A FREE security app used by millions across the world is losing an important feature that will affect how people use passwords.
has announced huge changes to its Authenticator app coming over the summer months.
While many use the service to verify their identity there is also a handy password storage tool.
The option lets users securely keep all their in one place so that you can summon them from any mobile device or computer you’re logged into.
However, Microsoft has revealed that it is closing down the password storage tool within the Authenticator app over the coming months.
The closure will go in phases, starting with people no longer being able to save new passwords onto the app in June.
In July, the useful autofill feature that automatically adds your login details onto pages for you, will stop working with Authenticator.
And the final nail in the coffin comes in August, whenyour saved passwords will no longer be accessible in the app at all.
“After July 2025, any payment information stored in Authenticator will be deleted from your device,”; the firm added.
“After August 2025, your saved passwords will no longer be accessible in Authenticator and any generated passwords not saved will be deleted.”;
However, as saved passwords and addresses are synced securely to your Microsoft account, data will remain accessible through the browser instead.
Users have slammed the move, saying it’s “another step back”;.
“Microsoft is really all in on screwing over their customers,”; one person wrote on X.
“This will work wonderfully. Not,”; another commented.
A third added: “So I should just get rid of Microsoft Authenticator app and never dare rely on another Microsoft product. Got it.”;
Microsoft Authenticator will still work for its main purpose, for passkeys and two-factor authentication.
GOING PASSWORDLESS
The move comes as the US giant pushes ahead with a passwordless world.
Passwords are generally considered to be a terrible way to protect your accounts nowadays.
often look to exploit the fact they’re usually easier to guess or “crack”; with brute force.
Instead, companies are moving further toward passkeys, which work by letting you log in with just a fingerprint or face scan.
They’re designed in such a way that they can’t be guessed, they’re impossible to re-use and can’t be leaked online like passwords.
