Around 75 million people are set to be impacted when Microsoft deletes all saved passwords in August. The technology giant is moving towards a passwordless future and is encouraging alternatives methods such as passkeys or push notifications.
Microsoft began the shift last month when users were blocked from saving new passwords within the app. This month, the ability to autofill usernames and passwords will be removed from Microsoft Authenticator before saved passwords are deleted in August. Microsoft is promoting other methods that are seen as safer and more convenient than passwords.
Passkeys let users login to services with a single fingerprint tap or facial recognition scan. This saves the hassle of typing out lengthy passwords which often include a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Microsoft Authenticator is very popular with over 100 million downloads from the Google Play Store alone. The system is also integrated on desktop systems such as Windows 11 and subscription services like Microsoft 365, as reported by GB News.
Microsoft timeline towards a passwordless future- June 2025: Users can no longer save new passwords in Microsoft Authenticator.
- July 2025: Autofill feature to fill-in usernames and passwords across apps and websites will stop working. Save payment information, including card details, will also be deleted from the app.
- August 2025: All saved passwords will be deleted by Microsoft. All generated passwords not previously saved will also be deleted.
It comes after Microsoft revealed earlier this year that it was blocking 7,000 attacks on passwords every second. This figure was almost double from the year before.
They then decided to make all new accounts passwordless. Anyone who sets up a new Microsoft account is now guided to set up a passkey.
A warning banner has been added to the Microsoft Authenticator app, reading: "Autofill via Authenticator ends in July 2025. You can export your saved info (passwords only) from Authenticator until Autofill ends."
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."
He added: "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."
