How to Use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC (2024)

It’s pretty easy to setup and use Google Authenticator on a smartphone but what if you want to use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC? Google Authenticator despite having a huge number of downloads and daily active users still doesn’t have the option to use it through an application on Windows and this can be a headache for many users who often use Google 2 factor Authentication.

In this article, I will be guiding you on how you can use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC without the need for a smartphone, so stick to last and make sure you follow the steps correctly.

Can You Use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC?

As of 2024, the Google Authenticator app is currently made to work on Android and iOS smartphones. There is no official Google Authenticator App you can run on your Windows PC or laptop. However, there is a method by which you can use the Google Authenticator app on a Windows PC or a laptop.

How to Use Google Authenticator on a PC?

Using Google Authenticator on a PC is easy if you know how to do it. To use Google Authenticator on PC you just need to connect the Google Authenticator to an open-source app named WinAuth (You can also use any other third party authenticator service or app) and then you can use the Google Authenticator app on Windows PC.

Steps to Use Google Authenticator on PC

The process is pretty simple just follow the steps mentioned below:

1. How To Setup Google Authenticator For Windows

To set up Google Authenticator For Windows you first need to generate a Google Authenticator Code(Secret Key). Ensure that your keys are not shared with anyone; it is crucial always to keep them private.

You will need this when WinAuth asks for a key to connect with Google Authenticator.

You can follow the steps below to generate a google authenticator code

1. Login to your Google account in a web browser.
2. Now open your Google Account settings page and select the “Security” option.
3. Scroll down and select 2-Step Verification.
4. Now you will be prompted to enter the password again if you are already using Google authenticator.
5. After you enter your password select “Authenticator” in the second step menu option.
6. Click on the “Change Authenticator App” option in the Authenticator App Settings.
7. Now a QR code will appear on your screen, select the “Can’t Scan It?” option below it.
8. That’s it, just copy the secret code and save it somewhere private.

Now we have successfully generated the secret google authenticator code, the next step is to connect it with the WinAuth App.

Note: You can use any third-party app or service that you like and trust. I have used WinAuth to just show you the process of how it’s done, the steps are almost the same in most of the third-party authenticator apps.

2. Connect Google Authenticator to WinAuth

To connect WinAuth to Google Authenticator follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Download and open WinAuth Application.
2. Click on add button.
3. Select “Google” from the list.
4. Now paste your generated google authenticator code in the space provided.
5. Click on “Verify Authenticator”.
6. Verify the code and press “ok”.

You have now sucessufully connected the google authenticator app to the WinAuth App. You can now use google authenticator on a windows pc or laptop without the need of an smartphone.

Also Read: Tips To Check And Improve Your Laptop Battery Health (2024)

Conclusion

By following the above-mentioned steps you can easily use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC or a laptop without worrying about carrying your smartphone every time you need to verify for a two-step verification process.

Hope you found this article insightful if you have any questions or suggestions then you can mention them below in the comments.

FAQs

Can we connect third party service with Google Authenticator App?

Yes you can connect any third party service or app that you like to the Google Authenticator for a 2 step verification process.

Can Google Authenticator be used on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use the Google Authenticator on multiple devices by using the same QR code on multiple devices.

Can we transfer Google authenticator to a new phone?

Yes, to transfer Google authenticator to a new phone simply click on three-horizontal dot in the the top left corner of the screen and select Export accounts. Now simply scan the QR code show on your new phone and your account will be transferred.

Ash Vashisht

Hey there! I’m Ash Vashisht, a tech enthusiast and ex-marketing manager. I love diving into the world of technology and exploring cool innovations. Join me in unraveling the latest tech trends and insights.