If you’ve been using Microsoft Authenticator not just for MFA but also to store your passwords and autofill them across apps and websites, there’s a big change coming your way!
Microsoft has officially announced that the autofill feature in the Authenticator app is being discontinued, which will impact both individuals and businesses that relied on it as a lightweight password manager.
Yep, you read that right. If you’ve been using it to keep your passwords safe and sound, and to autofill them on your phone, that’s going to change.
TL;DR: Microsoft Authenticator is removing password autofill. Move your stuff to Microsoft Edge or another manager by August 2025. And yes, passkeys are staying.
Microsoft Edge – The New Password Manager:
Microsoft is phasing out the password and autofill features in the Authenticator app over the next few months. Here’s what the timeline looks like:
- June 2025 – You’ll no longer be able to save new passwords in the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- July 2025 – Autofill using Authenticator stops working.
- August 2025 – Any passwords stored in the app will no longer be accessible. Also, passwords generated that weren’t saved? Will be deleted!
However, if your saved passwords (and addresses) are synced to your Microsoft account, your passwords are not lost! You can access them via Microsoft Edge.
Just a heads-up: Payment information stored in the Authenticator app won’t be carried over — it will be deleted as part of this change. So, if you’ve been using Authenticator as your lightweight password manager, now’s the time to switch gears and start using Microsoft Edge.
Why is Microsoft Authenticator Being Deprecated?
A lot of us loved the idea of Authenticator doing double duty — MFA + password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. Convenient, right? It was simple, convenient, and worked well for casual users.
⚠️But from a security and manageability point of view, it had risks! Yes, Authenticator encrypted and synced your passwords, but it lacked features found in dedicated password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden — things like breach alerts, secure credential sharing, and audit trails.
At first, it might seem like Microsoft is simply steering users toward Edge (and sure, that’s part of it). But this move is also part of a bigger shift toward passwordless authentication.
- By consolidating password management into Microsoft Edge, which is tightly integrated with your Microsoft account and enhanced security features like Defender SmartScreen and Password Monitor, Microsoft is creating a more secure, centralized, and consistent experience.
- Instead of scattering sensitive information across multiple apps, this approach streamlines your setup and builds toward a more secure future with features like Passkeys.
The idea? Simplify your setup, make it more secure, and give you one less thing to worry about.
How to Switch from Authenticator to Microsoft Edge for Password Management
If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator to log into apps and websites, especially on mobile, this upcoming change will directly affect your login experience. And if you’re an IT admin or security lead who’s been recommending Authenticator for password storage, it’s time to help users transition.
1. Audit Users Still Using Authenticator for Passwords:
Start by checking who in your team or organization is still relying on Authenticator for password management. Send a quick awareness message like:
Hi team, Microsoft is retiring password storage and autofill from the Authenticator app by August 2025. Please switch to Microsoft Edge or another password manager to avoid disruption.
2. Move to Microsoft Edge — Now the Go-To for Password Management:
For iOS Users:
- Download the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Go to the device’s Settings > Passwords.
- Tap Autofill Passwords.
- Under “Autofill From,” choose Edge.
For Android Users:
- Download the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Open your mobile device’s Settings.
- Search for or navigate to Autofill.
- Select Preferred service, then select Edge.
Once you’ve set Edge as your autofill provider, open the Edge browser and sign in with your Microsoft account. This is crucial because your passwords and addresses are synced to this account. You can then manage them in Edge by going to Settings > Passwords.
This is your heads-up!
If someone wants to switch to another provider like iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager, they’ll need to export their passwords from Authenticator before August 2025. After that? It’s gone for good.
- After July 2025, any payment info stored in Authenticator will be deleted.
- After August 2025, any generated passwords that aren’t saved will be gone.
- Good news, though: Passkeys are staying. Authenticator will still support passkeys.
Just make sure you don’t disable Authenticator if you use it for passkey sign-in. If it’s off, your passkeys won’t work either. These kinds of changes might feel like a headache at first, especially if you’ve built a workflow around a tool that’s now evolving. But they’re also opportunities. It’s a great time to:
- Strengthen your password hygiene
- Explore passwordless options
- Choose a manager that fits your ecosystem better
What are your thoughts on this change? Are you an Edge user already, or will you be looking at other password solutions? Let me know!
