Microsoft Authenticator will stop password access soon

Microsoft will soon disable password access within its mobile app, affecting many users.

Popular app feature will soon deny access to millions of passwords

Microsoft plans to discontinue the password storage feature within its Authenticator app. Starting in August, users will no longer be able to access their stored passwords directly from the app. The transition began months ago, with users blocked from adding new passwords in June and the autofill feature disabled in July. Microsoft has hinted that the cutoff could happen at any moment this month. Users will still be able to access their passwords through Microsoft Edge but any passwords not saved may be permanently lost. Despite this change, Microsoft Authenticator will remain available for two-factor authentication and passkey management.

This move marks a significant shift in how Microsoft handles password security. By pushing users to rely on Microsoft Edge for password management, the company emphasizes the growing importance of passkeys over traditional passwords, which are increasingly vulnerable to breaches. As more tech giants embrace this transition, it raises questions about user adaptation and the long-term future of password management. Users must now be proactive in safeguarding their information as Microsoft phases out this feature without a robust alternative in the Authenticator app's current capabilities.

Highlights

As technology evolves, users must keep pace or risk losing access to their digital identities.