Why Is Microsoft Authenticator Abandoning Password Management?

What Happens When Microsoft Authenticator Stops Managing Your Passwords?

Microsoft is ending password autofill in its Authenticator app, and this change affects millions of users who rely on the app for password management. The company has set a clear timeline for this transition, with significant implications for how you’ll manage your passwords going forward.

What’s Happening to Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator will lose its password management capabilities through a phased approach that started in June 2025. The company has already stopped allowing users to add or import new passwords into the app, marking the beginning of this transition away from password storage functionality.

The autofill feature that many users depend on will stop working completely in July 2025. This means you won’t be able to automatically fill in saved passwords from the Authenticator app when logging into websites or applications. Following this, all stored payment information will be permanently deleted from the app in July.

The final phase occurs in August 2025, when all saved passwords become completely inaccessible within the Authenticator app. Any generated passwords that weren’t manually saved will also be deleted at this time.

Why Microsoft Made This Decision

Microsoft’s decision stems from its broader strategy to consolidate password management within the Edge browser ecosystem. The company wants to streamline autofill functionality across devices while promoting Edge’s built-in password management features, which include Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Password Monitor capabilities.

This move aligns with Microsoft’s push toward a passwordless future using technologies like passkeys, Windows Hello, and FIDO2-based authentication. These methods provide better protection against phishing attacks and password reuse, which remain significant security vulnerabilities.

Your Options Moving Forward

Transition to Microsoft Edge

If you choose to continue with Microsoft’s ecosystem, your saved passwords will automatically sync to your Microsoft account and become accessible through Edge. To complete this transition:

1. Install Microsoft Edge on your mobile device
2. Navigate to your device’s autofill settings (Settings > General > Autofill & Passwords on iOS, or Settings > Autofill on Android)
3. Select Edge as your preferred autofill provider
4. Sign into Edge with your Microsoft account to sync your passwords

Export to Another Password Manager

For users preferring third-party password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password, you must export your data before the August deadline. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator
2. Go to Settings > Autofill > Export Passwords
3. Select a save location and tap Save
4. Import the CSV file into your chosen password manager
5. Delete the exported file immediately for security reasons

Important note: Payment information cannot be exported and must be manually re-entered into your new password manager for security reasons.

What Remains Unchanged

Microsoft Authenticator will continue functioning as a two-factor authentication app. You can still use it to generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) and receive push notifications for account verification across Microsoft and non-Microsoft services.

The app will also maintain support for passkeys, which allow you to sign in using biometric authentication like fingerprints, facial recognition, or device PINs. Passkeys represent Microsoft’s preferred authentication method moving forward, offering enhanced security against phishing attacks.

Timeline Summary

• June 2025: No new passwords can be added or imported (already in effect)
• July 2025: Autofill stops working; payment information deleted
• August 2025: All saved passwords become inaccessible; unsaved generated passwords deleted

Taking Action Now

Given that we’re currently in July 2025, immediate action is necessary if you use Authenticator for password management. The autofill feature has already stopped working, and you have until August to access your saved passwords.

I recommend exporting your passwords immediately if you haven’t already done so. Even if you plan to use Edge, having a backup ensures you won’t lose access to your credentials during the transition period.

For users who’ve been relying heavily on Authenticator’s password features, this change requires prompt attention. The company has provided clear migration paths, but the responsibility lies with individual users to complete the transition before the August deadline.

This shift represents Microsoft’s commitment to modernizing authentication methods while consolidating its password management tools within Edge. While the change may seem disruptive initially, it aligns with industry trends toward more secure, passwordless authentication methods.