If you’re someone who depends on Microsoft Authenticator to keep your passwords safe, it’s time to make some changes—fast.
Microsoft is pulling the plug on one of the app’s most popular features, and it could leave millions scrambling if they don’t act soon.
Say Goodbye to Password Storage in Authenticator
Starting in August, Microsoft will completely remove the ability to store passwords in its Authenticator app.
If you’ve been using it to save login credentials, those passwords will be permanently deleted, including any saved payment info.
The phase-out began quietly in June, when Microsoft blocked new password entries from being added or imported into the app.
In July, they’re cutting off auto-fill capabilities. And by August, it’s gone for good.
This Impacts Millions of Users Across Android, iOS, and Microsoft Services
Over 75 million people use Microsoft Authenticator, often alongside Outlook, Excel, and other Microsoft apps.
Whether you’re on Android or iPhone, if you’ve relied on it for password storage, you’ll need to switch to another password manager or risk losing access to your accounts.
Microsoft’s Big Push Toward Passkeys and Edge Browser
This move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to simplify its security tools—and, let’s be honest, promote its own Edge browser.
Right now, Edge holds just 5.2% of the global market, a far cry from Google Chrome’s 66%.
Going forward, if you want to access saved passwords through Microsoft, you’ll have to use Edge unless you move them elsewhere.
Microsoft is also going all in on passkeys—a more secure way to log in using your fingerprint or face.
Unlike passwords, passkeys can’t be reused or stolen in phishing attacks, and Microsoft claims this change is urgent.
Why the Urgency? Cyberattacks Are on the Rise
Microsoft says it now blocks over 7,000 password-based attacks every second, nearly double the rate from just a year ago.
That’s part of why the company is accelerating this shift away from traditional passwords altogether.
What You Need to Do Now Before August Hits
If you’re using Authenticator for password management, here’s what you need to do:
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Export your passwords: Go to Settings > Export Passwords > Export, then move the file into your new password manager.
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Be careful: The exported file isn’t encrypted, so make sure to delete it immediately after transferring.
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Manually handle saved addresses and payments: Addresses won’t transfer automatically. Copy them manually or export them through Edge. Payment details won’t carry over at all—you’ll have to re-enter those.
Recommended Password Manager Alternatives
If you’re ready to switch, there are several good options out there:
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Google Password Manager
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Apple iCloud Keychain
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Bitwarden
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1Password
These tools can safely sync your login details across multiple devices.
Passkeys Still Work—But There’s a Catch
The Authenticator app isn’t going away entirely—it will still support passkey-based logins.
However, if you’ve set up passkeys tied to your Microsoft account, don’t delete the app.
Doing so could lock you out of your accounts, since deleting the app removes access to those passkeys too.
If you’re not planning to use passkeys, Microsoft recommends choosing another password manager and removing Authenticator from your auto-fill setup entirely.
No Research, Just Strategy
Microsoft hasn’t cited any independent studies or academic research to justify this decision.
There’s been no public data released about how effective or safe this shift will be—it’s simply part of the company’s roadmap to “improve online safety” and streamline account access.
Not Everyone Thinks This Is a Great Move
Some in the tech community are raising eyebrows.
Karolis Arbaciauskas from NordPass told TechRadar Pro that Microsoft’s decision marks a big change in how the company approaches digital security.
“It looks like a simplification strategy,” he said. “In theory, it’s a win-win.
But many users may not want to move.”
Given that the Authenticator app has over 100 million downloads on Android and is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, it’s clear this change will disrupt how millions of people manage their online identities.