Google Authenticator is one of the best authentication apps available out there.
Millions of users use it to safeguard their online accounts from bad guys.
It is available to download as an app on Android and iOS.
But unlike most good authentication apps, this one is also unavailable for the Windows OS.
However, there are some methods by which you might use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC.
How Can We Use Google Authenticator in Windows 11?
On Windows 11, you cant directly use the Google Authenticator app itself.
Well first obtain the code from your Google Account and then configure the third-party app using that code.
Once set up, youll receive all future Google two-factor authentication codes through the third-party app.
How to Get the Secure Key in Windows 11?
1.fire up the Security page on your Google account.
2.Scroll down and click theAuthenticatorbutton in theHow you sign in to Googlesection.
3.Select theSet up authenticatorapp option.
4.Click theCant scan it?link under the generated QR code.
5.Copy the key that is mentioned after step 2.
If your search for an authenticator is still on, we got you.
WinAuth
WithAuth is a free and open-source authenticator app specifically designed for Windows.
It is one of the best alternatives as it can handle both time-based and counter-based codes.
The authenticator is compatible with Google Authenticator, Steam, Battle.net, etc.
One of the best things about WinAuth is that it doesnt require any installation.
you’re able to simply unzip the package and directly fire off the system.
This portability minimizes online exposure and the risk of hacking, as it doesnt store your security codes online.
Additionally, it can generate codes even when youre offline, further enhancing security.
Furthermore, WinAuth allows you to export and import your security codes.
2.Double-pick the utility to start WinAuth.
5.On the next screen, fill in the required columns.
Then, paste the secure key and click theVerify Authenticatorbutton.
6.After verifying, itll show you a six-digit code.
you’re gonna wanna remember that code and paste it into the Google security configs page.
7.Head to Googles security page and click theNextbutton.
8.Enter the six-digit code from WinAuth and click theVerifybutton.
9.Google will give you a confirmation on the website itself.
Once you get that, go to the WinAuth app and click theOKbutton.
Enter the password, verify it, and click theOKbutton to complete the setup.
Like the last one, WinOTP can also generate codes without an internet connection.
It has a pretty straightforward setup and code management.
1.Download and plant the WinOTP program from theMicrosoft store.
2.spin up the software and click thePlusicon.
3.Complete the entries for the Service and Username section.
Paste the copied secure key from Google and add an authenticator page in theCodesection.
5.It will give you a six-digit code.
go for the code to copy it.
6.Head back to Googles account security page and click theNextbutton.
7.Paste the code and click theVerifybutton to add the authenticator.
2.launch the app and sign in with your phone number.
3.Verify your account using a verification code.
4.Click thePlusbutton to start the process.
5.Paste the secure key from Google and click theAddAccountbutton.
6.Fill in all the given fields and click theSavebutton.
7.Remember the code and go back to the Google account security page.
8.Click theNextbutton and verify the code.
In this section, let us see how to use the Google Authenticator on the three most popular browsers.
Use Google Authenticator With Microsoft Edge
1.initiate the Edge web app and visit theAuthenticator extensions installation page.
3.ClickAdd extensionon the next pop-up.
4.After adding the extension, click theExtensionsicon from the top right.
5.SelectAuthenticator: 2FA Client.
6.Click theEditicon in the authenticator.
7.In the Edit section, click onAdd account.
9.Enter the name of the Issuer, paste theSecure Keyin the Secret section, and click theOkbutton.
10.It will give you a code.
Go back to Googles security page and verify the code to add Google Authenticator to the Edge web client.
Use Google Authenticator With Google Chrome
1.Open Google Chrome and visit theAuthenticator extensions web store page.
2.Click theAdd to Chromebutton.
10.It will give you a code.
Use Google Authenticator With Mozilla Firefox
1.Open Firefox and visit theAuthenticators Firefox Add-ons page.
2.Click theAdd to Firefoxbutton.
3.ClickAddon the next pop-up.
10.It will give you a code.
FAQs
How Do I Find My 6 Digit Google Authenticator Code?
Can I Use Google Authenticator With Remote Desktop?
What Is the Difference Between Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator?
Can I Use Microsoft Authenticator on Windows 11?
Yes, you might use the Microsoft Authenticator on Windows 11.
How Do I Restore My Lost Google Authenticator?
Now that youve enabled two-factor authentication for your account, youve added an essential layer of security.
Remember, two-factor authentication is a crucial step in protecting your digital life.
