You will still be able to access your passwords, but Microsoft’s new approach offers a more secure way to access your accounts.
Microsoft Authenticator eliminates the need for passwords. Microsoft will remove your old passwords starting in August and advise you to use passkeys instead of storing all of your Microsoft passwords on its mobile app.
Making it a habit to enter personal information, such your birthdate, or to use the same password across many accounts might be risky. It could be simple for hackers to figure out, which might lead to identity theft and fraud.
Find out what Microsoft has planned for the transition and how to set up passkeys for your accounts before it’s too late.
Microsoft Authenticator password support will be discontinued.
You can access all of your Microsoft accounts using a PIN, Windows Hello facial recognition, or other biometric data, like a fingerprint, thanks to Microsoft Authenticator, which also stores your passwords. Authenticator may also be used to validate your login if you’ve lost your password or to enable two-factor authentication to better safeguard your Microsoft accounts.
Microsoft has given users a timeline of upcoming improvements that they may expect, even though the firm stopped enabling users to add passwords to Authenticator in June.
As of July 2025, the autofill password feature will no longer be accessible.
After August 2025, you won’t be able to use saved passwords.
The benefits of using passkeys over passwords
So what is a passkey? This credential was created by the Fast Identity Online Alliance and uses a PIN or biometric data to confirm your identity and provide access to your account. Think about using Face ID or your fingerprint to access your account. “Passwords can be cracked, whereas passkeys need both the public and the locally stored private key to authenticate users, which can help mitigate risks like falling victim to phishing and brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks,” Tomaschek stated. In general, that is more secure than having a password that is easy to figure out or susceptible to phishing attacks.
Passkeys are not stored on servers way passwords are. Instead, they are stored alone on your personal device. This is more convenient since it removes the need for a password manager and the guesswork that comes with remembering your passwords.
How to set up a passkey for Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft said in a May 1 blog post that it will automatically identify the best passkey to set up and set it as your default sign-in option. “If you have a password and ‘one-time code’ set up on your account, we’ll ask you to enter your one-time code instead of your password. After logging in, you will be prompted to generate a passkey. The next time you log in, you will be prompted to input your passkey, according to the blog post.
To generate a new passkey, use the Authenticator app on your phone. Tap on your account and select “Set up a passkey.” You will be prompted to enter your existing login credentials. You can configure the passkey after logging in.
Do you feel the effects of Prime Video Ads? Ways to Remove Them from Your Life
Prime Video has ads, but you can do something about it.
Amazon started displaying advertisements on US Prime Video programming in January 2024. Since then, the ad load seems to have increased. If you’re reading this, you might be missing the days before advertisements.
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription ($15 per month or $139 per year) or a $9 per month standalone Prime Video membership, you may remove the ads on movies and TV shows for an extra $3 per month. Amazon cautions that “some content will continue to include advertising, such as live TV and sports events” if you choose not to receive commercials.
Selecting the entry-level, ad-supported version of Prime Video will prevent you from viewing with Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision. Instead, 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus and HDR 10 will be accessible. Given how comparable Dolby Vision and HDR 10 are, you might not mind the difference.
Ads will still appear in Prime Video’s free, ad-supported programming even if you purchase ad-free streaming. To find pertinent information, the phrases “Watch for free” or “Only available with ads” will be utilized. However, if you’re determined to stick to your ad-free streaming routine, you don’t have to keep using the ad-supported version of the service.
Here’s how to upgrade to Prime Video if you’re a new or existing customer. According to Amazon, if you are currently enjoying a free trial of Prime Video and would like to switch to ad-free, you will also need to pay $3 a month. Note that this only applies to clients who are located in the United States.
How to get Prime Video online if you already have it
I tried a number of updating strategies before deciding that using the internet was the easiest. “Go ad free” was one of the alternatives that showed on the homepage. After clicking that, I was sent to Account & Settings and another Go ad-free message. By clicking that, I was able to start my ad-free subscription. Additionally, I could access Account & Settings by hovering over my profile name.
When I visited the website, a pop-up window (seen below) urged me to update.
On the TV and the media player app
“The Prime Video app for Fire TV, smart TVs, game consoles, and set top boxes” is another upgrade option, according to Amazon.
I saw the words “Go ad free” and a blue “Ad” sign that was crossed out when I entered the side menu on a Fire TV streaming device. I was able to see another Go ad-free and access Prime in Settings by doing that. I could click it and start an ad-free membership. Additionally, I could access “Prime” and “Settings” by clicking the gear icon on the side menu.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information from Microsoft and other cited sources at the time of writing. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Product features, timelines, and policies mentioned (including passkey setup and Microsoft Authenticator changes) may change. Readers are encouraged to visit Microsoft’s official website or support channels to confirm current details and instructions. Always use caution when managing sensitive login information or making changes to your account security settings.