RIP Microsoft Password: Here’s how to set up PassKey before the August deadline

Dangerous password habits can have great consequences, and some companies are making it easier to keep them safe online by discarding and implementing decades-old password methods PassKeys Instead. Microsoft I plan to do the same thing from August.

Whether you have a simple password from or it’s leaked to a company’s data breach, if a hacker gets it, it can open the door to identity theft and fraud. a Recent CNET Surveys We found that 49% of US adults have dangerous password habits, such as using the same password for multiple accounts or using personal information like your name as part of your password.

Here’s what you need to know about how to set PassKeys before the deadline when you use Microsoft Authenticator to store your passwords:

Microsoft Authenticator will not support passwords after August

Currently, Microsoft Authenticator houses all your passwords and allows you to sign in to all your Microsoft accounts using facial recognition such as PIN, Windows Hello, or other biometric data such as fingerprints. Authenticator can be used in other ways, such as verifying that you are logged in if you forget your password, or using two-factor authentication as an additional layer of security for your Microsoft account.

The usage of the app will change this month. According to Microsoft:

• June 2025 – Microsoft said it was no longer able to add passwords to the Authenticator app.
• July 2025 – You cannot use the Autofill password feature.
• August 2025 – You will no longer be able to use the saved password.

If you want to use a password instead of PassKeys, you can save it to Microsoft Edge. However, CNET experts recommend adopting PassKey during this transition.

“We’re committed to providing a range of services to our customers,” said Attila Tomaschek, senior writer and digital security expert at CNET Software.

Why PassKeys is a better alternative to passwords

So, what exactly is PassKey?

This is the credentials created by the Fast Identity Online Alliance that uses biometric data or PIN to verify your identity and access your account. Consider logging in to your account using your fingerprint or face ID. In general, it is safer than using passwords that are easy to guess or susceptible to phishing attacks.

“While you can crack your password, PassKeys requires both unpublished private keys to authenticate users. This reduces the risk of phishing and brute force casualties and victims of qualification clogging attacks,” added Tomaschek.

PassKeys are not stored on a server such as passwords. Instead, they are stored only on your personal device. More conveniently, this means remembering your password and Password Manager.

How to set up PassKey in Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft said in a May 1st Blog Post Automatically detect and set up the best PassKey and create a default sign-in option.

“If your account has a password and a ‘one-time code’, you will be prompted to sign in with a one-time code instead of a password. Once you’ve signed in, you will be asked to register with PassKey. The next time you sign in, you will be asked to sign in with PassKey,” according to a blog post.

To set up a new PassKey, open the Authenticator app on your phone. Tap your account and select “Set up PassKey.” You will be prompted to log in with your existing credentials. After logging in, you can set up PassKey.