July 2, 2025, 1:30 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Microsoft is planning significant changes to its Authenticator app. Gradually, certain features that have been integral to the application will be phased out. The implications for password management will become clear by summer 2025.
As early as June 2025, Microsoft began implementing measures to phase out key functions in the Authenticator app. Gradually, the ability to store or automatically fill in passwords will be removed. The complete implementation of these changes will span three months and affect numerous users who have managed their login credentials through the app. Those who have used Microsoft Authenticator to store passwords should promptly explore alternatives.
Gradual Phase-Out of Password Functions
The change or phase-out will occur in three stages, according to Microsoft’s support page. Since June 2025, new passwords can no longer be stored in the Authenticator app. In July, the autofill function will be completely disabled. Starting in August, all stored passwords and payment data in the app will no longer be accessible.
This raises the question for many users of how the Microsoft Authenticator can continue to be used without the password function. Only the synchronization of stored content with the Microsoft account will remain. You can then access and use this information via Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Focuses on Edge and Passkeys
Microsoft officially justifies the measure by stating that the management of stored passwords on all devices should be simplified. Additionally, Microsoft aims to completely replace passwords in the future. New Microsoft accounts are already encouraged to use password-free login. This involves the use of so-called passkeys, which rely on biometric authentication methods like fingerprint or facial recognition and are stored on the respective device.
Read also: These Passwords Can Be Cracked by Fraudsters in One Second
Using the Edge Browser as a New Alternative
For users who wish to continue managing their passwords through Microsoft services, using Microsoft Edge is recommended. The browser supports the autofill function and allows access to synchronized passwords and address data via the Microsoft account.
To use it, Edge must be selected as the default provider for autofill on the respective device. Microsoft offers a detailed guide for this. Alternatively, you can use other password managers to continue data management independently of the Microsoft ecosystem. This test by COMPUTER BILD (like TECHBOOK, part of Axel Springer) can help you find an alternative password manager.
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Support for Passkeys Remains
The functionality for passkeys will remain in the Microsoft Authenticator. The prerequisite is that the Authenticator remains active as a so-called passkey provider. Once the app is deactivated, the passkeys will no longer be usable. Microsoft provides users with a help page that explains how passkeys can be set up and managed.