Instructions on setting up a passkey and managing passwords in Authenticator

Instructions on setting up a passkey and managing passwords in Authenticator

Passkey eliminates the need for complex passwords because you never need to enter them. Instead, you use existing biometric methods such as facial recognition or fingerprints, digital patterns, or PINs to access your accounts.

A Passkey consists of two parts of a code that only make sense when combined, similar to a digital key and lock. One half of the encrypted code is held by you, typically stored in the cloud with a verification app like Authenticator, or on a physical security key device. The other half is stored on the apps or services you want to access.

The drawback is that you have to set up a separate Passkey for each service or application that accepts them. Tracking where Passkeys can be used compared to traditional passwords can be difficult.

Open the Authenticator app, select your account, tap “set up passkey,” and follow the instructions. Some users may have received a prompt to set up a passkey in the past few months. Note that not all apps or websites support passkeys, so a traditional password may still be necessary.

Access old passwords via Edge

Your old password is synced with your Microsoft account and can be accessed via the Edge browser after installation and login. On iOS, go to Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords, and turn on Edge.

On Android, go to Settings > General Management > Passwords and AutoFill > AutoFill Services, and select Edge.

On your laptop or PC, open Edge, go to Settings > Profile > Passwords to enable autofill and save new passwords.

Export passwords to another password manager.

To transfer your password to another password manager, open Authenticator, go to Settings > Export Passwords to upload the data file.

Most password managers, including browser-based or Apple/Android apps, support importing this file. If you encounter problems, contact your password manager's support service.

Microsoft Authenticator will stop automatically filling in passwords starting August 1st.

Microsoft AuthenticatorThe company is about to remove the password management and autofill feature, shifting the focus to the more secure Passkey technology. Users will need to set up Passkey or switch to the Edge browser to access their old passwords before August 1st.

Microsoft Authenticator users should note: the app's password management features will no longer work effectively, and saved passwords will be inaccessible starting August 1st unless accessed through the Edge browser.

The reason is that Microsoft is shifting its authentication application towards a new digital login method: Passkey, which security experts consider easier and more secure.

Microsoft says it recorded up to 7,000 password attacks per second in 2024, double the number in 2023. The company hopes the era of passwords will soon end in the online world.

Authenticator will continue to offer multi-factor authentication, one-time passwords, and biometric login for its services. However, password management and autofill functions will be moved to the company's Edge browser.

It's important to note that not all websites and applications have adopted Passkey, so many still use passwords.