Microsoft is gradually eliminating the password functionality in its widely used Microsoft Authenticator app as it shifts towards a “password-less” future. This implies that your passwords will be removed on Aug. 1 — this Friday — unless you take prompt action.

We’ve outlined the ongoing Microsoft password narrative in depth, but the crucial deadline is now near. In brief, Microsoft is transitioning to passkeys — a more secure form of credential that merges passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) into a single step — which necessitates the removal of passwords from Authenticator. The app will still allow you to store passkeys.

Rather than relying on conventional passwords, users must establish passkeys with Microsoft, which is fairly straightforward. This is option one. The second option entails saving your current passwords using Microsoft Edge.

If you have been delaying the process of migrating your passwords or creating a passkey, time is running out.

How to establish a passkey with Microsoft

Setting up passkeys is straightforward since Microsoft has anticipated this transition. If you use Microsoft Authenticator, it will prompt you to transition to passkeys. From there, Microsoft will identify the most suitable method for you to create a passkey — whether through facial recognition, fingerprint, PIN, etc. — and will guide you through the process.

You can also look for a “set up a passkey” option within the Authenticator app to create a passkey.

How to secure your passwords before Microsoft removes them

If you prefer not to switch to passkeys, your passwords will have been migrated to Microsoft Edge, the company’s browser. If you are utilizing Edge on desktop, iOS, or Android, you can activate the “autofill” feature in settings to have your passwords load automatically.

If you are not an Edge user, you can export your passwords and import them into a different password manager before the Friday deadline. You can locate an “Export Passwords” feature in the settings of the Microsoft Authenticator app. From there, you can import that file into virtually any new password management tool. We can suggest several password managers.

You could lose your passwords in a few days, but preventing it is quite simple.