Microsoft recently alerted Microsoft Authenticator users that if they store passwords in that app, those passwords will be deleted by August of 2025. This means that if you use Microsoft Authenticator as a password manager, you will need to export these passwords to another password manager within the coming weeks.

Microsoft Authenticator is a popular multifactor authentication app, but it can also be used to store passwords and autofill them on mobile devices. It is these second two use cases that are being impacted by the company's new direction.  

We're probably all aware of the shortcomings of passwords. They're hard to remember and easy to reuse – but these bad habits leave us vulnerable. That's why we recommend you use technologies like multifactor authentication and password managers.  

Last year, Microsoft announced a significant push to eliminate passwords altogether. The company stated that it blocks 7,000 password attacks per second, representing a nearly 100% increase from the previous year.  

"There's no doubt about it: The password era is ending," Microsoft's Sangeeta Ranjit, group project manager, and Scott Bingham, principal product manager, wrote in a blog post. "Bad actors know it, which is why they’re desperately accelerating password-related attacks while they still can." 

Microsoft's answer? Passkeys! And the changes to Microsoft Authenticator are part of this push. 

What is a passkey? 

The tech side of passkeys is complicated, but they are essentially a way to log in to an account without a password. Often, you will use your handy phone or other device to log in, which will also be secured by biometrics like FaceID. 

"Passkeys not only offer an improved user experience by letting you sign in faster with your face, fingerprint, or PIN, but they also aren’t susceptible to the same kinds of attacks as passwords," Ranjit and Bingham continue. "Plus, passkeys eliminate forgotten passwords and one-time codes and reduce support calls." 

Essentially, passkeys are more convenient and secure. You can store them in password managers. We're big fans!  

What should Microsoft Authenticator users do? 

If you use Microsoft Authenticator to store and autofill your passwords, you should start exporting your passwords from that app right away.  

For more information on how to easily export passwords, check out these instructions from Microsoft.  

You can then import these passwords into another password manager, including the one included in Microsoft's Edge browser. However, we recommend using a standalone password manager app – check out our guide! – and there are many free options.  

Just a note: when your passwords are exported, they are no longer encrypted and, therefore, are unsecure. Import your passwords into a password manager of your choosing ASAP! Then, delete the export file.  

If you use Microsoft Authenticator as an MFA app, don't fret. That feature isn't going away.  

Microsoft Authenticator can also be used to support passkeys.  According to Microsoft, the timeline for removing passwords from Microsoft Authenticator is:

• June 2025: You can't store new passwords in Authenticator.

• July 2025: Authenticator's password autofill features are deactivated.

• August 2025: You can no longer access your passwords saved in Authenticator.  

Is Microsoft doing away with passwords in other ways? 

While it hasn't made any big announcements, Microsoft is clear that its ultimate goal is to eradicate passwords and get its 1 billion+ users comfortable with passkeys. It'll be a long journey, and the change to Microsoft Authenticator is a small step.  

Passkeys are available for all Microsoft accounts, including Xbox, Microsoft 365 (we're talking Word and PowerPoint), and Microsoft Copilot. Many other tech companies, such as Apple, Google, and Amazon, are rolling out passkeys in various ways. We recommend that you try it and see what you think. Passkeys are the next evolution in logging on.  

How can I start thinking beyond passwords? 

The transition to passkeys is an exciting development! However, with all the transitions, it can be a little confusing, frustrating, and perhaps even a little scary. We're here to help! To get online safety tips and tricks sent to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!