Microsoft Authenticator App to Cease Password Management by August 2025

Microsoft is phasing out password management features from its Authenticator app, a move impacting millions of users. The company aims to consolidate credential management within its Edge browser, prompting users to migrate their saved passwords or export them to alternative services. This strategic shift emphasizes Microsoft's push towards its browser ecosystem and a future with passkeys.

Microsoft Authenticator to Drop Password Management

Microsoft has announced that its Authenticator app will no longer support password storage and autofill functionalities. This change is part of a broader strategy to centralize these features within the Microsoft Edge browser. The decision affects millions of iOS and Android users who rely on the app for convenient login management.

Key Takeaways

• Phased Removal: The discontinuation will occur in three stages:June 2025: Users will no longer be able to save new passwords in Authenticator.July 2025: Autofill functionality will cease, and all stored payment information will be deleted.August 2025: All previously saved passwords will become inaccessible in the app.

• Migration to Edge: Microsoft encourages users to install Edge on their devices and set it as their default autofill provider. Users must sign into Edge with their Microsoft account to sync password data.

• Export Option: For those who prefer not to use Edge, passwords can be exported from Authenticator before August 1, 2025. This exported data can then be imported into other password managers.

• Payment Data: Stored payment information will not automatically transfer and must be manually re-entered elsewhere.

• Passkey Support Continues: The Authenticator app will continue to support passkeys, a more secure, passwordless sign-in method.

Why the Change?

Microsoft states that this move is intended to "streamline autofill support and consolidate credentials management under a single platform." It is also seen as a strategic effort to boost the adoption of its Edge browser, which currently holds a smaller market share compared to competitors like Google Chrome. The company also highlights the increasing number of password-related attacks, advocating for the shift towards passkeys as a more secure alternative.

What Users Need to Do

Users have a critical choice to make before the August 2025 deadline:

1. Switch to Microsoft Edge: Download the Edge browser, set it as the default autofill provider, and sign in with your Microsoft account to access synced passwords.

2. Export Passwords: Export your saved passwords from the Authenticator app to a different password manager. This can be done via Settings > Autofill > Export Passwords.

Microsoft warns that exported passwords will no longer be encrypted in the exported file, so users should promptly delete the file after transferring the data to a secure alternative. Failure to take action before the deadlines will result in the permanent loss of stored passwords and payment information from the Authenticator app.

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Sources

• Use Edge Or Lose Your Passwords: Microsoft Ends Authenticator Autofill By August, Greenbot.

• Microsoft users warned passwords will be deleted for millions in August | News Tech, Metro.co.uk.

• Microsoft to phase out Authenticator autofill by August 2025, Tech Monitor.

• Microsoft issues critical password warning to millions users, GB News.

• Microsoft Begins Authenticator Password Phase-Out This Weekend, Australian Cyber Security Magazine.