How to use Google Authenticator on a Windows PC

Let's explore the ways you can use Google Authenticator on your PC.

Export Google 2FA to PC

To do this, you will need a "secret code" for Google Authenticator. This is the source from which code generators can generate code that works with Google.

To receive this secret code, visit the Google Account security page here. Go to the 'Signing in to Google' section and click on '2-Step Verification' .

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If Google knows you have a phone connected to your account, Google guides you through the steps to set up a basic phone notification service.

After completing the steps, you will be given the opportunity to set up the Authenticator app. While it won't download the actual app, you'll need to pretend you're getting a secret key. Click 'Set up' .

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Go through the prompt until it asks you to scan the QR code. Under the code, click "Can't scan it?".

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On the next page, find the secret key and copy it. This is what you'll enter into third-party apps when they ask for the key. However, remember to keep it a secret. If someone gets this information, they can use it to access your account!

Where to put the secret code?

Now that we have the code, let's see where we can put it.

1. WinAuth

If you are concerned about a third-party application stealing or leaking your code, give WinAuth a try. The main attraction is that it is an open source application that you download to your PC. As a result, no scrambled code or cloud storage can leak your keys.

Setting up with WinAuth is easy. Once WinAuth is running, add a new Google account.

Enter your private key, then click the 'Verify Authenticator' button . Go ahead and set up your Google account and enter the code that WinAuth gives you.

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Copy the generated one-time password and paste it into the Google privacy settings page, then click the 'Verify and Save' button to verify the generated code.

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If everything is done correctly, Google will show you a confirmation window. Just click the 'OK' button to save the changes in your Google account.

Return to the WinAuth window. Now that you have confirmed the generated code, click the OK button to save the changes in the WinAuth application.

As soon as you click the OK button , WinAuth will open the Protection window , allowing you to set a password to encrypt files saved by WinAuth. This ensures any unauthorized access will be blocked. Just enter the password twice and click the 'OK' button to save the changes. Alternatively, you can also set WinAuth to encrypt the file so it can only be used on the current computer, but using password protection is much more feasible.

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You can now use Google Authenticator on your PC using WinAuth.

2. Authy

If you want to sync your mobile and PC codes, try Authy. You can use it as a standalone device on your PC, but it will ask you for 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 in the top right.

Paste the secret key into the box.

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You can name and assign a color to your account. Once setup is complete, you should have a working Google code.

3. GAuth Authenticator

If you want an option to use in your browser, you can try GAuth Authenticator. You can install it as a Chrome extension or web app.

Adding validators to GAuth is easy. First, click the pencil icon in the top right, then click Add.

Enter the name of the verification code (in this case, Google ) and the secret key.

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Once done, you should have a working validator.

David Pac

Update 24 March 2021