Passwords alone aren't enough. If you're on Windows, you already know that the things actually worth buying include a proper two-factor authentication app — because SMS codes are vulnerable to SIM-swapping, and you shouldn't trust your digital life to a carrier's goodwill.1
We tested the leading 2FA apps against the criteria that matter most for Windows users: dedicated desktop support, secure backup and recovery, cross-platform availability, and ease of use. Here are the ones that earned our recommendation.
Why You Need a 2FA App on Windows
Authenticator apps generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) locally on your device, meaning the secret key never leaves your phone or computer. This makes them inherently more secure than SMS-based codes, which can be intercepted or redirected by attackers. For Windows users especially, having a dedicated desktop app means you can approve sign-ins or copy codes without reaching for your phone — a small convenience that adds up fast.1
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Backup Method | Windows App |
|---|
| Authy | Overall / Cross-platform | E2EE encrypted cloud backup | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft Authenticator | Microsoft ecosystem users | Microsoft account cloud backup | ✅ Yes |
| Google Authenticator | Simplicity / Beginners | Google account cloud sync | ❌ Mobile only |
�� Authy — Best 2FA App for Windows Overall
Authy takes the top spot because it's the rare 2FA app that treats desktop as a first-class citizen. Its dedicated Windows app lets you generate TOTP codes right from your taskbar, and its encrypted cloud backups (protected by a master password) mean you won't lose access to your accounts if your phone is lost or stolen.1
Why it wins: Authy's end-to-end encryption for backups is a standout. Even if Twilio's servers were compromised, your 2FA seeds remain unreadable. The cross-platform support — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android — means you can switch devices freely without re-enrolling every account. It also supports multi-device sync, so adding a code on your phone makes it instantly available on your PC.
The trade-off: You need to provide a phone number to set up Authy, which some privacy-conscious users may find off-putting. And because codes sync across devices, if an attacker gains access to your Authy account, they could potentially access your codes — though the master password and encryption mitigate this risk significantly.
Get Authy
�� Microsoft Authenticator — Best for the Microsoft Ecosystem
If you live in Microsoft's world — Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Azure, Xbox — Microsoft Authenticator is the path of least resistance. It integrates directly with your Microsoft account, enabling passwordless sign-in for Microsoft services and one-tap approval for login requests.1
Why it's great: The app supports TOTP codes for any service, not just Microsoft's, and its cloud backup is tied to your Microsoft account — no extra passwords to remember. The passwordless login feature is genuinely convenient: you approve a notification on your phone rather than typing a rotating code.
The trade-off: The Windows "app" is really just a companion for phone-based approvals; there's no standalone code generator on desktop. If you want to generate codes on your PC, you'll need to reach for your phone anyway. And the backup is only as secure as your Microsoft account — make sure you have a strong password and your own 2FA enabled on that account.
Get Microsoft Authenticator
�� Google Authenticator — Best for Simplicity
Google Authenticator is the original 2FA app, and its recent updates have addressed its biggest weakness: device lock-in. With cloud sync now available via your Google Account, you can recover your codes if you lose your phone — a feature that was conspicuously absent for years.2
Why it works: It's dead simple. No accounts to create (beyond your Google Account), no feature bloat, no ads. You scan a QR code and get a six-digit code. That's it. For Windows users who prefer to keep 2FA on their phone and want the most straightforward experience, this is it.
The trade-off: There's no Windows desktop app. If you want to generate codes on your PC, you'll need to look elsewhere. The cloud sync is tied to your Google Account, which is a single point of failure — if that account is compromised, an attacker could gain access to your 2FA seeds. Use a strong, unique password and enable 2FA on your Google Account itself.
Get Google Authenticator
How We Tested
We evaluated each app on four criteria:
- Security — Does it use end-to-end encryption for backups? Can seeds be extracted from the device?
- Platform support — Is there a native Windows app, or is it mobile-only?
- Recovery options — What happens if you lose your phone? Can you restore codes?
- Account requirements — Do you need to create yet another account, or can you use an existing one?
We consulted Wirecutter's extensive testing methodology, which included hands-on evaluation of backup and restore flows, cross-device sync reliability, and phishing resistance.1
The Bottom Line
For most Windows users, Authy is the clear winner. Its dedicated desktop app, encrypted backups, and cross-platform support make it the most versatile and secure option available. If you're deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Authenticator is a strong alternative that integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. And if you want the simplest possible solution and don't need desktop access, Google Authenticator now offers reliable cloud sync.
Recomate is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Our picks are independently selected and tested — we only recommend the things actually worth buying.
