Microsoft Authenticator to Drop Password Autofill: Users Must Switch to Edge or Export Data by August 2025

Microsoft has announced a significant change for its Authenticator app: the password autofill and storage features will be discontinued starting July 2025, with all saved passwords becoming inaccessible by August 2025. This move will push users to Microsoft Edge for password management or require them to export their credentials to another service before the deadline. Here’s what you need to know, how to prepare, and the broader context behind Microsoft’s decision.

Why Is Microsoft Making This Change?

Microsoft Authenticator has long been a trusted tool for two-factor authentication (2FA) and, since 2020, for storing and autofilling passwords on mobile devices. However, Microsoft is now streamlining its credential management by consolidating password storage and autofill features within its Edge browser. This transition is part of the company’s broader push towards a passwordless future, emphasizing more secure authentication methods like passkeys and multifactor authentication.

“Microsoft is streamlining autofill so you can use saved passwords easily across devices. As part of these updates, autofill in Microsoft Authenticator will be discontinued from July 2025.”

Important Dates and Deadlines

• June 2025:
  Users can no longer add or import new passwords into Microsoft Authenticator.

• July 2025:
  Autofill and password storage features in Authenticator will stop working. Any payment information stored in the app will be deleted and will not be transferred to Edge or any other app automatically.

• August 2025:
  All saved passwords and any unsaved generated passwords will be permanently inaccessible in Authenticator. Users who have not exported their data by this point will lose access to it.

What Happens to Your Saved Data?

• Passwords and Addresses:
  Saved passwords (but not generated password history) and addresses will be securely synced to your Microsoft account. You can continue accessing them and enjoy autofill functionality through Microsoft Edge, provided you set Edge as your device’s default autofill provider.

• Payment Information:
  Any payment data stored in Authenticator will be deleted after July 2025 and will not be automatically migrated to Edge. Users will need to manually re-enter this information in Edge or another password manager.

• Passkeys:
  Microsoft Authenticator will continue to support passkeys. If you use passkeys for your Microsoft account, keep Authenticator enabled as your passkey provider. Disabling the app will also disable your passkeys.

How to Transition: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Switch to Microsoft Edge for Password Management

• Download Microsoft Edge on your device (iOS or Android).

• Go to your device’s Settings:

  • On iPhone:
    Settings > General > Autofill & Passwords > Autofill from > Edge

  • On Android:
    Settings > Autofill > Preferred Service > Change > Edge

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

• Access your passwords in Edge via:
  Settings > Passwords.

2. Export Passwords to Another Password Manager

• Open Microsoft Authenticator.

• Navigate to:
  Menu > Settings > Autofill > Export Passwords

• Select an export location and tap Save.

• Import the exported file into your preferred password manager.

• Note: Only passwords and addresses can be exported; payment information must be manually re-entered elsewhere.

3. Manual Entry for Payment Information

• After July 2025, all payment data in Authenticator will be deleted.

• Manually add your credit card or payment details to Edge or your new password manager.

Why Is Microsoft Pushing Users to (the) Edge?

Microsoft’s decision is driven by a desire to centralize password management, enhance security, and promote its AI-powered Edge browser. Edge offers advanced security features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor, and InPrivate search, aiming to provide a seamless and secure experience across devices.

Additionally, Microsoft is accelerating its efforts to move users away from traditional passwords, which are increasingly seen as vulnerable to cyberattacks. The company is investing heavily in passkeys and passwordless authentication, which use device-based verification methods like PINs, biometrics, or hardware tokens.

“There’s no doubt about it: The password era is ending… Microsoft’s answer? Passkeys! And the changes to Microsoft Authenticator are part of this push.”

What If You Don’t Want to Use Edge?

If you prefer not to use Microsoft Edge, you can export your passwords from Authenticator and import them into another password manager, such as Google Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, or any third-party solution. However, you must do this before August 2025 to avoid losing access to your data.

What About Security and Privacy?

Microsoft assures users that passwords and addresses are securely synced to your Microsoft account during this transition. However, for security reasons, payment information is not synced and must be manually re-entered. The company emphasizes that Edge’s password manager is designed with robust security features, including AI-based threat detection and encrypted storage.

Microsoft Authenticator’s Future Role

While password management is being moved out of Authenticator, the app will continue to play a central role in multifactor authentication and passkey support. It remains a critical tool for securing Microsoft accounts, Azure AD, GitHub, and non-Microsoft platforms through time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), push notifications, and biometric confirmations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you want to see all questions included in the official Microsoft FAQ, visit this page.

Q: Will my passwords automatically transfer to Edge?
A: Yes, if you sign in to Edge with the same Microsoft account and set Edge as your autofill provider, your passwords and addresses will sync automatically. Payment info will not transfer and must be re-entered manually.

Q: Can I use another password manager instead of Edge?
A: Yes, you can export your passwords from Authenticator and import them into another password manager before August 2025.

Q: What happens to generated passwords and passkeys?
A: Generated passwords not saved to your account will be deleted after August 2025. Passkeys will continue to be supported in Authenticator, but you must keep the app enabled as your passkey provider.

The end of password autofill in Microsoft Authenticator marks a major shift in Microsoft’s approach to digital security and user experience. By consolidating password management in Edge and promoting passkeys, Microsoft aims to simplify and secure how users access their accounts across devices.

Download Microsoft Authenticator on Android

Download Microsoft Authenticator on iOS

Action Required:

• Set up Microsoft Edge as your autofill provider or export your passwords to another manager before August 2025.

• Manually re-enter any payment information you wish to keep.

• Keep Authenticator enabled if you rely on passkeys for Microsoft accounts.

For more breaking Microsoft news and detailed how-to guides, visit msftnewsnow.com.