Microsoft Authenticator Drops Passwords for Passkeys

Microsoft Authenticator’s Password-Free Countdown

Just days before August 1, Microsoft confirms that its Authenticator app will stop handling passwords. No more saving new credentials, auto-fill or two-factor routines through your password vault. Instead, users must switch to passkeys—PINs, Face ID, fingerprints or screen patterns—for all Microsoft account logins.

What’s Changing in Authenticator?

Over the past months Microsoft has phased out key password features in Authenticator. Here’s your timeline:

• June: Adding new passwords is disabled.
• July: Autofill password function is removed.
• August 1: Saved passwords are inaccessible.

Why Passkeys Outperform Passwords

Passkeys leverage public key cryptography and local biometric or PIN verification—no server-stored secrets, no brute-force or credential stuffing. With phishing on the rise and nearly half of U.S. adults reusing simple passwords, passkeys promise stronger, phishing-resistant authentication without the headache of password recall.

Setting Up Your First Passkey

Get started in minutes:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator on your smartphone.
2. Select your Microsoft account and tap “Set up a passkey.”
3. Authenticate with your existing credentials to confirm identity.
4. Follow on-screen prompts to register your fingerprint, Face ID or PIN.

Choosing a New Password Manager

If you still rely on passwords for non-Microsoft services, consider:

• Bitwarden: Open-source, audited annually, unlimited device syncing even on the free plan.
• 1Password: Intuitive interface, robust family and team sharing, secure watchtower alerts.

Next Steps for Secure Access

Transitioning to passkeys represents a big leap in account security. Organizations need a clear rollout plan, training materials on biometric flows and fallback processes for legacy systems. QuarkyByte’s security team helps map your passkey adoption strategy, conduct real-world phishing drills and ensure a smooth migration from passwords to modern credentials.