Microsoft Authenticator ends password management functions for users
- Microsoft Authenticator will stop supporting password management features starting August 1.
- Users are advised to set up passkeys as the app shifts its focus from stored passwords to authentication services.
- To access old passwords post-August, installing the Edge browser is required.
In the United States, Microsoft Authenticator users are facing significant changes to the app's functionalities. Starting August 1, passwords stored within the app will be inaccessible unless users have the Edge browser installed. The recent communications from Microsoft highlight a strategic shift aimed at transitioning password management capabilities to the Edge browser, which means the stored passwords will no longer be retrievable through the Authenticator app itself. While the app will still offer authentication services for compatible passkey-enabled applications and services, its widely used password management features will be cut. For users who have relied heavily on the Authenticator for password management, this transition could present challenges. Microsoft encourages users to adapt to a new system of passkeys, designed to simplify security by eliminating the need for complex passwords. Passkeys consist of two parts of a code that, when combined, grant access to various accounts and services. To ease this transition, the app has incorporated a guided experience for setting up passkeys, provided users opened the app in recent months. Additionally, there remains a pathway for accessing old passwords. Microsoft assures users that their saved passwords are synced to their Microsoft accounts but emphasizes the need for Edge browser installation to access these passwords after the specified cutoff date. This shift includes guidance for both iOS and Android users on enabling Edge's autofill feature as part of the password management process. The company also provides an option for users to export their passwords from the Authenticator into other password management systems. By navigating to the app's settings, users can export their saved passwords, allowing integration into various password managers and ensuring users have alternative options before the August deadline. The changes underline a significant focus on enhancing security protocols and adapting to evolving technology standards.