Microsoft Isn’t Deleting Your Passwords
Aug. 1, 2025, is an important date for users who use the Microsoft Authenticator app to store their passwords.
In just a couple of weeks, you won’t be able to access any saved passwords in Authenticator, which is Microsoft’s multifactor authentication app. Instead, Microsoft recommends using the Edge browser to save your passwords, noting it is “streamlining” the experience so you can use your saved passwords easily across devices.
You may have seen news articles claiming Microsoft is deleting your passwords. The headlines are a bit misleading, as Microsoft will delete your saved passwords in Authenticator, but you’ll still be able to log in to your Microsoft account using your current password.
But should you even be using a web browser to store your passwords?
We’ve previously discussed this topic, noting password managers are much more secure than browser password managers. However, it’s been two years since we shared our thoughts, and browser-based password storage has improved immensely.
Here are some things to consider if you want to begin using a browser-based password manager.
Browser Managers vs. Password Managers
Feature | Browser Password Managers | Dedicated Password Managers |
Security Focus | General purpose | Built specifically for security |
Data Encryption | Yes, but tied to browser | Strong encryption and isolation |
Cross-platform Support | Works across devices | Works across devices and browsers |
Extra Features | Password generator, autofill | Password generator, autofill, breach alerts, sharing, MFA support |
Risk Profile | Higher (browser often is first line of attack) | Lower (isolated environment) |
For personal use, Edge probably will be “good enough.” But for business environments or anyone who needs secure, flexible and feature-rich password protection, a dedicated manager is the safer bet.
The Trade-off Between Browser and Password Managers
Microsoft is one of the biggest tech companies in the world and has a vested interest in keeping your data safe.
But the catch is the browser is where you’re most exposed online. It’s often the first line of attack, as it’s a common entry point for phishing, malicious extensions and vulnerabilities. Even with encryption, your passwords are vulnerable to seasoned hackers.
Microsoft undoubtedly invests a lot of those resources to ensure the password manager in Edge is secure for its users. But browser development and security is just one part of its business. Microsoft also develops an operating system, Office tools, cloud services, entertainment products and more.
“You may have seen news articles claiming Microsoft is deleting your passwords. The headlines are a bit misleading, as Microsoft will delete your saved passwords in Authenticator, but you’ll still be able to log in to your Microsoft account using your current password.”
It does a lot of things well but doesn’t specialize in password security.
Alternatively, dedicated password managers, like LastPass, Bitwarden and 1Password, are smaller companies with fewer resources, but their whole business is dedicated to password security.
They live and die by their ability to keep your passwords secure, and their tools are isolated, hardened and designed to work across various browsers and devices.
That’s not to say password managers can’t be hacked, because anything that lives on the internet can be compromised. But password security is a bigger focus for them than it is for Microsoft.
Safeguard Your Passwords
If you have any questions about password security, please call us at (616) 949-4020 or email us at support@hungerford.tech.
Are you interested in trying a third-party password manager? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s secure your passwords before the next threat hits. Don’t wait until a data breach or cyberattack to improve your organization’s security posture.
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