Microsoft is testing a new password management feature in its Authenticator app, which makes the former even more useful as a one-stop shop for all your account-related information. It’s super easy to set up and lets you sync your passwords between iOS and Android, as well as Chrome and Edge on your desktop.
To get started, grab (or update) the file Microsoft Authenticator application Sign in with your Microsoft account and you can now use the application as a key-based authenticator (or as a touch authenticator). I’m already a fan.
From there, tap the triple-line “burger” icon at the top left and tap it Configuration. Under “Beta” enable Automatic filling.
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You will be prompted to sign in again with your Microsoft account. Do this, turn on password syncing when prompted, and you’ll now see a new section in the Password Authenticator app:
Below, you’ll see passwords you’ve previously saved to your Microsoft account, such as passwords you’ve saved while using the Edge browser, in this section. And you can set up any device you use to automatically fill in password requests using the Microsoft app.
However, if you want to extend the functionality of this beta-tested password manager, you’ll need to do a little more. Viously, you can install the app on any iOS or Android device you use (in addition to an iPad). And if you use the Microsoft Edge browser, with the login, the passwords you save or change will be synchronized with the cloud and appear on these devices. You can too download a Chrome extension, Automatic filling, which brings the same functionality to the rival browser.
Although autofill is not as elegant or as secure as, say, 1Password, is free to use. You can view, delete, and edit stored passwords. If you make the change from another password manager, you can also import the saved passwords from a .CSV file. That’s it: basic functionality, but a decent password manager if you’re already wrapped up in the Microsoft ecosystem. And now that you can combine it with an authenticator, it’s a pretty convenient security package.