What is ‘Google Authenticator’ in Windows 10?
In this post, we are going to discuss on “How to download and install Google Authenticator for PC” and ‘How to use Google Authenticator in Windows 10’. You will be guided here with easy steps/methods to do so. Let’s starts the discussion.
‘Google Authenticator’ for Windows 10 PC: Google Authenticator is software-based authenticator from Google that implements 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication or Verification) service using TOTP (Time based One-Time Password) algorithm. And HMAC- based One-Time Password (HOTP) algorithm, for authenticating users of software applications. Google Authenticator generates 6-8 digit one-time password (OTP) when you logging into website supporting Authenticator including Google Services, or using Authenticator supporting third-party applications like Password Manager or File Hosting services. And you must enter in addition to your usual login details.
If you want to use Google Authenticator in your Windows 10 PC, then Google Authenticator app must be installed in your device and it must be set up for each site with which it is to be used and site provides a shared secret key to you over a secure channel to be stored in Authenticator app. However, this secret key will be used for all future logins to the site.
If you are not aware, Google Authenticator is currently available for Smartphone/mobile phone but not for Windows PC. However, you can download Google Authenticator for PC via other means and then you can use the service in your Windows 10 PC. Let’s go for steps to download and use Google Authenticator in Windows 10 computer.
How to download/install and use Google Authenticator in Windows 10?
Method 1: Generate the Google Authenticator Secret Code
Your account is not secure more if the username & password is leaked online. In such case, you will need to change any password that compromised by breach. To help overcome this problem, you can link your online accounts to 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) service like Google Authenticator. This service generates One-Time-Password (OTP) to successfully login into Google and other online services.
If you want to generate secret codes, then you will need to set up Google Authenticator on your Windows PC using third-party app and insert the secret code that matches your Google Account. This code will only work for your Google account logged-in but you will need similar codes to link your other online services with 2FA app on Windows 10 PC.
Step 1: Open your Google Account page in your browser and click on ‘Security’ in left pane
Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Signing into Google’ section, and select ‘2-step verification’ option. You may need to login into account again
Step 3: If you haven’t already enabled 2FA with mobile device previously, you will need follow on-screen instructions to enable 2-step verification on the opened page.
Step 4: Once done, go to ‘Authentication app’ section and select ‘Set Up’ to start
Step 5: In next screen, select ‘Android’ or ‘IPhone’ option and hit ‘Next’
Step 6: In next page, you will see QR code that you’d typically need to scan. You won’t be doing this, so select ‘Can’t scan it’ option
Step 7: Now in next page, secret code will be appeared for your Google Account, copy the code and hit ‘Next’
Method 2: Install 2FA Google Authenticator for PC [Windows 10]
As mentioned, Google doesn’t offer Google Authenticator for PC. But you can try some other popular Authenticator for PC like ‘WinAuth’ Google Authenticator alternative for Windows 10 PC. You can also try to find best Google Authenticator alternative on Microsoft Store for your Windows 10 PC.
Step 1: Download and install WinOTP Authenticator from Microsoft Store or visit ‘https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/winotp-authenticator/9nf2rgqkx1mv?ocid=badge&rtc=1&activetab=pivot:overviewtab’ page for this
Step 2: Install the downloaded Authenticator in your device and then launch the app
Step 3: In the opened ‘WinOTP’ app, select ‘ADD (+)’ icon at bottom and you will need to save your Google Account details here. Set service type as ‘Google’, enter your Google account email address or username, finally enter 32-digit secret code you have copied from above method. And then hit ‘Save’ to save the details to the app
Step 4: If successful, a 6 digit OTP will be appeared at top of window. Now, return to Google Authenticator app setup page or open Google Authenticator setup page, and select ‘Set Up’ option under ‘Authentication App’ section
Step 5: Enter 6-digit code you see in WinOTP app, into Google Authenticator app and select ‘Verify’ to continue. Once verified, WinOTP Authenticator will be become default Google Authenticator for PC for your account. You can then use WinOTP to generate 2FA codes. You need to successfully sign-in into your Google Account in future.
Note: If you want to remove the app at any point, press ‘Remove’ icon next to Authenticator app listed in your Google Account settings.
Method 3: Install 2FA Authentication Extension in Google Chrome
You can install 2FA Authentication Extension in your Google Chrome browser.
Step 1: Open your Google Chrome browser and install ‘Authenticator Extension’ from Chrome Web Store. This extension allows you to easily create OTP for 2FA authentication
Step 2: Once installed, select the installed extension icon and click on ‘Pencil’ icon to edit
Step 3: Now, press ‘Plus (+)’ icon to proceed, select ‘Manual Entry’, and follow the above method to generate secret codes and setup Authentication. You can do this in same way as the steps from above method.
Method 4: Use Google Authenticator on Windows 10 PC
Once 2FA app like WinOTP installed in your Windows PC, then you will be free to use Google Authenticator on Windows to login into your Google Account without needing Smartphone. This provide 2FA backup device, offering peace of mind that you won’t be locked out of Google Account, even if your lose your Smartphone.
Conclusion
I am sure this post helped you on How to download Google Authenticator for PC and how to use Google Authenticator app in Windows 10 with several easy ways. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.
