Don’t risk losing your accounts⁠—what you must do before Microsoft ends this feature

If you use Microsoft Authenticator to log in to your accounts, there’s an important change coming this weekend that you can’t afford to ignore. 

Microsoft is officially starting its phase-out of password-based logins for its Authenticator app, and if you don’t act soon, you could find yourself locked out of your email, cloud storage, and other essential services.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what you need to do to stay connected and secure. 

What’s changing with Microsoft Authenticator?

For years, Microsoft Authenticator has been a handy tool for two-factor authentication (2FA), letting you confirm your identity with a code or approval on your phone. 

But now, Microsoft is taking a big step towards a ‘passwordless’ future. Starting this weekend, the company will begin phasing out the ability to use traditional passwords with the Authenticator app for Microsoft accounts.

Instead, you’ll be encouraged (and soon, required) to use more secure sign-in methods, such as:

Passkeys (a new, phishing-resistant technology)
Biometric authentication (like fingerprint or facial recognition)
Push notifications (approving sign-ins directly from your phone)
Physical security keys (USB or NFC devices)

Why is Microsoft ditching passwords?

Let’s be honest: passwords are a pain. They’re hard to remember, easy to forget, and—worst of all—vulnerable to hackers. 

Weak or reused passwords are one of the biggest reasons people get hacked. Microsoft, along with other tech giants like Google and Apple, is moving towards passwordless authentication to make your accounts both easier to access and much harder for cybercriminals to crack.

What do you need to do right now?

If you use Microsoft Authenticator, here’s your action plan:

1. Update your Authenticator app: Make sure you’re running the latest version on your phone or tablet. Outdated apps may not support the new sign-in methods.
2. Set up passwordless sign-in: Go to your Microsoft account security settings (account.microsoft.com/security) and follow the prompts to enable passwordless login. This may involve linking your phone, setting up biometrics, or registering a passkey.
3. Check your backup options: Make sure you have a recovery email or phone number on file, just in case you lose access to your device.
4. Test your new login method: Before the weekend, try logging in using the new method to make sure everything works smoothly.
5. Update your other devices: If you use your Microsoft account on multiple devices (laptop, tablet, phone), make sure they’re all ready for the change.

What happens if you don’t act?

If you ignore these changes, you could be locked out of your Microsoft account after the phase-out begins. 

That means no access to your Outlook email, OneDrive files, Office apps, or even your Windows PC if it’s linked to your Microsoft account. 

Recovering access can be a real headache, especially if you don’t have backup options set up.

What about other accounts and services?

While this change is specific to Microsoft accounts, it’s a sign of things to come. Google, Apple, and many banks are also moving towards passwordless authentication. 

Review your security settings on all your important accounts and consider enabling two-factor authentication or passkeys wherever possible.

A quick word on passkeys

Passkeys are a new technology designed to replace passwords entirely. They use cryptographic keys stored on your device, making them much harder to steal or phish. 

You might have already seen them pop up on your phone or computer. Setting up a passkey is usually as simple as following the prompts when you log in—no more remembering complicated passwords!

Staying safe in a passwordless world

While these changes might feel a bit overwhelming, they’re designed to keep you safer online. Here are a few extra tips:

Never share your authentication codes or approval requests with anyone.
Be wary of phishing emails or texts pretending to be from Microsoft. Always go directly to the official website or app.
Keep your devices updated to ensure you have the latest security features.

Have you made the switch yet?

We know change can be a hassle, especially when it comes to technology. But this is one update you don’t want to put off. If you’ve already made the switch to passwordless sign-in, how did you find the process? Any tips or hiccups to share with fellow members?

Let us know in the comments below—your experience could help someone else avoid a tech headache this weekend!

Also read: Dangerous fake Microsoft Office add-ons you need to avoid