Password Autofill Disappears from Microsoft Authenticator, Users Must Switch Quickly

Microsoft Authenticator’s password management capabilities are being phased out on a strict timeline. In June 2025, users lost the ability to add or import new passwords into the app.

By July 2025, the autofill feature will cease to function entirely, meaning users can no longer rely on Authenticator to automatically fill in their credentials for websites and apps.

The most critical deadline arrives in August 2025, when all saved passwords will become inaccessible and any unsaved generated passwords will be deleted permanently.

This transition affects a vast user base, as Microsoft Authenticator has been downloaded over 100 million times and is deeply integrated into Microsoft’s ecosystem.

The company has issued clear warnings, urging users to export their passwords and migrate to alternative solutions before the cutoff.

Microsoft’s Passwordless Vision Accelerates

Microsoft’s decision is part of a broader strategy to eliminate traditional passwords, which remain a major security vulnerability. The company blocks an estimated 7,000 password attacks per second, a number that has doubled in the past year, demonstrating the importance of developing stronger authentication methods.

Technologies like passkeys, Windows Hello, and FIDO2-based authentication are being promoted as safer alternatives.

Passkeys, in particular, allow users to authenticate using biometrics or device PINs, making phishing and password reuse attacks far less effective.

Microsoft’s move signals a decisive shift toward these modern, passwordless solutions.

Did you know?
Microsoft Authenticator first launched in 2016 as a simple two-factor authentication app. It only added password management and autofill features in 2020, making its password phase-out a rapid reversal in less than five years.

What Users Must Do to Secure Their Credentials

With the end of autofill and password storage in Authenticator, users must act quickly to avoid losing access to their credentials. Microsoft recommends exporting passwords from Authenticator and importing them into another password manager.

Options include Microsoft Edge, Apple iCloud Keychain, Bitwarden, and Google Password Manager, all of which support secure syncing, biometric unlock, and encrypted backups.

To maintain seamless login experiences, users should set their chosen password manager as the default autofill provider on their devices. For those staying within the Microsoft ecosystem, saved passwords and addresses will be synced to their Microsoft account and can be accessed via the Edge browser, which now serves as the company’s recommended autofill solution.

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Implications for Security and User Experience

The removal of password autofill from Authenticator underscores the growing urgency to adopt stronger security practices. While the transition may inconvenience users accustomed to Authenticator’s integrated password management, the long-term benefits include reduced exposure to phishing, credential stuffing, and other password-based attacks.

However, the shift also raises concerns about user readiness and the risk of credential loss if migration steps are not followed promptly. Experts stress the importance of acting before the August deadline to ensure uninterrupted access to online accounts and services.

The Future of Microsoft Authenticator and Digital Identity

Microsoft Authenticator will continue to function as a robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) tool, supporting passkeys and verification codes for secure logins.

The app’s role as a password manager, however, will end permanently. Users who disable Authenticator as their passkey provider will also lose access to passkey-based authentication for their Microsoft accounts.

This change is a clear signal that the era of passwords is drawing to a close, with major tech firms accelerating the adoption of passwordless technologies. As digital threats evolve, users and organizations alike must adapt to new standards in identity management and security.