I've been using Microsoft Authenticator as my go-to password manager—but now it's shutting down, it's time to move to a better alternative that will actually protect my passwords.

Why Microsoft Authenticator Is Removing Its Password Manager

Microsoft Authenticator's password manager was a handy tool that combined a multi-factor authentication app with a password manager. However, Microsoft is removing the feature in favor of Edge's built-in password manager. So if you're still using Microsoft Authenticator, it's time to start exporting your passwords.

The feature's autofill and password generation capabilities were good, but starting June 2025, Microsoft Authenticator won't save new passwords. Autofill will stop working in July 2025, and any saved passwords won't be accessible after August 2025. Your saved financial information and unsaved generated passwords will be deleted in July and August, respectively.

Microsoft recommends using Edge's built-in password manager, which also offers autofill capabilities. The company didn't provide any concrete reason as to why the feature was being removed from Microsoft Authenticator, but given Microsoft's support documentation's insistence on using Edge, my guess is Microsoft now wants you to use Edge on your phone as well.

What's Wrong With Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is a really underrated browser. I keep it on my PC and Linux desktop as a backup browser, and it's the primary browser on my smartphone. So the idea of having my browser and password manager in one should be quite appealing, right?

Well, not entirely.

Browser-based password managers are convenient, yes. Your browser is where you'll be interacting with most services that require logging in, and having your credentials handy is a lifesaver. This is especially true if you have long, complex, and unique passwords for each site—the way passwords should be.

That said, browser-based password managers aren't the safest option, especially considering that dedicated password managers provide significantly more security and functionality. You can use browser-based password managers with a few precautions, but I don't feel comfortable storing critical passwords in them. This is also one of the reasons why you should avoid using browser-based password managers entirely.

Why I Use Proton Pass

With browser-based password managers out the window, your only real option is to pick a new password manager. Now, there's a password manager for every occasion, but the one you pick will largely depend on your specific requirements and whether you're willing to pay for one or not.

I use the free tier of Proton Pass, and I have good reasons why.

For starters, the autofill capabilities work flawlessly on both desktop and mobile. I'm yet to face any issues where Proton Pass was supposed to autofill my password, and it didn't. Another benefit of Proton Pass' autofill feature is that it confirms with you before filling in your passwords in a login field, and the prompt is designed in a way that reduces your likelihood of accidentally clicking on it.

Aside from being a password manager, it also offers email aliases. Now, granted, the free version is limited to 10 aliases at a time, but I haven't felt the need for more. If you're frequently signing up for websites and don't want to give out your real email address every time, this feature will come in handy without a doubt.

There are also custom fields when you're setting up passwords. This means that I can save additional information right next to my login credentials for a site. If you want to jot down something but rather not have it visible in your notes app, Proton Pass will do the job just fine.

Other, arguably more important features, such as the integrated two-factor authenticator, dark web monitoring, and password sharing, are also present in Proton Pass but are locked behind a subscription. I don't use these features because I've already set up most of my accounts with Microsoft Authenticator, and moving them over to Proton is a hassle. However, if you want one app for everything, you've the option.

Finally, I'm pretty deep into the Proton ecosystem at this point. I also use Proton's VPN, email, and cloud drive. So, if I decide to get a subscription in the future, it will bring me more value for money compared to some other password managers.

That's not to say other programs like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Avira Password Manager are bad by any means. If anything, they might meet your requirements better than Proton Pass, so feel free to experiment with a few before settling for one and transferring all your passwords over.

Other than saving passwords, there are more practical uses of password managers you might not know. So if you're still using Microsoft Authenticator and worrying about what to do when its perfectly functional password manager kicks the bucket (thank Microsoft), there are plenty of better, more capable alternatives.