Technology

Say Goodbye to Passwords: Microsoft’s Bold New Move and How to Safeguard Your Accounts

2025-07-13

Author: Wei Ling

Microsoft Ditches Passwords: What You Need to Know

Microsoft is steering us toward a password-free world, and it’s happening now! Starting August 1, the Authenticator app will completely abandon support for passwords. This comes after significant changes: new password creation was halted in June and autofill functionality was disabled in July.

The Shift to Passkeys: A Safer Alternative

Historically, Microsoft Authenticator has been the go-to solution for managing multi-factor authentication and saved passwords. But with a major pivot, it’s now focusing solely on passkeys. These innovative credentials utilize methods like PINs, fingerprint scans, and facial recognition—making them quicker, more secure, and virtually unstealable compared to traditional passwords.

Digital security expert Attila Tomaschek from CNET highlights the advantages of this shift: "Passwords can be cracked, while passkeys require both public and locally stored private keys for access, significantly reducing the risk of phishing and other attacks."

Bad Password Habits Exposed

Surprisingly, a CNET survey reveals that nearly 49% of US adults engage in risky password practices, such as reusing passwords or relying on easy-to-guess hints. These habits not only make accounts vulnerable but also create opportunities for identity theft and fraud.

Prepare for the Upcoming Transition

If you’re an avid user of Authenticator, now's the time to prepare for this significant change before August 1. Here’s what you should know.

Official Timeline: Goodbye Passwords!

Microsoft Authenticator has traditionally allowed users to access multiple Microsoft accounts using various secure methods. However, with the ban on adding passwords in June, users will soon lose the ability to autofill passwords, and by next month, saved passwords will be completely gone.

Store Passwords in Microsoft Edge—For Now

If you’re resistant to transitioning to passkeys, you can still store passwords in Microsoft Edge. However, experts encourage users to adopt passkeys for a safer future. As Tomaschek explains, "Passkeys utilize public key cryptography, eliminating the need for user-created passwords that are often weak or repetitively used."

Understanding Passkeys: The Future of Authentication

So, what exactly are passkeys? Developed by the Fast Identity Online Alliance, passkeys rely on biometric data or PINs to validate identity, making them a more secure alternative to traditional passwords.

Unlike passwords, which live on servers and can be easily targeted by hackers, passkeys are stored solely on your device. This not only alleviates the hassle of remembering numerous passwords but also removes the need for a password manager.

Setting Up Your Passkey in Microsoft Authenticator

According to a Microsoft blog post, the app will automatically suggest the most suitable passkey setup for you and make it your default option. Here’s how to set it up: Open the Authenticator app, tap on your account, and select "Set up a passkey." You’ll need to log in using your current credentials, after which you can get your passkey ready for future logins.

Embrace the Change!

With this critical update on the horizon, now is the ideal time to embrace a more secure authentication model. Get ready to say farewell to passwords and embrace the sleek, safe world of passkeys!