In a surprising move, Microsoft is advising all users of its revered Authenticator app to swiftly back up their passwords to the Edge browser. This notification follows the tech giant’s decision to discontinue the password management feature within the Authenticator app, effective from next month. What does this shift entail for users everywhere, and how can they ensure a smooth transition? Let’s delve deeper.
Transitioning Password Management from Authenticator to Edge
Microsoft published a detailed blog post explaining this strategic move. Users have benefitted from Authenticator’s ability to store and autofill passwords, but starting June 2025, they must rely on Microsoft Edge for these functions. “Your saved passwords will synchronize with your Microsoft account and remain accessible through Microsoft Edge,” the company reassures, highlighting Edge’s secure AI-driven features like Password Monitor and Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. According to Times of India, these changes aim at unifying password management under one streamlined platform.
Deadline Looms: Phased Rollout Explained
The timeline for this significant change is clear. Starting June 2025, users will no longer save new passwords in Authenticator. As July unfolds, autofill support will cease, with complete inaccessibility by August 2025. Similarly, credit card details currently housed in Authenticator will be deleted, requiring users to manual re-enter them in Edge—a crucial step to prevent data loss.
How to Transition Your Passwords Seamlessly to Edge
For those wondering how to subscribe to Edge’s password management, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- For iPhone Users:
- Download Microsoft Edge.
- Navigate through General settings, choose “Autofill & Passwords.”
- Select Edge as the default autofill provider.
- Sync passwords to your Microsoft account.
- For Android Users:
- Download the Edge browser.
- Access Autofill through device settings.
- Select Edge under Preferred Service.
- Sign in, and activate password sync.
Both iPhone and Android users must ensure that the Authenticator remains enabled if using passkeys linked to their Microsoft account. Disabling it may result in losing access to these critical passkeys.
Additional Precautions to Take Before the Deadline
For security-sensitive users, it’s pivotal to note that payment data will not sync automatically due to security measures, hence manual input into Edge will be necessary. Furthermore, Android users with work or school passkeys should ensure the Authenticator toggle is kept on within settings.
The Final Word on Microsoft’s Move
As Microsoft gradually phases out a pivotal feature from its Authenticator app, alignment with Edge emerges as necessary for continued password safety. Users should act promptly, following this articulated roadmap for an uninterrupted switch to Edge.
With passwords being a gateway to digital realms, this transition signifies both risk and renewal, pushing users to adapt swiftly for digital security’s sake.