How to Use Google Authenticator on Windows 10

One of the best ways to protect your online accounts from being compromised is to use two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second layer to the sign-in process, requiring you to use a one-use only generated code (usually created on your smartphone) to sign in successfully using tools like Google Authenticator.

That is, of course, if you actually have a smartphone with Google Authenticator installed. If you don’t, then your options are limited, but it is possible to use Google Authenticator on your PC without requiring another device. If you want to know how to use Google Authenticator on Windows 10, here’s what you’ll need.

Generating the Google Authenticator Secret Code

If ausername and password is leaked online, your account is at risk. Even using apassword managerwon’t help you at this point—you’ll need to change any passwords that are compromised by a breach.

To help overcome this issue, you can link your online accounts to a two-factor authentication service like Google Authenticator. This generates a one-time password (OTP) to successfully sign in to Google and other online services.

It doesn’t matter if a password is breached if the hacker doesn’t have your 2FA credentials. 2FA adds another layer of security. To generate the codes, you’ll need to set up Google Authenticator on your Windows PC using a third-party app and insert the secret code that matches your Google account.

The secret code is like a master password—without it, the codes being generated won’t work to complete a 2FA sign in. This code will only work for your Google account sign-in, but you’ll need similar codes to link your other online services with a 2FA app on your Windows PC.

Once you’ve saved the secret code, you’ll need to install a 2FA app on your PC to proceed.

Installing a Two Factor Authentication App for Windows 10

Unfortunately, there are few apps that exist for extending Google Authenticator support to Windows 10.WinAuthis one exception, and while it remains popular, WinAuth is no longer in active development, so we can’t guarantee that it continues to work as intended as a Google Authenticator alternative.

With few desktop apps available, the best alternatives are found in the Microsoft Store. One example isWinOTP Authenticator, an open-source 2FA app that can be installed officially through the Microsoft Store, although the source code is available for review on the developer’s GitHub page.

Installing a Two Factor Authentication Extension in Google Chrome

While WinOTP Authenticator offers a quick and easy way to sign in to Google services with two-factor authentication enabled, you can also set up a quick and easy-to-use 2FA app using a Google Chrome extension namedAuthenticator.

Using Google Authenticator on Windows 10

Once a 2FA app is installed on your PC, you’ll be free to use Google Authenticator on Windows to sign into your Google account without needing a smartphone. This gives you a2FA backup device, offering peace of mind that you won’t be locked out of your Google account, even if you lose your smartphone.

However, you’ll need to bear in mind that only one Authenticator app is allowed for each account. If you want to use Google Authenticator on Windows, you won’t be able to use the Google Authenticator app on Android or iPhone to sign in to your Google account after this point.

If you haven’t already, it’s advisable to set up two-factor authentication on all of your important accounts to help improve your privacy online. This includessetting up 2FA on social mediato help keep your accounts free from hackers who could compromise your identity.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Website

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

How to Use Google Authenticator on Windows 10#

Generating the Google Authenticator Secret Code#

Installing a Two Factor Authentication App for Windows 10#

Installing a Two Factor Authentication Extension in Google Chrome#

Using Google Authenticator on Windows 10#