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Security Tips: Going Passwordless – Tech Tip for July 25, 2025

In this week’s tech tip, we take another close look at how Microsoft Authenticator is evolving into more than just an app for approving sign-ins. It’s on its way to becoming a passkey manager, helping you store and sync secure credentials across devices—no passwords required. If you already use Authenticator at work, a few small changes, including setting personal passkeys and backing up your app data now will get you ready for what’s coming next. Let’s dive in!

What’s Changing in Authenticator?

Microsoft is turning Authenticator into a tool that will eventually:

  • Act as a Passkey Manager tied to your Microsoft account.
  • Support Autofill of passkeys across websites and apps.
  • Sync Passkeys securely between your phone and other devices.
  • Phase Out Password Storage and Autofill Features (already in progress).

This is part of Microsoft’s larger move toward a passwordless future. The Authenticator app will help make that shift smoother and more secure.

Why Is Microsoft Replacing Passwords?

Passwords are one of the weakest links in cybersecurity—they can be guessed, reused, or phished. That’s why Microsoft is gradually phasing them out in favor of passwordless sign-in options that rely on biometrics, trusted devices, and secure authentication apps.

This change isn’t just for tech experts—Microsoft is building these tools into the apps and devices you already use so the transition is seamless for individuals and organizations.

Windows Hello: What You Need to Know

Windows Hello lets you sign in to your device using a secure PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. The biometric data stays on your device and isn’t shared—making it much harder to steal than a password.

Microsoft is encouraging professionals who use Microsoft 365 to enable these options now so they’re ready for passwordless features rolling out across services.

To Set It Up (Windows 10/11):

  • Open ‘Settings,’ to select ‘Accounts,’ and choose: ‘Sign-in options.’
  • Using Windows Hello settings, select from the following options:
    • Facial recognition: Use your face to unlock your device and Microsoft apps.
    • Fingerprint: If your device has a fingerprint sensor (some devices may not) use this to scan your fingerprint (also known as biometric data) on your device.
    • PIN: Create a short, device-specific numerical code—typically four to six digits to access your account.
  • Follow the prompts to enroll.
  • Restart your device to begin using it for sign-in.

TIP: Your biometric data (fingerprint, facial recognition) stays with your device and is not stored anywhere else making it faster to login.

What’s Coming Next for Business Users

Microsoft is evolving the sign-in experience across Microsoft 365. That means business professionals will soon be expected to use device-based authentication—either with Windows Hello, Microsoft Authenticator, or security keys. You don’t need to make any changes right now, but it helps to be aware of the shift and begin using these features personally.

Key Changes to Watch:

  • Password storage in the Microsoft Authenticator app is being phased out (June–August 2025).
  • Microsoft begins offering passkey support—a newer way to sign in without passwords.
  • Business accounts will rely more on device trust and multi-factor authentication.

How the Microsoft Authenticator App Fits In

If you already use the Microsoft Authenticator app to approve sign-in requests, you’re halfway there. Authenticator will soon act more like a passkey manager—helping you log in securely across apps and devices, without passwords.

To Prepare:

  • Make sure you’ve installed the latest version of Microsoft Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play.
  • In the app, tap your account and check under Settings that Cloud Backup is turned on (iCloud for iPhone, Microsoft account for Android).
  • Watch for updates on new passkey options coming later this year.

TIP: If your backup is tied to the wrong account, delete the existing backup and create a new one using your preferred Microsoft account.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

If you’ve been using Authenticator to save or autofill passwords, be aware of these key transitions:

  • June 2025: You will no longer be able to add or import new passwords in the Microsoft Authenticator app
  • July 2025: Autofill capabilities will stop working
  • August 2025: Any saved passwords will be removed from the app

This is part of Microsoft’s move toward a passkey-first future, and these dates apply to personal and business accounts alike.

What You Can Do Today

While you don’t need to manage IT policies yourself, here are some steps every professional can take now:

  • Enable Windows Hello on your work laptop or tablet.
  • Install and set up Microsoft Authenticator on your phone.
  • Turn on Cloud Backup to avoid being locked out of your account.
  • Stay informed by checking Microsoft’s official blog or trusted tech news sources from your IT partner.

Passwordless sign-ins are coming for Microsoft personal and business users—and while the transition is being handled in stages, it’s already underway. By getting comfortable with tools such as Windows Hello and Authenticator now, you’ll be ahead of the curve when passwords are no longer part of your daily sign-in routine.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Microsoft Security and Authentication? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • Prepare for Windows Server 2016 End of Support (EoS):
    • Extended Support ends on January 12, 2027.
  • Windows 10 reached End of Support (EoS) on October 14, 2025:
    • Put a plan in place to upgrade to Windows 11.
  • Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
    • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
    • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
  • Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
    • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
  • Contact TechWise Group to get started.