Microsoft Authenticator is making some major changes. If you’ve been using the app to store or autofill your passwords, those features are going away.
Authenticator has always been a helpful tool for keeping accounts secure through multi-factor authentication. It also gave users the option to save passwords and payment info directly in the app. But that’s changing soon.
Microsoft is shifting focus away from passwords and encouraging users to take the next step toward password-less security. If you use Authenticator for more than just MFA, here’s what’s changing and what to do about it.
What’s Happening and When
Starting in June 2025, you won’t be able to add or import any new passwords into Microsoft Authenticator. If you try, it simply won’t work.
By July 2025, any saved payment information and autofill features will stop working altogether. At that point, Microsoft will begin removing that data from the app.
Come August 2025, everything, every password and piece of stored info, will be gone from Authenticator.
If you’ve been using the app to store credentials or payment details, it’s important to start moving that data now. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back.
Why Microsoft is Leaving Passwords Behind
Passwords have always been a weak link when it comes to security. People reuse them, forget them, and unfortunately, they get stolen all the time. Hackers have gotten good at phishing and guessing login details, and it only takes one successful attempt to cause a real problem.
In 2024, Microsoft reported that there were over 7,000 password attacks per second. It's one of the biggest reasons they’re encouraging users to move away from traditional passwords.
To help reduce that risk, Microsoft is dropping password storage in Authenticator and encouraging users to switch to passkeys. Passkeys are tied to your device or your biometrics, and they’re much harder for someone else to steal.
The idea is to make logins safer and simpler without relying on something you have to remember.
What Are Passkeys, and Why Do They Matter?
Passkeys are a newer, more secure way to log in. Instead of entering a password, you use your face, fingerprint, or device PIN to verify who you are.
They work across devices, are resistant to phishing, and remove the risk of someone stealing or guessing your login credentials. In short, they’re built to replace passwords entirely.
You can set up passkeys through your Microsoft account settings or in the Authenticator app, depending on your setup.
For businesses and individuals looking to step up their security, passkeys are worth exploring sooner rather than later.
What This Means for SMBs
If you or your team has used Microsoft Authenticator to save passwords, those passwords are going to be deleted by August. They won’t automatically transfer anywhere else, so it’s up to you to move them before the deadline.
Microsoft suggests using Microsoft Edge’s built-in password manager, which syncs across devices and can pick up where Authenticator leaves off. You can also export your passwords and store them in another trusted password manager.
Just keep in mind that saved payment information won’t transfer either. You’ll need to manually re-enter all information wherever you decide to store it next.
What to Do Next
Don’t wait until the last minute. If you’ve got passwords or payment info stored in Authenticator, export it now so you don’t lose anything.
Take a look at Microsoft Edge if you want something that’s already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem. If not, choose a password manager that works for you.
While you’re updating your password setup, it’s a great opportunity to explore passkeys. They’re becoming the new standard, and getting comfortable with them now can save headaches later.
Final Thoughts
This shift is all about making security stronger and login experiences easier. For some, it may take a little getting used to. But in the long run, moving away from passwords means fewer risks and more peace of mind.
If you have questions or need help figuring out your next steps, contact Makios Technology. We’re always here to help you navigate changes like this with confidence.
