Microsoft is testing a new password-management feature in its Authenticator app, making it even more useful as a one-stop shop for all of your account-related information. It’s simple to set up and allows you to synchronize your passwords across iOS and Android devices, as well as Chrome and Edge on your computer.
Grab (or update) the Microsoft Authenticator app to get started. After logging in with your Microsoft account, you’ll be able to use the app as a key-based (or tap-to-allow) authenticator for it. I’m already a supporter.
From there, tap on the triple-line “hamburger” icon in the upper-left corner and tap on Settings. Under “Beta,” enable Autofill.
You’ll be prompted to sign in again with your Microsoft account. When prompted, enable password sync, and you’ll see a new section for passwords in the Authenticator app:
Within this section, you’ll see any passwords you’ve previously saved to your Microsoft account—for example, any passwords you’ve saved while using the Edge browser. You can also use Microsoft’s app to autofill password prompts on whatever device you’re using.
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You’ll have to do a little more work if you want to expand the functionality of this beta-tested password manager. You can, of course, install the app on any iOS or Android device you have (as well as an iPad). Any passwords you save or modify will sync up to the cloud and appear on those devices if you’re using Microsoft’s Edge browser while signed in. You can also install the Autofill Chrome extension, which adds the same functionality to the rival browser.
Autofill is free to use, though it isn’t as elegant or secure as, say, 1Password. You can view, delete, and edit passwords that have been saved. You can also import saved passwords from a.CSV file if you’re switching from another password manager. That’s all there is to it—basic functionality, but a good password manager if you’re already a Microsoft user. And now that you can pair it with an authenticator, you’ve got yourself a pretty handy security package.
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