Microsoft has just announced a sweeping change that’s left millions of users scrambling.
The tech giant is pulling the plug on one of the most relied-on features in its Authenticator app, and it’s happening fast.
Used by up to 75 million people globally, Microsoft Authenticator is best known for generating one-time codes that help users log into their accounts securely. But what many also used it for, and what’s now being shut down, is password storage.
Starting this August, Microsoft will begin deleting all passwords and payment information saved within the app. If you’ve been relying on Authenticator to store your login details or autofill passwords across websites and apps, it’s time to act or risk losing access entirely.
Advert
The shake-up affects users on Android and iOS, and applies to login credentials for key services like Outlook, Excel, and others across Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Microsoft began rolling out the change quietly in June, when it blocked new password imports. This month, it’s removing the ability to autofill login details. By next month, as announced on Microsoft’s support page, all saved and unsaved passwords will be gone for good — along with any stored payment info.
As for the reason for the move — according to Microsoft, it’s all part of a bigger push towards using “passkeys” — a password-free login method that relies on fingerprint or facial recognition. The company argues that passkeys are more secure, as they can’t be guessed, reused, or stolen in phishing attacks.
Microsoft is also looking to get more people using its Edge browser, which holds just 5.2% of the global market compared to Google Chrome’s 66%. After the Authenticator changes, users will have to access saved passwords via Edge – unless they move to a different app entirely.
The urgency, Microsoft says, is driven by a staggering rise in cyberattacks. The company now blocks more than 7,000 password-based attacks every second – almost double last year’s figures.
But the decision isn’t sitting well with everyone. Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of business product at NordPass, told TechRadar Pro: “Microsoft's decision to phase out password management from Authenticator represents a significant shift in the company's approach to digital security. It seems like Microsoft is simplifying credential management”.
They added: “In theory, it's a win-win. But people have various personal likes and dislikes, are often used to a particular ecosystem or a browser and may not wish to move.”
If you’re affected, Microsoft recommends switching to another password manager like Google Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, Bitwarden, or 1Password.
To export your Authenticator passwords, go to ‘Settings’, tap ‘Export Passwords’, and move the file to your new manager – but be warned: the file isn’t encrypted, so handle it carefully and delete it afterwards.
Passkey users are also being told to keep the app installed, or risk being locked out of accounts linked to their Microsoft login.
Essentially, the change is coming, so don’t get caught out.