Convenient Microsoft Authenticator Autofill Feature Set for Early Retirement by August 2025—Users Urged to Migrate to Edge Instead

Microsoft has officially begun the phased retirement of the Autofill feature in its Microsoft Authenticator app, marking a significant shift in how millions of users manage their passwords and payment information across devices. This move, set to complete by August 2025, is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to consolidate credential management within its Edge browser, streamlining user experience and security across its ecosystem.

Microsoft Authenticator Autofill Changes

• June 2025: Users can no longer add or import new passwords into the Authenticator app. The ability to save new credentials is immediately disabled.

• July 2025: The Autofill feature itself will stop working. Any payment information stored in Authenticator will be deleted from devices. Users will receive in-app notifications warning them to export their passwords before the cutoff.

• August 2025: All saved passwords and unsaved generated passwords will become inaccessible in Authenticator. Users who have not migrated or exported their data by this date risk permanent loss of access.

Why Is Microsoft Making This Change?

Microsoft’s rationale is to “streamline autofill so you can use saved passwords easily across devices,” according to official support documentation. By focusing on Edge as the central hub for password management, Microsoft aims to offer a more unified, secure, and AI-enhanced experience, leveraging features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor, and InPrivate search.

What Should Users Do?

1. Migrate to Microsoft Edge: Passwords and addresses stored in Authenticator are already synced to users’ Microsoft accounts. To continue using autofill, users must:

• Download Microsoft Edge on their device.

• Set Edge as the default autofill provider in device settings.

• Sign in with their Microsoft account to sync passwords and addresses.

2. Export Passwords (If Needed): For those preferring another password manager, Microsoft allows password exports from Authenticator before August 1, 2025. Payment information, however, must be re-entered manually.

3. Passkeys Support: Authenticator will continue to support passkeys for passwordless authentication. Users relying on passkeys must keep Authenticator enabled as their passkey provider.

What Users and Enterprises Should Look Out For

While the transition may be seamless for many consumers, IT professionals and organizations relying on Authenticator’s password vault should be aware of the security implications. Some experts warn that browser-based password managers may not offer the same level of enterprise-grade security, visibility, or compliance controls as dedicated solutions4. Organizations with complex identity security needs are encouraged to evaluate enterprise-grade password managers as part of their migration strategy.

The deprecation of Autofill in Microsoft Authenticator is a pivotal change in Microsoft’s approach to password management. Users are urged to act promptly—migrating to Edge or exporting their data—to avoid losing access to their credentials. As Microsoft doubles down on Edge as its password management platform, both individuals and organizations should reassess their credential management strategies to ensure security and continuity.