Customers of Microsoft apps are having a tough 12 months. First, in Could, the Home windows maker shut down the favored VOIP calling app, Skype, for good. Microsoft stated it was completed in order that the corporate might deal with its newest communications app darling, Microsoft Groups.
Now, Microsoft has introduced that it’s nerfing one in every of its hottest cellular apps, too. Whereas not shutting the app down utterly, Microsoft Authenticator is about to undergo a radical downgrade. The app beforehand acted as a password supervisor and authentication app, however beginning this month, Microsoft has stripped Authenticator’s capability to autofill your saved passwords. And are available August, Microsoft will delete all of your saved passwords from Authenticator.
Which means simply as customers of Skype wanted to discover a new VOIP app, those that use Microsoft Authenticator as a password supervisor might want to hurry up and discover a new one. Right here’s why Microsoft is making its adjustments to Authenticator, and the choice password managers you might wish to migrate to earlier than the August deadline.
Why is Microsoft killing Authenticator’s password administration characteristic?
Microsoft first launched Authenticator in 2016 as a stand-alone app used to handle two-factor authentication safety codes. In 2020, it added password administration help to Authenticator, making the app a one-stop store for autofilling passwords and safety codes on web sites.
Nonetheless, in 2020, Microsoft additionally launched its new Edge browser, and since then, Edge has change into a high precedence for the corporate. And Microsoft has now determined that Edge ought to act as a Microsoft consumer’s password supervisor of alternative, partly resulting from the truth that the Edge browser helps a number of platforms: Home windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and extra, whereas Authenticator solely helps iOS and Android.
The logic right here is that if Edge is now your password supervisor, all of your passwords will likely be accessible on each gadget logged into Edge. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft will robotically switch a consumer’s saved passwords from Authenticator to Edge earlier than completely deleting them from Authenticator subsequent month.
This transfer is nice for individuals who don’t thoughts an internet browser serving as their password supervisor. Nonetheless, many individuals want a devoted password supervisor app as a result of it’s often extra versatile, affords superior options like password sharing, and integrates seamlessly with varied desktop and cellular browsers.
In case you are in that second group, you’ll wish to export your passwords from Authenticator earlier than they’re deleted and import them into a brand new devoted password supervisor app—however which one to make use of?
Microsoft Authenticator password supervisor options
There is no such thing as a scarcity of devoted password managers on the market. Nonetheless, in case you are transferring from Microsoft Authenticator, there are three specifically that you just may wish to contemplate:
- Apple Passwords: That is Apple’s designated password supervisor, which the corporate launched final 12 months. The largest benefit of Apple Passwords is its clear, easy interface. It permits you to retailer not solely your passwords, however your passkeys and safety codes, too. The Apple Passwords app is ideal if you happen to function primarily in Apple’s ecosystem, however the app additionally helps Home windows PCs (by way of the iCloud app) and main browsers, together with Chrome and Firefox. The app can also be free to make use of. Nonetheless, Apple Passwords doesn’t help Android, so if in case you have a ‘droid, it’s greatest to think about using one of many two password managers under.
- 1Password: One of the vital fashionable password managers on the planet is 1Password. It’s additionally one of the crucial versatile. Not solely does it help passwords, passkeys, and safety codes, however you may as well save id and bank card info and even essential paperwork. 1Password helps all main platforms, together with Home windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. One disadvantage, particularly in case you are used to Microsoft Authenticator, is that 1Password is a paid app. Particular person plans begin at $2.99 monthly.
- Bitwarden: Along with 1Password, there may be one other different cross-platform password supervisor champ: Bitwarden. Like all good password managers, it affords sturdy password administration and passkey help. It additionally helps all the main platforms, together with Home windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and extra. Better of all, Bitwarden affords a free tier of the app, permitting anybody to make use of its password administration characteristic. Nonetheless, if you would like a password supervisor that additionally handles your safety codes, like Authenticator does, you’ll have to improve to a Bitwarden plan, which begins at $10/12 months.
Don’t overlook to export your passwords from Microsoft Authenticator
For those who do swap to one of many above apps, you’ll have to switch your passwords from Microsoft Authenticator to the app you select.
Simply do it rapidly. Microsoft will delete all of your passwords saved in Authenticator on August 1, 2025. From that date, you’ll have to obtain Microsoft Edge and export them from the corporate’s internet browser as a substitute.
To export your passwords from Authenticator earlier than the August deadline, observe Microsoft’s directions right here.
