Google Authenticator may be helpful, but it is uncomfortable that Google has not created an official application for the desktop. However, you can use Google Authenticator on PC running Windows through other vehicles. Let's explore the ways you can use Google Authenticator on your PC.
Export Google 2FA code to PC
To do this, you will need “secret code” for Google Authenticator. This is the source that the code creation process can create operating codes with Google.
To receive this secret code, visit the Google Account security page. Move “Signing in Google” and click “2-Step Verification”.
If Google knows you have a phone connected to your account, Google will guide you on the steps to set up a basic phone notification service.
After completing the steps, you will have the opportunity to set up the Authenticator application. Although you will not download the practical application, you need to pretend that you are receiving a secret key. Click “Set up”.
Look through the reminder until it asks you to scan the QR code. Under code, click “Can't scan it?”.
On the next page, look for a secret key and copy it. This is what you will enter third -party applications when they ask the key. However, remember to keep a secret. If someone gets this information, they can use it to access your account!
Where to set the secret code?
Now when there is a code, see where we can place it.
1. Winauth
If you are worried about the application of a third party stealing or leaking your code, try winauth. The main attraction is that it is an open source application that you download your PC. Therefore, no code is disturbed or any cloud memory can leak your key.
Set with Winauth is very easy. When Winauth is running, add a new Google account.
Enter your private key, then click the button “Verify Authenticator”. Continue to set your Google account and enter the code that Winauth provides for you.
Copy the one -time password is created and pasted on the Google security setting page, then click the button “Verify and Save” To verify the code created.
If everything is done correctly, Google will show you a confirmation window. Just click the button “OK” To save changes in your Google account.
Back to the Winauth window. Now you have confirmed the code created, click the button OK To save changes in the Winauth application.
As soon as you click the button OKWinauth will open the window Protectionallows you to set a password to encrypt the files saved by Winauth. This ensures that all unauthorized access will be blocked. Just enter the password twice and click the button “OK” To save the changes. In addition, you can also place the file encoding the file so that it can only be used on the current computer, but using a more feasible protective password.
Now, you can use Google Authenticator on your PC with Winauth.
2. Winotp Authenticator
WinOTP Authenticator exclusively for Windows and you can download it directly from Microsoft Store.
1. Click the button “+” At the bottom to add a new service.
Although the application statement can read the QR code, the author of the article has had difficulty making this application work, but make sure it is suitable for you. Perhaps it takes a few times.
2. Enter the name of the service, username and your code to complete. For the names of Service and Username, you can choose what you want but make sure you can distinguish different services.
3. Authy
If you want to sync your mobile and your PC, try Authy. You can use it as an independent device on PC, but it will ask you to provide details about your phone during the registration process. If you have Authy on your phone, you can quickly sync your details between the two devices.
On the PC version of Authy, click the plus icon at the top right.
Paste secret key into the box.
You can name and assign color to your account. Once setup, you will have a active Google code.
4. 2 Factor Authentication
2 Factor Authentication currently only supports Google, Microsoft, Lastpass and Facebook accounts, but it works as well as Google authentication on PC.
1. Click the icon “+” At the bottom to add a new account.
2. Enter your account name, such as Google, then enter your secret key.
3. You can also use the camera icon to scan the QR code, if any. This works better than WinOTP Authenticator – but not perfect.
5. Gauth Authenticator
If you want an option to use in your browser, you can try Gauth Authenticator. You can install it in the form of chrome extensions or web applications.
Adding authentication to Gauth is easy. First, click the pencil icon at the top right, then click Add.
Enter the name of the authentication code (in this case is Google) and secret key.
Once completed, you will have an active authentication.
Common questions
Can Google Authenticator be used on PCs and smartphones at the same time?
Have. 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 set up Google Authenticator on a device, you may need to turn off this feature on the services you use and activate it with the new code. In the process of receiving the new code, you can use the same code on your PC and mobile device. Google will guide you to perform this process, including how to back up your code.
Is it again starting from the beginning to add Google Authenticator to the new PC?
There is a tips that make it easier to convert to PCs to set up Google Authenticator from the beginning. However, you need to do this during the initial setup process.
When you are granted QR code for each website, print them or take screenshots to save later. Make sure you name each code to know which website they belong to. Then, if you need to set up a new PC to use Google Authenticator, you just need to install the selected application from the above list and add your QR code. It is faster and does not have to delete 2FA from any account.
Why is the installation of Google Authenticator on the PC is a good idea?
Although many services want users to rely on their phones to verify 2FA, that is not feasible. The phone is hacked, lost and broken, making you unable to access your Google Authenticator code. Even if you text the code to enter, you still have difficulty if you cannot access your phone for any reason. By using a computer, you do not need to rely on your smartphone to access any account that uses 2FA through Google Authenticator. Of course, this only works as an alternative if you only log into your account when using your computer.
