I’ve relied on Microsoft Authenticator for years. It’s been my all-in-one digital keychain, handling everything from two-factor codes to storing my passwords. It was simple and it just worked. That’s why, when I saw the notification, I had to read it twice. Microsoft is killing the password manager feature, and the final password export deadline is looming. If you’re like me and use this app, you need to export your Microsoft Authenticator passwords right now, because the company is planning a complete Authenticator password deletion in August.
What’s Actually Happening with Microsoft Authenticator?
Let’s break down the timeline, because it’s happening fast. Microsoft has been phasing out the password manager feature in stages, and we’re now in the final stretch.
- Since June 2025: You can no longer add or import new passwords into the app.
- During July 2025: The autofill feature stops working, and any payment info you have stored will be deleted.
- From August 1, 2025: All your saved passwords will become completely inaccessible and will be permanently deleted from the Authenticator app.
This isn’t a drill. If you don’t act, your saved passwords will be gone for good from the app. The core function of Authenticator generating 2FA codes and managing passkeys will continue to work, but its days as a password vault are over.
My First Reaction: Why the Sudden Push?
Honestly, my first thought was, “Why?” Why would Microsoft remove a feature that so many people find useful? The company’s official reason is all about security and streamlining. In a blog post, Microsoft pointed to a scary statistic: they observed a staggering 7,000 password attacks per second in 2024, more than double the rate from the previous year.
Their solution is to push us toward a “passwordless future” by encouraging the use of passkeys. By moving the traditional password management features exclusively into the Microsoft Edge password manager, they are consolidating their services and, not so subtly, trying to get more people to use their browser. It’s a strategic move that’s part of the larger tech trends for 2025, where companies are trying to create more integrated (and locked-in) ecosystems.
The Big Question: What Do I Do Now?
After the initial shock, I realized I had two clear options. You do too.
Option 1: The Microsoft Way (Move to Edge)
If you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem, this is the path of least resistance. Your passwords aren’t just on your phone; they’re synced to your Microsoft account. To keep using them for autofill, you need to:
- Download the Microsoft Edge browser on your phone.
- Go into your phone’s settings and set Edge as your default autofill provider.
- Sign in to Edge with the same Microsoft account you use for Authenticator.
Your passwords and addresses will sync over, but be warned: your payment information will not. For security reasons, you’ll have to re-enter your credit card details manually in Edge.
Option 2: The Escape Route (Exporting to Another Manager)
Like many people, I’m not a huge fan of being forced to switch browsers. So, I chose this option. You can export your passwords from Authenticator into a simple CSV file that can be imported into almost any other password manager.
Here’s how you do it:
- Open the Authenticator app.
- Go to Settings.
- Under the “Autofill” section, select Export Passwords.
- Follow the prompts to save the file to your device or a cloud service.
A Crucial Security Warning: This is incredibly important. The CSV file you export is completely unencrypted. It’s a plain text file with all of your usernames and passwords visible to anyone who opens it. Once you’ve successfully imported this file into your new password manager, you must delete it immediately to protect yourself.
Finding a New Home for My Passwords: Secure Password Alternatives
This whole situation forced me to look at other secure password alternatives, and frankly, there are some excellent options out there. I ended up moving my data to Bitwarden, an open-source password manager that also includes a 2FA code generator, effectively replacing everything I used Authenticator for. Other popular and highly-rated choices include 1Password and the built-in password managers from Google and Apple.
If you’re looking for a new password manager, I’d recommend checking out a comprehensive guide from a trusted source.
The Bigger Trend: Are We Being Pushed Around?
This move by Microsoft feels like more than just a product update. It’s a reflection of the major global tech trends where convenience and security are used to guide users into a company’s preferred ecosystem. By removing a key feature from a standalone app and making it exclusive to their browser, Microsoft is using its security platform to boost its browser market share.
It’s a powerful reminder that the free tools we rely on can change at any moment. Understanding modern tech means recognizing these strategic shifts and being prepared to adapt. This is one of those moments. As we continue decoding the core technologies of 2025, the battle for who manages our digital identity our passwords, our passkeys, our data is only going to get more intense.
Ultimately, while I’m annoyed that I had to spend my afternoon migrating dozens of passwords, I’m also grateful for the wake-up call. The password export deadline of August 1st is not a suggestion. I’ve already moved my data to a new home. If you haven’t, don’t wait until it’s too late.