Microsoft will delete your password this Friday. What should I do now?

We are only a few days away from Microsoft Authenticator The app no longer manages passwords.

As of this Friday, you will not be able to store or manage passwords or use two-factor authentication or autofill. And it’s not yours Password Manager Now, both.

Earlier this summer, Microsoft announced that it would move from password PassKeys. So instead of creating a password that contains mixed letters, symbols, and numbers, log in to your account using a pattern on the pin, fingerprint scan, face recognition, or device lock screen.

According to Attila Tomaschek, a senior writer at CNET Software and digital security expert, PassKeys is a safer alternative to the risky password habits we use. CNET password research We found that 49% of US adults have bad password habits. Additionally, using the same password for multiple accounts or easy to guess passwords can lead to hackers stealing your data.

However, switching to a new login process will soon be here. So it’s time to figure out how PassKeys works with Microsoft and choose a new password manager. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Microsoft Authenticator will stop password support on August 1st

Microsoft Authenticator houses your password and allows you to sign all your Microsoft accounts using PIN, facial recognition like Windows Hello, or other biometric data like fingerprints. The 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 account. In June, the company stopped users to add passwords to their authenticators.

As of this month, you will not be able to use the Autofill password feature. Starting August 1st, you will no longer be able to use your saved passwords.

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. “PassKeys authenticate users using public key encryption to authenticate users, rather than creating their own (often weak or reused) passwords for users to access their online accounts,” Tomaschek said.

Why PassKeys is a better alternative to passwords

So, what exactly is it? 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. It is generally safer than using easy-to-guess passwords Potentially affected by phishing attacks.

“While you can crack your password, PassKeys requires a public private key and a locally stored private key to authenticate users. This helps reduce the risk of being victimized by phishing, brute force or entitlement halt attacks,” Tomaschek said.

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.

Other Password Manager Alternatives

Microsoft will remove all your passwords in two weeks, so you will need a new location to keep your passwords securely. There are a few in Tomaschek Best Password Manager Recommendations After some testing and reviews.

The most recommended is Bitwarden For that transparency. It is open source and is audited annually. From a price point of view, the free plan allows you to store infinite passwords across unlimited devices. The free plan also includes features that most password managers charge, such as password sharing and username and password generators.

Bitwarden’s upgraded plans also have other upgrade features that are worth the cost.

Personally, Tomaschek has been using 1Password for a while and I like the interface and family planning. Second on the list, but Tomaschek says it’s as good as Bitwarden.