60 per cent of respondents said in the United Nations Development Programme they expected AI to impact their employment positively, creating opportunities in jobs that may not even exist today.

This move signals Microsoft's shift away from using the Authenticator app as a password manager, opting instead to focus on browser-based solutions like those integrated into Microsoft Edge. Users are urged to transfer their saved credentials to a dedicated password manager or to Edge as soon as possible.

Rather than enhancing Authenticator's password management capabilities, Microsoft is prioritizing the adoption of passkeys—locally stored cryptographic credentials that offer stronger protection against theft and unauthorized access.

The transition is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to eliminate traditional passwords, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Security experts support the change but advise users to act quickly to avoid losing access to their accounts.

Microsoft acknowledges that Authenticator was never designed to be a full-featured password manager and recommends alternatives like 1Password or Apple’s native password tools for secure credential storage.

This shift also aligns Microsoft with industry leaders like Apple and Google, who are all moving toward a passwordless future powered by passkeys. With the growing risk posed by weak or reused passwords, Microsoft emphasizes that replacing them is no longer optional—it’s a critical step forward in digital security.