Microsoft has announced it will remove password management support from its Authenticator app beginning August 1, 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to support a passwordless future and improve security through technologies like passkeys, FIDO2, and Windows Hello.
What’s Changing?
- July 2025: The autofill feature in the Authenticator app will stop working;
- August 2025: Stored passwords will become inaccessible, and any unsaved generated passwords will be deleted;
- As of June 2025, users can no longer add or import new passwords into the app.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
The change is part of Microsoft’s push to reduce reliance on traditional passwords, which are vulnerable to phishing and reuse attacks. By focusing on passkey authentication, the company aims to offer users a safer, simpler login experience.
“This change may feel inconvenient at first, but it’s designed to increase your online safety in the long run,” Microsoft stated in its support documentation.
Where Will Passwords Go?
Passwords and addresses currently stored in Authenticator will be synced to your Microsoft account, making them available through the Edge browser. To keep using these features, set Edge as your default autofill provider.
Important Note About Passkeys
This change does not affect passkeys. In fact, if you’re using passkeys with your Microsoft account, you must keep Microsoft Authenticator enabled. Disabling the app will also disable your passkeys.
What Should You Do Now?
If you rely on Authenticator for autofill or password storage, consider migrating to a dedicated password manager. Recommended options include:
- Apple iCloud Keychain;
- Bitwarden (can be self hosted);
- Google Password Manager;
- Microsoft Edge Password Manager;
These tools support features like syncing across devices, biometric unlock, and encrypted backups.
You can export your saved passwords from Authenticator and import them into your new tool. Don’t forget to set your new password manager as the default autofill provider on your mobile device to avoid login disruptions.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft is moving forward with a clear passwordless strategy, encouraging users to embrace modern authentication tools. While the removal of password support in Authenticator may be a hassle short-term, it aligns with broader industry trends focused on stronger security and better user experience.