Use WebAPI 2 without OWIN authentication middleware

Question

I would like to use ASP.NET WebAPI 2, but with my own authentication mechanism. I have tried to remove all the code that comes with SPA template in VS 2013, as well as normal WebAPI template. If I remove all auth-related code from the project and don't configure OWIN in it's Startup.Auth, I always get an error, that OWIN middleware authentication is not setup and I can't get to any controller's action.

What is the correct way to implement a token based authentication in WebAPI 2 with own code, bypassing what's aready is in OWIN host .dll's, including it's requirements of configuration?

Answer 1

Similar to John answer but you can remove the OWIN when creating the WebAPI. Much cleaner approach.

To do that: Select "Change authentication"

then choose "No Authenciation"

Now your project wont have the OWIN stuff

Cheers Choco