You’ll no longer be allowed to use Microsoft Authenticator’s login login feature, which the business is changing to convert from passkeys to credentials starting this month. Microsoft stopped allowing you to keep fresh passwords in the game last month.

The Authenticator software will no longer store your saved passwords after the upcoming month’s biggest shift. Instead, you’ll need to use passkeys, such as a PIN, biometric, or facial recognition. &nbsp,

According to a new CNET study, ATtila Tomaschek, senior author for CNET software and expert in online safety, passkeys are a safer choice than the dangerous password patterns that 49 % of US adults practice. &nbsp,

Passkeys can be cracked, whereas passkeys require both the consumer and the locally stored secret code to authenticate users, according to Tomaschek. This can help reduce the chances of phishing and brute-force or credential-stuffing assaults. &nbsp,

A simple way to remember your login can be by keeping the same login for multiple accounts or adding specific hints. However, it poses a significant chance for identity thieves, scams, and scammers. More information is available about Microsoft’s plans to ban credentials and how to change to passkeys by August. &nbsp,

Microsoft Authenticator will no longer accept credentials.

Using a PIN, facial recognition, Windows Hello, or various genetic information, such as a thumbprint, Microsoft Authenticator stores your passwords and enables you to log into all of your Microsoft accounts. Different methods of using an Authenticator include confirming that you are logged in if you forget your login, or implementing two-factor identification as a layer of security for your Microsoft accounts.
Microsoft stopped allowing users to add credentials to Authenticator in June, but according to Microsoft, here’s a list of other shifts you can anticipate.

You won’t be able to use the login login feature in July 2025.
• You won’t be able to apply saved passwords as of August 2025.

You can save passwords in Microsoft Edge if you still want to use them in place of passkeys. But, CNET experts advise using passkeys during this change. &nbsp,

Instead of relying on users themselves to create their own ( often weak or reused ) passwords to access their online accounts, passkeys use public key cryptography to do so, Tomaschek said.

Why are passkeys preferable to credentials?

What exactly is a password, then? The Fast Identity Online Alliance created a certificate that uses genetic information or a PIN to authenticate you and gain access to your profile. Consider using your fingerprint or Face ID to access your account. That is usually safer than entering a password that is difficult to guess or prone to phishing attacks.

Passkeys are not kept on machines like credentials are. They are merely saved on your personal system, though. More quickly, this eliminates the need for a password manager and helps you remember your passwords.

How to configure a password in Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft stated in a May 1 blog article that it will quickly determine the best login to use and make that your default sign-in solution. We will enable you to sign in with your one-time code rather than your password if you have a login and a “one-time code” set up on your profile. You’ll be asked to sign up for a password once you’ve signed in. Therefore, according to the blog post, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your passkey the next time you sign in.

Start the Authenticator app on your phone to create a new login. Click on your account and choose” Laid up a passkey” You’ll be asked to register in using your current qualifications. You may configure the password once you are logged in.