Microsoft has canceled support for the password manager feature in its Microsoft Authenticator app, effective August 1, 2025. If you currently use Microsoft Authenticator for storing or auto-filling your passwords, you need to take action sooner than later. After this date, your passwords will be permanently deleted, and auto-filling passwords will not work.
To transition to a dedicated password manager safely and securely, please follow these steps:
Why is Microsoft Removing the Password Manager Feature?
Microsoft is shutting down password storage and autofill capabilities in favor of adopting secure passwordless sign-in methods, including passkeys and Windows Hello. This is part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to combat phishing and reduce risks related to stolen credentials by discontinuing reliance on stored passwords. To avoid any data loss, you will need to migrate your passwords elsewhere before the password manager feature is eliminated!
How to Export Passwords from Microsoft Authenticator?
If you choose to switch applications, it is worthwhile to first export your credentials:
- Launch the Microsoft Authenticator App on your phone.
- Navigate to Passwords.
- Select Export or Backup (typically found in Settings or Password Management)
Options for Different Password Managers
- Bitwarden: Open-source, security-conscious, free, and premium options.
- 1Password: Easy to use/use interface, great encryption, family sharing.
- LastPass: Free and premium versions, supported on a wide variety of devices.
- Dashlane: This password manager has security alerts and has a built-in VPN.
- Apple iCloud Keychain/ Google Password Manager: Convenient if you are engaged in the Apple or Google ecosystem.
Getting Passwords Into Your New Manager
Once you have decided on a new password manager and know it will be your new home, it’s time to follow through.
- Download on as many devices as you think will be useful (cell phone, personal computer, web browser extension).
- Log in or create an account.
- Use the Import tool (you will find it in the Settings or Tools part of the dashboard) to load your exported password file into the new password manager.
- Follow the steps in the import wizard to properly layout and set up your credentials.
- Almost every service will offer detailed step-by-step instructions for the import process.
Setting It As Your Default
Now that it will only take one step to log in:
- For mobile devices – Go to Settings > Passwords & Auto-fill (depends on operating system) to set your new password manager as your default password and auto-fill application.
- For personal computers (using a browser extension) – Be sure to activate the auto-fill functionality.
We can now accurately say our password manager will autofill all credentials for any website and application.
Clean and Secure Set-Up
Now that everything has transferred:
- Delete any exported password file from your platform.
- If you have previously been using Microsoft Authenticator, delete your stored credentials here too, to know exactly where to find your credentials.
- You should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in your new password manager for added security in addition to using a password manager.
Don’t forget to review and change your passwords now and then (for your most important accounts).
Final Thoughts
As Microsoft is discontinuing password management support in Authenticator and they are ending all services on August 1, 2025, it is important to act sooner rather than later to prepare for this transition. The process of exporting the password credentials with Authenticator, selecting a password manager, and properly configuring the password manager helps ensure your digital identity is protected and that you are ready for a transition to a passwordless world.
