If you’re using Microsoft Authenticator, there’s an important change coming that you should be aware of. Microsoft is phasing out password autofill soon, and by August 1, the app will no longer fill in your passwords automatically. Instead, Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to passkeys for a more secure and password-free experience. Here’s what you need to know and how to get ready.

How Do I Turn on Autofill on Microsoft Authenticator?

Autofill is a handy feature in Microsoft Authenticator that saves time when logging into your favorite apps and websites. To turn on autofill in Microsoft Authenticator, follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner or the Settings gear icon, depending on your device.
3. Scroll down and select Autofill.
4. Toggle the switch to Enable Autofill.

Once you enable this feature, Microsoft Authenticator will automatically fill in your saved passwords for apps and websites that support it. It’s a great time-saver, especially when you’re using the app for multiple logins throughout the day.

How to Make Sure Microsoft Authenticator Is Up to Date?

To make sure you’re using the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator (which is essential for keeping your account secure), follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for Microsoft Authenticator.
3. If an update is available, you’ll see the Update button. Tap it to update the app.

Keeping your app up to date ensures you get the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches, which is crucial when it comes to safeguarding your personal information.

Is Microsoft Eliminating Passwords in August?

Yes, Microsoft is moving toward a passwordless future. By August 1, Microsoft will end the password autofill feature in Microsoft Authenticator. This is part of Microsoft’s plan to encourage the use of passkeys, a more secure authentication method. Passkeys are a modern, password-free alternative to passwords that are linked to your device’s biometric features (such as face or fingerprint recognition) or a security key.

The transition to passkeys is designed to make online accounts more secure and user-friendly. Since passwords are often weak or reused across sites, they’re a major security risk. Passkeys solve that problem by relying on stronger authentication methods that are much harder to crack.

How Do I Skip Setting Up Microsoft Authenticator?

If you’d rather not set up Microsoft Authenticator right now, it’s possible to skip the setup. During the initial setup process, you’ll be prompted to download and set up the app. If you don’t want to use it yet, you can simply choose the Skip option. However, keep in mind that if you skip setting it up, you may face restrictions later on, especially with apps and websites that require extra security.

While skipping the setup is an option, we recommend considering it, especially with the upcoming changes. Microsoft Authenticator will make managing your accounts safer and more convenient, especially as Microsoft is encouraging users to adopt passkeys in place of traditional passwords.

Why You Should Set Up a Passkey Before August 1

As the deadline approaches, it’s essential to set up a passkey to avoid any disruption in your account access. After August 1, Microsoft will push users towards passkeys, and you might find yourself locked out of certain services if you haven’t made the switch. To set up a passkey:

1. Open Microsoft Authenticator.
2. Follow the instructions to create and link a passkey to your Microsoft account.
3. Use a secure, biometric method (like fingerprint or facial recognition) for easy, password-free logins.

This move towards passkeys is designed to improve the security and convenience of online authentication, and it’s the future of logging in.

Conclusion

The end of password autofill in Microsoft Authenticator might seem like a big change, but it’s actually a step toward a more secure and convenient way of logging into your accounts. Make sure you update the app, enable autofill while you can, and switch to passkeys before August 1 to keep your accounts safe and ready for the future.