Microsoft sparks chaos for millions as essential app is axed

Microsoft is shutting down an essential feature in an app that is used by millions to log into accounts.

The tech giant announced this week that users will no longer be able to store passwords in its Authenticator app, which is an extra layer of security for accounts that generates one-time passwords.

Around 75 million people use the app to store their credentials, but Microsoft will start deleting the codes starting in August.  

This will impact users of Microsoft services like Outlook, Excel, and those using Android and iOS smartphones.

If you use Authenticator to manage your logins, you need to act now. Export your passwords or switch to another password manager to avoid losing access. 

This change is part of Microsoft’s larger plan to make its security tools simpler and to get more people to use its Edge web browser.

Right now, Edge holds just 5.2 percent of the global browser market. By comparison, Google Chrome dominates with over 66 percent.

After the changes, users will need to use Edge to access their saved passwords, unless they move them to another app.

Microsoft will start deleting all saved passwords from its Authenticator app, leaving up to 75 million users without access to their stored login credentials unless they act now.

Microsoft is accelerating its move away from traditional passwords and urging users to adopt passkey, a login method that uses your fingerprint or face to sign in securely.

The tech giant says the change is urgent, citing a massive rise in cyberattacks. 

Microsoft now blocks over 7,000 password-based attacks every second, nearly double the number seen last year.

To support the shift, the transition began in June when the company stopped users from adding or importing new passwords into the app. 

This month, Microsoft will remove the ability to auto-fill login information for websites and apps. 

Then, in August, all saved and unsaved passwords, along with any payment information stored in the app, will be permanently deleted.

Users who don’t transition to passkeys soon could find themselves locked out of important accounts, including email, banking, and social media apps.

Microsoft argues that passkeys offer stronger security because they can’t be reused, guessed, or stolen in phishing attacks. 

Around 75 million people use the app to store their credentials, but Microsoft will start deleting the codes starting in August

The Authenticator app will continue to support passkeys, but there’s an important caveat. 

If you’ve set up passkeys tied to your Microsoft account, you must keep the app active; disabling or deleting it will also disable access to your passkey logins.

If you do not use passkeys, Microsoft recommends switching to a different password manager and removing Authenticator as your autofill tool.

Good alternatives include Google Password Manager, Apple iCloud Keychain, Bitwarden, and 1Password. 

These apps let you store and sync passwords safely across your devices.

To export your saved passwords from Authenticator, go to Settings, click on Export Passwords, click on Export, then move the file into your new password app.

Microsoft warns that the exported file is not encrypted, meaning anyone who gets it could read it. You should delete it right after transferring.

Addresses saved in the app would not move automatically, either. You can copy them manually or export them using Microsoft Edge.

Payment information would not carry over at all. You will have to re-enter your credit card or billing info in your new password manager.

Microsoft has not released any academic research or outside studies to back this move. No independent funding or formal publication has been linked to this decision.

Still, Microsoft says this is part of its long-term plan to improve online safety and simplify how users manage their accounts.

Not everyone is on board. Some tech experts say this change could create confusion or inconvenience.

‘Microsoft’s decision to phase out password management from Authenticator represents a significant shift in the company’s approach to digital security,’ said Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of business product at NordPass, in a statement to TechRadar Pro.

‘It seems like Microsoft is simplifying credential management… In theory, it’s a win-win. But people may not wish to move.’

With over 100 million downloads on Android and tight links to Microsoft 365, Authenticator has been a go-to app for millions of users in the US.