Elain Brown Tech 07.26.2022 06:Jul AM EDT

iCloud Utility for Passwords Now Supports Two-Factor Authentication Code Generator for Windows

Apple's latest update for iCloud Utility now enables a two-factor authentication (2FA) code generator for Windows.

As reported by 9To5Mac, users on Reddit have pointed out that the most recent version of iCloud Passwords for Windows, which is included with the iCloud Utility for Windows, is now compatible with two-factor authentication codes.

The 2FA feature has not been available for the longest time since iCloud was made accessible to Windows users.

It was the iCloud Keychain that first received support for two-factor authentication with the release of iOS 15 and macOS Monterey. However, now Windows users can finally use this one.

iCloud Two-Factor Authentication for Windows

Apple has released an updated version of its iCloud software for Windows users, which comes with a brand new password manager app with iOS version 12.5 one year ago.

Users are now able to access and manage their passwords that are stored in the iCloud Keychain from a Windows PC due to that update.

Users are able to view and manage the passwords for their iCloud accounts on their Windows machines by using the password manager program. They are able to look up any usernames or passwords saved to their iCloud Keychain, as well as add, edit, copy and paste, delete, and look them up.

Now, iCloud is stepping up its security measures for its Windows users as well. The iCloud Utility has been upgraded to include support for the two-factor authentication code generator (2FA).

With that, users no longer need to use third-party software to store their login and password credentials for all of their accounts online since Apple has upgraded its iCloud to generate another security measure.

As explained by Apple, the two-factor authentication code, also known as a multi-factor authentication code, is a process that provides another layer of protection for every account when it comes to logging in to an account online.

For example, when logging in to a bank account on a mobile device, a user types in their log-in details and password to see through their account.

However, with 2FA enabled, it allows users to have another login process wherein a code will be sent to the user's phone number or email to ensure one last time that it was them logging into their account.

This code may be generated by a computer or mobile device, or it can be generated by password managers such as 1Password, LastPass, and iCloud Keychain. However, iCloud users on Windows can say goodbye to that now.

iCloud Password Limitations

The iCloud password's 2FA will only be available when using selected browsers, namely Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

This implies that customers who prefer other web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox will need to launch the iCloud Passwords tool each time they need to generate a 2FA code using iCloud Keychain. These users can generate a code by following the steps outlined in this article.

Aside from the 2FA feature that is now available on Windows, users can now try the additional feature of adding notes to their iCloud Keychain passwords.

Users who own at least one Apple device may find iCloud Keychain to be a useful and free alternative to other password managers.

Despite the fact that it does not have as many capabilities as those offered by its competitors, iCloud on Windows is still capable of the most important and basic features such as Drive, Passwords, Photos, Mail, and Contacts.