Instructions for setting up passkey and managing passwords in Authenticator

Instructions for setting up passkey and managing passwords in Authenticator

Passkey eliminates the need for complex passwords because you never need to enter them. Instead, you use existing biometrics like your face or fingerprint, digital patterns, or PINs to access your accounts.

A Passkey is a two-part code that only makes sense when combined, similar to a digital lock and key. Half of the encrypted code is yours to keep, typically stored in the cloud with an authenticator 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 downside is that you have to set up individual Passkeys for each service or app that accepts them, so keeping track of where you can use Passkeys versus traditional passwords can be difficult.

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

Access old passwords via Edge

Old passwords are synced to your Microsoft account and can be accessed via the Edge browser after installing and signing in. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Autofill & Passwords, and turn on Edge.

On Android, go to Settings > General management > Passwords & autofill > Autofill service, select Edge.

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

Export passwords to another manager

To transfer passwords to another manager, open Authenticator, go to Settings > Export Passwords to download the data file.

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

Microsoft Authenticator stops autofilling passwords from August 1

Microsoft Authenticatoris phasing out password management and autofill, shifting focus to the more secure Passkey technology. Users will need to set up Passkey or switch to the Edge browser to access old passwords before August 1.

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

That's because Microsoft is pivoting its authentication app toward a new digital login method: Passkey, which security experts say is easier and more secure.

Microsoft said it will see up to 7,000 password attacks per second by 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 logins for services, but password management and autofill features will be moved to the company's Edge browser.

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