Microsoft has announced that the Microsoft Authenticator app will no longer support password storage or autofill capabilities starting this July. Microsoft is quickly moving to passwordless authentication methods.
Password Autofill Support Ending in Stages
Beginning in July, Microsoft Authenticator will cease supporting the autofilling of saved passwords. At the same time, stored payment information will also be removed from the application. By August, all saved passwords will be deleted from the app entirely. Users who wish to retain access to their stored credentials should export them before this deadline, and/or import this data into an alternative password manager.
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Microsoft will automatically synchronize previously saved passwords with the user's Microsoft account. This will allow the user to access them through Microsoft Edge. Additionally, the user can set Edge as the default autofill provider on the device. Obviously, this will only work if you use Edge on your smartphone. Otherwise, you must migrate your data to another password management solution before full removal occurs.
Continued Support for Passkeys
While Microsoft Authenticator will no longer manage passwords, the application will continue to support passkey-based authentication. Passkeys are a more secure method for signing into accounts by using device-bound biometric or PIN-based verification, such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
Originally launched in 2016 as a multifactor authentication tool, Microsoft Authenticator has since evolved to include mobile single sign-in and credential synchronization. The company introduced password storage functionality to Microsoft Authenticator in 2020. But Microsoft no longer considers traditional passwords safe, and insists on using its modern solutions like integration with the FIDO2 standard and Windows Hello. Microsoft recommends that app users review available migration options. Instructions for exporting passwords and configuring Microsoft Edge as the default autofill provider are now available directly on Microsoft’s official website.
The current removal of password-related features does not affect other critical functions of the Authenticator app, such as one-time password generation or Azure AD login approvals. Further details regarding the change can be found in Microsoft’s official documentation and support resources.
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