Microsoft Authenticator is Ending Password Management: What It Means, How to Export Your Data, and Why Passkeys Are the Future
If you use Microsoft Authenticator, big changes are coming that could impact how you store and manage your passwords. Microsoft has announced that it will permanently remove password storage and autofill features from the Authenticator app starting August 1, 2025. This marks a major shift for anyone who uses Authenticator for more than just multifactor authentication (MFA) and raises important questions about migrating your login credentials—and, crucially, about the evolving future of online security.
Below, we’ll break down the what, why, and how:
What’s changing with Microsoft Authenticator
How to export your passwords safely
Where to store your passwords next
Why the industry is moving beyond passwords
Best practices for secure transitions
Your next steps
Let’s dive in.
What’s Changing in Microsoft Authenticator?
Microsoft Authenticator has provided an easy way to generate codes for 2FA, approve login requests, and—more recently—manage your passwords across devices. But, as part of a growing industry push away from traditional passwords, Microsoft is discontinuing Authenticator’s built-in password storage and autofill features.
The Timeline
June 2025: You’ll no longer be able to add or import new passwords to Authenticator.
July 2025: The app’s autofill feature will be disabled and existing payment info will be deleted.
August 1, 2025: Any passwords still stored in Authenticator will become permanently inaccessible.
Important:
These changes do not impact Authenticator’s core features for 2FA or login approvals. If you only use Authenticator for authentication codes and push notifications (as most users do), you’re in the clear: the app will keep working for those purposes.
Are You Affected?
Not Affected: If you never saved passwords in Microsoft Authenticator, you can safely ignore the password transition.
Affected: If you use Authenticator to save, auto-fill, or generate passwords, you must export them before August 1, 2025 to avoid losing access permanently.
Why Is Microsoft Removing Password Management from Authenticator?
The Underlying Problem: Passwords "Stink"
Passwords have long been considered the weakest link in digital security. Simple passwords, reused passwords, and those exposed to phishing attacks are constant sources of breaches. To put it in perspective:
Microsoft sees as many as 7,000 password attacks per second.
"123456" and similar easily guessable passwords remain shockingly common, and some recent high-profile attacks succeeded simply because people used trivial logins. The security community’s running joke: “Cyber criminals no longer have to break in—they can just log in.” That’s the reality these changes aim to address.
The Industry’s Response: Passkeys & Modern Authentication
Big tech companies—including Apple, Google, and now Microsoft—are shifting their strategies towards passkeys and passwordless authentication. These methods combine security and convenience by letting users sign in the same way they unlock their devices: fingerprint, face scan, or PIN. No passwords to memorize or phish.
By centralizing password autofill into Microsoft Edge, Microsoft hopes to provide:
Stronger integration across platforms
Fewer attack surfaces (one password store, not spread across apps)
Easier transition towards passwordless login
How to Export Your Passwords from Microsoft Authenticator
Moving credentials—even temporarily—can be stressful, but careful planning makes the process smooth and secure. Here’s what you should do.
1. Check What You’ve Stored in Authenticator
Open Microsoft Authenticator.
Tap on Passwords (or look for Autofill in the settings).
Review the list of stored logins, addresses, and payment info.
Note: Only passwords can be exported in bulk. For privacy, payment info and addresses will not be included and must be copied manually.
2. Decide Where You’ll Store Your Passwords Next
Microsoft Edge Password Manager
If you use only Windows and Microsoft products, moving to Edge’s built-in password manager is seamless and recommended by Microsoft.
Third-Party Password Managers
For cross-platform flexibility, consider a reputable app like:
1Password
Bitwarden
Dashlane
LastPass
Google Password Manager
iCloud Keychain
Research your preferred manager’s import options before exporting.
Need some ideas? Here are a couple of previous blog posts talking about password managers.
https://securitydoneeasy.com/post/comparing-password-managers
https://securitydoneeasy.com/post/password-panic-no-more-how-password-managers-save-time-and-sanity
3. Export Your Passwords Safely from Authenticator
Go to Settings > Autofill > Export Passwords.
The app may prompt you for a PIN, Face ID, or fingerprint for security.
Choose a secure local location to save the exported .csv file.
Do: Save to a folder that’s encrypted or at least not automatically synced to non-secure cloud storage.
Do Not: Email it to yourself, upload to cloud storage with weak security, or leave it unprotected on your device.
4. Import Passwords Into Your New Manager
Open your new password manager and look for an import option (often in Settings or Tools).
Select the CSV format if prompted.
Carefully follow the manager’s in-app instructions, as providers may require specific formatting.
After import, verify that all entries appear and fill as expected.
5. Manually Transfer Payment Info and Addresses
For security and compliance, Microsoft blocks export of payment methods and addresses.
Open each entry in Authenticator, then manually copy it into your new manager’s appropriate field or straight into your browser’s autofill.
6. Securely Delete the Export File
Once you’ve confirmed your passwords are safely imported and auto-fill works, delete the exported .csv file from your computer and any backup or email locations.
This file is unencrypted—a sitting duck for malware or accidental leaks if left around.
7. Disable Authenticator’s Autofill, and Test the New Setup
Turn off Autofill in Authenticator (Settings > Autofill > toggle off).
Enable autofill in your new password manager to avoid conflicts.
Try logging in to a few key sites to be sure your new system works and all critical credentials imported fully—especially for your bank, primary email, and social media.
Why Not Just Use a Browser for Passwords?
This is an ongoing debate among security professionals:
Benefits of Browser Password Managers (like Edge, Chrome, Safari):
Very convenient, auto-syncing across devices when logged in
Already integrated on most devices
Good for users who only stick within one ecosystem (e.g., only Microsoft devices)
Drawbacks:
Browsers can be more vulnerable to targeted malware (especially if extensions or plugins are installed).
Limited features compared to standalone password managers (no secure sharing, less granular permission controls, fewer security audits).
If you use both Microsoft and non-Microsoft systems, dedicated password managers work more reliably across platforms.
Bottom line:
Browser managers are better than nothing, but for advanced security and flexibility, a specialized password manager is often the top choice. At a minimum, don’t reuse passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your software updated.
Passkeys: The Passwordless Future is Now
The real story behind Authenticator’s password exit is the future of passkeys.
What Is a Passkey?
A passkey is a new type of credential that replaces passwords altogether. Instead of something you memorize, it uses cryptographic key pairs stored on your devices, unlocking them with Face ID, fingerprints, or a PIN—exactly how you already unlock your phone.
“A passkey is a passwordless, phishing-resistant login credential that allows users to authenticate to apps and websites with the same process they use to unlock their device. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys rely on cryptographic keys instead of memorized text, making them inherently more secure and much harder to steal.”
Why Are Passkeys Better?
No memorization, no reuse: You won’t need “password123” or sticky notes ever again.
Phishing resistance: Attackers can’t copy or trick you into entering your passkey on a fake site; the cryptographic check happens between device and server.
Can’t be reused or replayed: If a service is breached, your passkey is useless elsewhere.
Convenient and cross-platform: All major tech companies (Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon) are adopting passkeys. Support is rolling out in apps and browsers worldwide.
How Do I Start Using Passkeys?
Check if your major accounts (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, banks) offer passkey sign-in. Opt in or add as an authentication method where possible.
Password managers are increasingly supporting passkeys—check your manager’s website for info.
If you’re starting fresh or setting up new accounts, go passwordless!
Summing Up: Key Takeaways and Action Plan
If you only use Authenticator for 2FA, no problem—keep using it.
If you store passwords in Authenticator, you must export them by August 1, 2025 or risk losing access forever.
Move your passwords to Microsoft Edge or, for more flexibility, a standalone password manager.
Delete your export file after importing.
Enable and test your new system’s autofill.
Start exploring passkeys for supported logins—passwords are on their way out.
Never reuse simple passwords, and always enable two-factor authentication.
Don’t wait until the last minute: migrations sometimes take longer than planned, especially if you have a lot of entries or need to help friends, family, or employees do the same.
Stay Secure and Informed
These changes reflect the most significant evolution in personal and workplace digital security in decades. Moving away from passwords will require some up-front effort, but the benefit is a safer, smoother online experience for everyone.
If you want more tips, updates, or walk-throughs, check back for updates at securitydoneeasy dot com slash blog or wherever you get your security news.
Stay proactive, stay secure, and here’s to a future with far fewer passwords!
