Despite its popularity, there isn’t an official Google app to use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC. However, there are some workarounds. This guide shows Windows users multiple ways to use Authenticator.
Content
- Exporting Google's 2FA Code to Your PC
- 1. WinAuth
- 2. WinOTP Authenticator
- 3. 2 Factor Authenticator
- 4. GAuth Authenticator
- Frequently Asked Questions
Exporting Google’s 2FA Code to Your PC
To use Google Authenticator on your PC, generate a “secret code” for Google Authenticator (Android | iOS). This is the seed code generators used to make codes that work with Google.
Head to the Google Account security page. Scroll down to the How you sign in to Google section, and select 2-Step Verification.
If Google knows you have a phone connected to your account, it will take you through the steps to set up a basic phone notification service. Press Get Started.
After you have completed the steps, you’ll have the chance to set up the Authenticator app. While we’re not downloading the actual app, we do need to pretend we are getting the secret key. Click Set up.
Press + Set up authenticator. Go through the prompts until it asks you to scan a QR code. Under the code, click Can’t scan it?
Look for the secret key, and copy it. This is what you’ll enter into third-party apps when they ask for a key. However, be sure to keep it a secret. If someone else gets this information, they can use it to get into your Google account!
Now that we have the code, let’s see where we can use it. Leave your Google security page open on your PC to reference it when setting up an app to use Google Authenticator.
1. WinAuth
If you’re worried about a third-party app stealing or leaking your code, try WinAuth. Its major draw is that it’s an open-source app that can be downloaded to your PC. Your code will not be stored in the cloud for others to hack.
Once WinAuth is running on your PC, add a new Google account.
Enter your secret code from the Authenticator app, then click the Verify Authenticator button.
Take a look at the code that has been generated under the Verify Authenticator button, and remember it for later use. Go back to your Google security settings page, where the pop-up with the secret code should still be opened. Press Next.
Enter the six-digit code generated by WinAuth, and press Verify.
If everything is done correctly, Google will show you a message confirming that the app has been successfully configured. Click OK to save the changes in your Google account.
Back in the WinAuth window, click OK to save the changes in the WinAuth application.
As soon as you click OK, WinAuth opens the Protection window that allows you to set a password to encrypt the files saved by WinAuth. This ensures any unauthorized access will be blocked. Enter the password twice, and click OK to save the changes.
Alternatively, set WinAuth to encrypt files so that it can only be used on the current computer, but using password protection is much more viable.
Google Authenticator can now be used on your Windows PC using WinAuth.
2. WinOTP Authenticator
WinOTP Authenticator is exclusive to Windows, and you can download it directly from the Microsoft Store. It’s a good alternative to Authy, which no longer supports desktops, only mobile.
Click the + button at the bottom to add a new service.
While the app claims it can read QR codes, it didn’t work so well for me, but definitely give it a try to see if it works for you. It took several tries for me.
Enter the name of the service, your username, and your code, and you’re all set. For the service name and username, you can pick what you want, but make sure you’re able to tell the services apart.
3. 2 Factor Authenticator
2 Factor Authenticator currently only supports Google, Microsoft, LastPass, and Facebook accounts, but it will work well as a Google authenticator on PC.
Press the + icon at the bottom to add a new account. Enter a name for the account, such as “Google,” then enter your secret key.
You can also use the camera icon to scan a QR code, if available. This worked better than WinOTP Authenticator – but not perfectly.
4. GAuth Authenticator
If you want to use Google Authenticator in your browser on a Windows PC, try GAuth Authenticator (Web | Chrome extension).
To add your authenticator to GAuth, click on the pencil in the top right. Click Add.
Enter the account name (in this case, “Google”) and the secret key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Authenticator on my PC and smartphone at the same time?
Yes. However, you must use the same code on both devices. Ideally, you should set up your phone and PC at the same time. If you have already set up Google Authenticator on one device, you may need to disable it on the services you use, and re-enable with a new code. During the process of getting a new code, you can use the same code on your PC and mobile device. Google steps you through the process, including how to back up your codes.
Remember, if you don’t like Google Authenticator, there are some great Authenticator alternatives.
Do I have to start from scratch every time I add Google Authenticator to a new PC?
There is a trick to making the transition to a new PC easier than having to set up Google Authenticator from scratch. However, you need to do this during the initial setup.
When you’re given QR codes for each site, print them or screenshot them to save them for later. Make sure you name each code so that you know which sites they belong to. Then, if you need to set up a new PC to use Google Authenticator, install your chosen app on your PC, and add in your QR codes. It’s quicker and doesn’t involve having to remove 2FA from any accounts.
If you need to back up any account passwords when switching PCs, learn how Google Password Manager works.
Why is it a good idea to have Google Authenticator on your PC?
While many services want users to rely solely on their phones for 2FA, it’s not feasible. Phones get hacked, lost, and broken, leaving you with no access to your Google Authenticator codes. Even if you just have codes texted to you, you’re still stuck if you don’t have access to your phone. By using your desktop, you don’t have to rely on your smartphone to access accounts that use 2FA via Google Authenticator. Of course, this only works as an alternative if you’re just logging in to your accounts when you’re at your computer.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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Crystal Crowder - Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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