Microsoft Authenticator Alternatives: What the Pros Use (and You Should Too)

Have you seen the notification banners written in big, bold letters: Autofill via Authenticator ends in July 2025? Microsoft is set to delete passwords for billions of users this year. But this means everyone who relies on passwords must make a choice. If you’re currently researching Microsoft Authenticator alternatives, we’ll show you how to find your new digital fortress ahead of Microsoft’s deadlines. 

The official countdown: When will password and autofill features in Microsoft Authenticator end? 

Ultimately, Microsoft is phasing out password storage and autofill in its authenticator app. The rationale? To ditch passwords altogether and centralize password management within Microsoft Edge.  

This move isn’t just a minor update; it’s a big shift if your whole life is in Microsoft Authenticator. 

Here's a timeline for the end of password support in Microsoft Authenticator: 

• June 2025: You’ll no longer be able to save or import new passwords into Microsoft Authenticator. 

• July 2025: Autofill will be disabled. and your stored payment info will be deleted.  

• August 2025: You’ll no longer be able to access saved passwords and unsaved generated passwords in Microsoft Authenticator.  

So, if you’d like to keep your passwords, you must export them to a password manager (Microsoft recommends its Edge browser) before August 1, 2025. Once the deadline passes, you’ll be locked out. 

 

If you’re weighing your options for a Microsoft Authenticator alternative, ask yourself: Does it make my digital life simpler or add another layer of complexity? 

The ideal pick isn’t just practical. It’s intuitive, Secure by Design, and effortlessly syncs across your devices, making your digital life simpler, safer, and always within reach. 

Curious which alternative checks all these boxes? We break down the details for you just below. 

The big question: Will MFA and passkeys still work after Microsoft Authenticator loses its password and autofill features? 

Here’s the good news: The deprecation only affects password management and autofill. Microsoft Authenticator will continue to support MFA and passkeys. 

But here’s the other side of the story: If you’re considering using passkeys, you’ll need newer Android (14+) and iOS (17+) versions for the transition. If you have earlier versions, you’re likely to experience compatibility issues. 

Not thinking about passkeys yet but considering Edge as a password manager? You’ll want to be aware of the minor issues below. 

The hidden risks: What happens when passwords move from Microsoft Authenticator to Edge? 

Let’s face it: If there’s one thing we appreciate about authenticator apps, it’s that the codes they generate are only valid for a brief 30-60 seconds. This makes the codes practically useless to attackers, even if they’re intercepted. 

To many of us, this authentication method is far more secure than traditional SMS based MFA.  

And while Microsoft Authenticator allowed us to manage both MFA codes and passwords in one app, its password functionality is being phased out. 

If you do decide to export your passwords to Edge, here are three (3) important considerations: 

• You’ll want to enable automatic browser updates, so you receive critical fixes with minimal delay when Zero Day exploits are discovered. 

• Be sure to only install trusted extensions from official sources like the Edge Add-ons Store or Chrome Web Store. Extensions from untrusted sources can pose a security risk by injecting malware into your browser or accessing your browsing history and login credentials. While Microsoft Edge packs powerful features like Defender SmartScreen and Password Monitor, protection from malicious browser extensions and Zero Day browser exploits requires a combination of proactive security and safe browsing practices. 

• Microsoft Authenticator’s browser-agnostic autofill feature is set to expire in August 2025, and Edge autofill doesn’t offer universal support outside of the Microsoft ecosystem. But installing the LastPass extension gives you autofill functionality across all major browsers, devices, and OS (Mac, Windows, Android, iOS). 

Finding the right Microsoft Authenticator Alternative 

Is LastPass Authenticator safe? 

LastPass Authenticator is a strong choice if you’re looking for a reliable replacement. It works just like Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator, generating codes and using push notifications to keep your accounts safe. 

But don’t take our word for it. 

Ranked among the top password managers by leading review platforms such as G2 and Capterra, LastPass consistently earns high marks for: 

• Password generation, self-service password administration, multi-device sync, and multi-factor authentication (G2) 

• Password management, secure logins, data security, fraud detection, biometrics, and secure data storage (Capterra) 

• Business to consumer IT solutions (2025 Platinum Titan award winner) 

Authenticator showdown: Why LastPass comes out on top 

When comparing authenticator apps, it’s important to look beyond just authentication.  

While solutions like Duo Security and Microsoft Authenticator offer robust account recovery options, LastPass is the only one that offers all of these: 

• Secure by Design password management with autofill, built-in password generator, and safe sharing 

• Cross device authentication, which means you can use the LastPass Authenticator to login on any Windows, Android, or iOS device 

• A wide range of advanced MFA options like YubiKey (hardware key), passkeys, and biometric verification to protect you from the latest phishing attacks 

• Zero Knowledge security, an encryption model that ensures neither LastPass nor hackers have access to your data 

• 24/7 Dark Web Monitoring, which gives you real-time alerts the moment your credentials are found compromised, allowing you to act quickly to update all account passwords  

Features	Microsoft Authenticator	Google Authenticator	Duo Security	LastPass Authenticator
Password management with autofill	Phasing out by August 2025	No	No	Yes
MFA options	Robust	Basic	Robust	Robust
Secure password sharing	No	No	No	Yes
Dark Web Monitoring	No	No	No	Yes
Zero Knowledge architecture	No	No	No	Yes
Account recovery options	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

How to use the LastPass Authenticator app 

Switching to LastPass Authenticator is easy. Check out the step-by-step guide below. 

#1 Set up the LastPass Authenticator 

1. First, set up the LastPass Authenticator for your LastPass account. To do this, sign in to your vault. Go to Account Settings > Multifactor Options. No account? Get a 30-day free trial of LastPass Premium here. 
2. Click the pencil icon next to LastPass MFA and set “Enabled” to Yes. Then, select “Allow” or “Disallow” for offline access to LastPass.  
3. Tap “Update” and then confirm the change by entering your master password. Next, tap “Continue” to enroll your device with the LastPass Authenticator. Start by selecting “Set up Mobile App.” 
4. Now, download the LastPass Authenticator app on your mobile device from Google Play or the App Store. 
5. For each account you currently protect with Microsoft Authenticator, head to the security or two-step verification settings to add the LastPass Authenticator.  
6. Open the authenticator app on your phone. Tap the plus (+) icon to add a new account (such as Facebook or PayPal, for instance). On your browser, you should see a QR code displayed. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code. The LastPass Authenticator app will generate a 6-digit code. Enter this code back on the website to complete the setup. 
7. Be sure to add a backup should the LastPass Authenticator be unavailable: this can be a FID02 authenticator, text messaging, or YubiKey. After you choose a backup, tap “Activate.” This sets up two-factor authentication with the LastPass Authenticator. 
8. Log out and confirm you can log in using generated codes from LastPass Authenticator before removing Microsoft Authenticator. 

• Tip: To bypass using the master password to log into your vault, choose “Passwordless Options” under “Account Settings” on your LastPass dashboard. Next, tap “Enable Passwordless.” You’ll see options like the LastPass Authenticator, YubiKey, or Touch ID. Choose the “LastPass Authenticator” for future logins to your vault. 

#2 Migrate password management  

1. To use LastPass for password management, install the LastPass extension on your devices. It’s one of the safest extensions you can install. ExtensionPedia gives LastPass a risk score of 2.1 out of 10 (with 10 being the highest risk). For comparison, Stealthy (a Chrome extension) earns a risk score of 7.4, while Bulk Image Downloader (an Edge extension) earns a risk score of 8. 
2. Export your saved passwords from Microsoft Authenticator by heading to Settings and choosing the “Export Passwords” option to create a CSV file for upload to LastPass.  
3. Next, head to your LastPass dashboard, choose “Advanced Options” from the left-hand menu and then “Import” under “Manage Your Vault.” You’ll want to choose “Other” (below “Web Browsers” and “Password Managers” in the “Import” section). Next, under “Export and Upload,” choose “Upload the exported file to LastPass.” You can drag-and-drop or choose the CSV file from your computer. Finally, under “Review & Import,” tap the red “Import All” button. And that’s it! 

The future of authentication: What’s next? 

Imagine never having to remember another password again, while being more secure than ever.  

With LastPass, you get the ultimate choice:  

• Manage your passwords with our easy-to-use, private by design password manager and let autofill do the work of logins for you 

• Or step into the future with options like passkeys and YubiKey for device based authentication 

Whether you prefer the familiarity of password management (combined with the speed of autofill for frictionless logins) or the cutting-edge security of device based authentication, you’re in control.  

Each option is built to keep your accounts safe and your life easy, because we believe you deserve peace of mind without compromise. 

To start enjoying security that adapts to YOUR way of life, treat yourself to a 30-day free trial of LastPass Premium today (no credit card or commitment required).