If you’ve been using Microsoft Authenticator to store your passwords, it’s time to act. On August 1st, Microsoft will permanently delete all saved passwords and payment data from the app—ending its use as a credential vault.
The app will continue to support two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkeys. But if you’ve relied on it for autofill or password storage, your data is about to disappear.
What’s Changing in Authenticator?
Millions use Microsoft Authenticator for time-based 2FA codes, password storage, and credential autofill. That convenience ends with this update.
Microsoft started the phaseout in June, blocking new password entries. By July, autofill had stopped working. Now, in the final step, all previously saved passwords and payment details are being deleted.
Once the deletion occurs, there’s no recovery. Your password vault will be wiped clean.
Your 2FA codes and passkeys remain safe. You can still use Authenticator for login approvals and biometric authentication. But for password storage, the countdown has ended.
Why Microsoft Made the Change
Microsoft is shifting password storage to the Edge browser, which syncs with your Microsoft account. The company wants to consolidate all autofill features into one place—and push users toward its browser ecosystem.
At the same time, Microsoft is driving a larger movement: a passwordless future. The company believes passkeys—secure credentials tied to devices and biometrics—are the answer to stolen, reused, and phished passwords.
“New accounts will default to passwordless login,” Microsoft confirmed.
What You Should Do Now
If you’ve stored credentials in Authenticator, open the app and export your data. Use the in-app export tool to create a CSV file, but delete it after transferring it to another service. Never leave it unencrypted on your device.
Options include:
- Microsoft Edge – Microsoft’s preferred solution, but may not suit all users.
- 1Password, NordPass, or RoboForm – Strong third-party password managers.
- iCloud Keychain – Ideal for Apple users.
- Google Password Manager – Great for Android or Chrome users.
Note: Payment card data will not transfer to Edge and will be permanently deleted.
Also, don’t delete the Authenticator app. You still need it for passkeys, 2FA, and push-based login approvals. Removing the app could lock you out of vital services.
Microsoft’s Broader Vision
This move isn’t just a feature removal—it’s a sign of where digital identity is heading. Passkeys are already replacing passwords on UK government sites, including NHS and HMRC platforms. Microsoft wants to lead this shift.
Unlike passwords, passkeys are not reused or stolen. They live on your device and work with your fingerprint, face, or device PIN.
Typing passwords might soon feel as outdated as using a floppy disk. The tech industry is moving on—and Microsoft Authenticator’s update is a major step in that direction.
Conclusion
Microsoft Authenticator deletes passwords on August 1st, pushing users toward passwordless security. If you’ve stored login credentials in the app, now’s the time to act. Export your data, choose a new password manager, and prepare for the shift—because the future of login is already here.
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