Urgent: Save Your Passwords to Edge as Microsoft Shifts Away from Authenticator

The End of Password Management in Authenticator

In a significant decision, Microsoft has announced it will soon phase out the password management feature from its widely used Authenticator app. This move, set to start in June 2025, will require users to transition their saved passwords to Microsoft’s Edge browser.

What This Means for Users

With the phaseout beginning in June, users will no longer be able to save new passwords in the Authenticator app. By August 2025, access to existing saved passwords will be disabled. As stated in Times of India, Microsoft is urging its users to act swiftly to ensure a seamless transition.

Password Transition Made Easy

Microsoft has provided a roadmap for this transition. Users can sync their saved passwords and addresses from the Authenticator app to their Microsoft account, allowing continued access via the Edge browser. This shift is not merely a technical update but a step toward enhanced security with features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Password Monitor.

Setting Up Edge as Your Default Autofill Provider

Ensuring that Edge is set as your default autofill provider is crucial. For iPhone users, this involves selecting Edge under Autofill & Passwords in settings, while Android users must navigate through their device settings to choose Edge under Preferred Service.

Precautions and Considerations

An important aspect of this transition is ensuring payment information and passkeys are managed correctly. Users’ credit card details will not transfer automatically and must be re-entered into Edge manually. For security-conscious users with passkeys set with Microsoft, keeping Authenticator enabled as the Passkey Provider is essential.

Final Thoughts

The transition from Authenticator to Edge marks a pivotal change in Microsoft’s approach to password management. Facing this change with proactive steps will ensure users continue to enjoy seamless and secure access to their credentials in Microsoft’s ever-expanding ecosystem. This shift is more than just software evolution; it’s about future-proofing user security in a digital age.