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Say goodbye to Microsoft Authenticator's password management feature

Michael Grothaus|Published

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Image: Freepik

Users of Microsoft apps are having a rough year. First, in May, the Windows maker shut down the popular VOIP calling app, Skype, for good. Microsoft said it was done so that the company could focus on its latest communications app darling, Microsoft Teams.

Now, Microsoft has announced that it is nerfing one of its most popular mobile apps, too. While not shutting the app down completely, Microsoft Authenticator is about to go through a radical downgrade. The app previously acted as a password manager and authentication app, but starting this month, Microsoft has stripped Authenticator’s ability to autofill your saved passwords. And come August, Microsoft will delete all your saved passwords from Authenticator.

This means that just as users of Skype needed to find a new VOIP app, those who use Microsoft Authenticator as a password manager will need to hurry up and find a new one. Here’s why Microsoft is making its changes to Authenticator, and the alternative password managers you may want to migrate to before the August deadline.

Why is Microsoft killing Authenticator’s password management feature?

Microsoft first introduced Authenticator in 2016 as a stand-alone app used to manage two-factor authentication security codes. In 2020, it added password management support to Authenticator, making the app a one-stop shop for autofilling passwords and security codes on websites.

However, in 2020, Microsoft also introduced its new Edge browser, and since then, Edge has become a top priority for the company. And Microsoft has now decided that Edge should act as a Microsoft user’s password manager of choice, partly due to the fact that the Edge browser supports multiple platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more, while Authenticator only supports iOS and Android. 

The logic here is that if Edge is now your password manager, all your passwords will be accessible on every device logged into Edge. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft will automatically transfer a user’s saved passwords from Authenticator to Edge before permanently deleting them from Authenticator next month.

This move is great for people who don’t mind a web browser serving as their password manager. However, many people prefer a dedicated password manager app because it is usually more versatile, offers advanced features like password sharing, and integrates seamlessly with various desktop and mobile browsers.

If you are in that second group, you’ll want to export your passwords from Authenticator before they are deleted and import them into a new dedicated password manager app—but which one to use?

Microsoft Authenticator password manager alternatives

There is no shortage of dedicated password managers out there. However, if you are moving from Microsoft Authenticator, there are three in particular that you might want to consider: 

  • Apple Passwords: This is Apple’s designated password manager, which the company introduced last year. The biggest advantage of Apple Passwords is its clean, simple interface. It lets you store not only your passwords, but your passkeys and security codes, too. The Apple Passwords app is perfect if you operate primarily in Apple’s ecosystem, but the app also supports Windows PCs (via the iCloud app) and major browsers, including Chrome and Firefox. The app is also free to use. However, Apple Passwords does not support Android, so if you have a ‘droid, it’s best to consider using one of the two password managers below.
  • 1Password: One of the most popular password managers on the planet is 1Password. It’s also one of the most versatile. Not only does it support passwords, passkeys, and security codes, but you can also save identity and credit card information and even important documents. 1Password supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. One drawback, especially if you are used to Microsoft Authenticator, is that 1Password is a paid app. Individual plans start at $2.99 per month.
  • Bitwarden: In addition to 1Password, there is another other cross-platform password manager champ: Bitwarden. Like all good password managers, it offers robust password management and passkey support. It also supports all the major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. Best of all, Bitwarden offers a free tier of the app, allowing anyone to use its password management feature. However, if you want a password manager that also handles your security codes, like Authenticator does, you’ll need to upgrade to a Bitwarden plan, which starts at $10/year.

Don’t forget to export your passwords from Microsoft Authenticator

If you do switch to one of the above apps, you’ll need to transfer your passwords from Microsoft Authenticator to the app you choose. 

Just do it quickly. Microsoft will delete all your passwords stored in Authenticator on August 1, 2025. From that date, you’ll need to download Microsoft Edge and export them from the company’s web browser instead.

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