Microsoft will start DELETING your passwords from today, and there's only one way to save them

Microsoft has long offered the ability to export passwords from the Settings menu in Authenticator, but following the August 1 deadline, since the passwords themselves have been wiped... there's nothing left to export.

By default, Microsoft will sync any passwords saved in Authenticator with its Edge web browser. If you're looking for a particular password that's been deleted from the security app, chances are, it will be waiting for you in this Google Chrome competitor.

Thankfully, Microsoft Edge makes password management pretty simple. To see what’s saved, click the ellipsis (⋯) at the top right, choose Settings > Profiles > Passwords. Under Saved passwords, hit the eye icon beside any entry and authenticate with your device credentials to reveal your secret code.

To sprint through logins, ensure Offer To Save Passwords is toggled on in the same menu: Edge will remember and autofill your credentials the next time you visit that site. Of course, that's only useful if you want to commit to using Microsoft Edge as your primary browser instead of alternatives like Firefox or Google Chrome.

And it doesn't necessarily help you when logging into an app on Android or iPhone. In those circumstances, you'll need to copy-paste the password from Microsoft Edge to use it elsewhere. For that, head to More actions (⋯) next to its entry and select Copy password, then simply paste it wherever you like.

Microsoft is pushing ahead with plans to eliminate passwords altogether, so it makes sense to wind down the password manager features baked into Authenticator. But with over 100 million downloads from the Google Play Store alone — the digital storefront used for the majority of Android smartphone owners — Authenticator is a popular choice.

And some experts now believe the move away from traditional passwords is happening a little too fast.

Co-founder of security firm, Keeper Security, Darren Guccione told GB News: "The impending elimination of password support by Microsoft would suggest that the industry is rapidly moving towards a future where passwordless authentication is the norm, however, the data tells us another story.

"Rather than heralding a drastic sea-change, Microsoft’s decision arrives amid a more gradual transformation, one that is still very much in progress. Solutions that can generate and secure traditional passwords remain critical for individuals and organisations alike – even as passwordless authentication becomes more widely adopted across digital systems."

Research conducted by Keeper Security has shown that as many as 40% of all organisations continue to operate with both passwords and passkeys to secure accounts.

"This is more reflective of the current cybersecurity reality – one in which passkeys offer distinct advantages such as resistance to phishing, ease of use and secure public-key cryptography – but in which the infrastructure, user behaviour and systems required for universal adoption are still catching up," added Darren Guccione, Keeper Security CEO.

Steven Furnell, IEEE Senior Member and Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Nottingham, believes that passkeys aren't widespread enough to justify switching over completely to this alternative security method. He told GB News: "The authentication landscape has evolved, and we now have better options available across many devices and services, with password managers, passkeys, and biometrics all playing their part in reducing the burden and improving protection.

"At the same time, these solutions are far from ubiquitous. Many leading websites still use passwords as the basis for sign-up and it varies whether other options are available or clearly signposted once accounts are set up."

Switching to strong passwords that are unique to each login is one of the easiest ways to bolster your online security. And whatever you do, make sure you're never using one of these passwords for your online accounts.

If you're one of the millions who depend on this service, act now to avoid losing access to your stored credentials.

• Warning to 40.8 million Brits putting themselves at risk with dangerous password habit

If you missed the memo about Microsoft Authenticator, this is a rough timeline of the decision to wind down its password management functionality.

• June 2025 | You can no longer save new passwords in Microsoft Authenticator
  
• July 2025 | Autofill feature will stop working, preventing you from relying on Microsoft Authenticator to fill-in username / email address, passwords and login across websites and mobile apps. At the same time, save payment information including credit card details will be deleted from the app
  
• August 2025 | The final stage in the shake-up, Microsoft will permanently remote saved passwords — with any generated passwords not previously saved to a specific account also deleted

Microsoft has added a warning banner to the app stating: "Autofill via Authenticator ends in July 2025. You can export your saved info (passwords only) from Authenticator until Autofill ends." The Redmond-based company emphasises that payment data will not automatically transfer, so you'll need to manually re-enter your details.

Password managers like Authenticator work by encrypting and storing your login details, then automatically filling them in when you visit websites or apps. This eliminates the need to remember dozens of different passwords whilst maintaining security.

This popular category of applications offer features like cross-platform synchronisation, apps for multiple web browsers and devices, encrypted storage for your login credentials, and automatic breach monitoring.

Some of these apps let you temporarily share login details with friends and family. Software licences and Wi-Fi network passwords can also be stored in some of these services.

Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of business product at NordPass, said: "Microsoft's decision to phase out password management from Authenticator represents a significant shift in the company's approach to digital security. It seems like Microsoft is simplifying credential management across different devices and bringing password management logic closer to the market-dominant model, which is already familiar to many users.”

“In addition, the company has a chance to increase the popularity of its browser. In theory, it’s a win-win situation. But people have various personal likes and dislikes, are often used to a particular ecosystem or a browser and may not wish to move.

"In that case, a dedicated password management solution might be a good idea since it can provide cross-platform synchronization across multiple browsers and devices, secure storage for credentials, and features like breach monitoring and encrypted sharing,” Arbaciauskas added in a chat with Techradar Pro.

While Microsoft Edge will now replicate all of the same password features previously found in Microsoft Authenticator, the US company wants to eventually move its users away from passwords altogether.

Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed that it was blocking 7,000 attacks on passwords every second — almost double from a year ago. As a result, it has decided to making all new accounts passwordless by default. Instead of being asked to think of a secure password with a mixture of lowercase and capital letters, numbers, and symbols — you'll be guided to set up a passkey when you create a new Microsoft account.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Netflix will be blocked on some Fire TV Sticks tomorrow
• Sky unleashes 'lowest prices' on broadband and TV
• Blockbuster upgrade coming to Samsung Galaxy, but only if your phone is on THIS list
• Best VPN deals

Passkeys have long been hailed as the harbinger of doom for traditional passwords.

Developed by the FIDO Alliance — an industry body with the aim of helping to "reduce the world’s over-reliance on passwords" with the likes of Apple, Google and Microsoft amongst its members, passkeys rely on the biometrics built into your devices.

Using the same facial recognition or fingerprint scan that can unlock your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet, Windows PCs... the device already in your hands can now verify your identity for websites and apps.

This removes the need for a separate password for each account. Given the weak passwords still used by millions of Britons, this shift should reduce the number of hacks.