Microsoft ends password access in Authenticator, act now!
- Microsoft has announced changes to its Authenticator App, ceasing the ability to access saved passwords by August 2025.
- This change is part of a broader effort to eliminate traditional passwords due to rising security threats.
- Users are urged to save their passwords before the August deadline and consider transitioning to passkeys for better security.
In July 2025, Microsoft initiated significant changes to its user account management system by informing users about the end of password accessibility in its Authenticator App. This decision comes in wake of increasing password-related attacks and is aligned with Microsoft's goal of transitioning users away from traditional passwords, which are considered a significant security risk. Starting June 2025, users could no longer add new passwords to the Authenticator, followed by the removal of the autofill feature in July. The final phase of these changes occurs in August, when previously saved passwords will become inaccessible and any newly generated but not saved passwords will be deleted. As a part of encouraging greater security measures, Microsoft advocates for adopting passkeys, which use device biometrics or PINs instead of traditional passwords, thereby minimizing the potential for cyber attacks. The company is pushing for users to seamlessly sync their passwords with Microsoft Edge, another Windows product, benefitting from its autofill capabilities as users transition to new methods of account access. This ongoing development signifies a significant shift in how Microsoft users will manage their online security moving forward, and serves as essential user education regarding the importance of timely migrations of password management to more secure alternatives ahead of the final deadline in August 2025.