoft Entra Domain Services - Simply…

Episodes about Single sign-on (SSO)

Single Sign-On (SSO) - Simply Explained

2026-10-29 · Video on YouTube

You've signed in twice today and never typed a single password. One login is replacing the dozens of accounts you used to juggle, and it's happening in almost every company. In this episode of Simply Explained you will learn: - Why One Login Feels Like Magic…

Lock Down Microsoft Entra ID Before Phishing Hits

2025-11-03 · Video on YouTube

Identity is the real border now. In Microsoft cloud the firewall is no longer the decisive wall — Entra ID is. Modern attackers don’t smash doors; they log in using harvested, phished, or purchased credentials. That’s why a password-only world is effectively…

Microsoft Entra Domain Services - Simply Explained

2026-08-14 · Video on YouTube

Moving an old Windows app to an Azure VM does not remove its need for a classic domain with LDAP, Kerberos and Group Policy. This Knowledge Nugget shows IT admins and cloud architects where Microsoft Entra Domain Services fits next to Entra ID and Active…

Timeline of episodes about Single sign-on (SSO)

Articles about Single sign-on (SSO) (5)

Why Your Organization Needs to Move from Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID
2026-08-28 · Mirko Peters
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, organizations face unprecedented pressure to secure sensitive corporate data while simultaneously streamlining identity man…
Hybrid Identity Guide for Microsoft Entra and On-Premises AD
2026-05-04 · Mirko Peters
Bridge your on-premises directory and cloud identity. Secure hybrid identities by extending Active Directory to Entra ID for seamless access.
ADFS Federation With Entra ID Guide
2026-04-30 · Mirko Peters
Understand AD FS federation, SSO, trust relationships, and security, then explore migration from AD FS to Microsoft Entra ID and common troubleshooting issues.
What Is Hybrid Identity Guide
2026-04-30 · Mirko Peters
Learn what is hybrid identity with practical guidance on setup, architecture, security, governance, and real-world use.
Azure AD: Understanding Conditional Access vs. Identity Protection Policy
2026-02-11 · Mirko Peters
In the realm of cloud security, understanding the nuances of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture. Two key feature…

Frequently asked questions

What is single sign-on (SSO)?

SSO lets you sign in once with one set of credentials and then use many apps. The apps do not store or see your password; they trust an identity provider that confirms who you are. · From the episode: Single Sign-On (SSO) - Simply Explained

Do apps share my password when I use single sign-on?

No. That is a common misconception. The apps never see your password and instead rely on one service to vouch for you. · From the episode: Single Sign-On (SSO) - Simply Explained

What are the risks of single sign-on?

SSO concentrates trust in one identity, so a weak or compromised sign-in can expose everything behind it. The convenience and the exposure are two sides of the same coin, which makes the identity provider worth protecting. · From the episode: Single Sign-On (SSO) - Simply Explained

Why does single sign-on improve security?

SSO reduces the need for users to create their own insecure shortcuts such as reusing passwords. It simplifies access while the central identity controls stay in force. · From the episode: Lock Down Microsoft Entra ID Before Phishing…

Glossary

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Sources

Documentation: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/enterprise-apps/what-is-single-sign-on
Feed for this topic (RSS): entity/single-sign-on/feed.xml
M365.FM episodes on this topic: 3
Articles on this topic: 5

Maintained by Mirko Peters (Microsoft MVP) · Last updated: 2026-11-03