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Microsoft Discontinues Authenticator Password Manager, Shift to Edge

Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Authenticator app regarding password management. By August 1, 2025, the autofill feature will be discontinued, and users will lose access to saved passwords. Starting in June 2025, users can no longer save new passwords in Authenticator. Following this, the autofill feature will cease functioning in July, and all saved passwords will vanish by August.

Microsoft Authenticator

Image courtesy of PCWorld

Users can still access their saved passwords through Microsoft Edge, which has integrated autofill capabilities. To continue password management, users must install Edge on their mobile devices. For those who prefer not to use Edge, passwords must be exported from Authenticator before the August deadline. Export procedures are outlined here.

For additional options, consider exploring our favorite free password managers.

Transition to Microsoft Edge

The discontinuation of the Authenticator’s password management features is part of Microsoft’s strategy to streamline user experience by consolidating credential management under Microsoft Edge. Users have until August 1, 2025, to export their data, or they risk losing it permanently.

To facilitate the transition to Edge, users need to adjust their device settings to set Edge as their preferred autofill service. After installing Edge, signing in with a Microsoft account allows for syncing of passwords. Users can find their saved passwords in Edge under Settings > Passwords.

Microsoft Logo

Image courtesy of Bleeping Computer

For detailed instructions on exporting passwords, refer to this guide.

Passwordless Authentication with Microsoft

Going passwordless enhances security by reducing reliance on traditional passwords. Microsoft supports various methods for passwordless sign-in, including the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, physical security keys, and SMS codes.

To remove a password from a Microsoft account, users must first install the Microsoft Authenticator app or Outlook for Android. After logging into their account, users can enable the passwordless option by following verification prompts.

Passwordless methods can significantly reduce the risk of account breaches, as they do not rely on passwords that can be stolen or guessed. For more details on transitioning to a passwordless account, see this resource.

For further information on the benefits and procedures related to passwordless authentication, visit Microsoft's guide.

Conclusion

With Microsoft's planned changes to the Authenticator app, users should proactively manage their password security. Transitioning to passwordless solutions is the next step in enhancing authentication security.

Explore how MojoAuth can help you easily integrate passwordless authentication for web and mobile applications, ensuring a seamless and secure login experience. Visit MojoAuth today to learn more about our services!

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from MojoAuth – Go Passwordless authored by Pradeep Singh. Read the original post at: https://mojoauth.com/blog/microsoft-discontinues-authenticator-password-manager-shift-to-edge/

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