Exporting Google’s 2FA Code to Your PC
To do this, you’re going to need to generate a “secret code” for Google Authenticator (Android | iOS). This is the seed code generators use to make codes that work with Google. Now that we have the code, let’s see where we can use it.
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 you download to your PC. As such, there’s no obfuscated code or cloud storage that can leak your key. Now you can use the Google Authenticator 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. While the app claims to be able to read QR codes, we had trouble getting it to work, but definitely give it a try to see if it works for you. It took several tries for us.
3. Authy
If you want to sync your mobile and PC codes, try Authy (Windows | macOS | Linux | Android | iOS). You can use it as a standalone on your PC, but it does ask you for your phone details during signup. If you have Authy on your phone, you can quickly sync your details between the two devices.
4. 2 Factor Authentication
2 Factor Authentication currently only supports Google, Microsoft, LastPass, and Facebook accounts, but it does work well as a Google authenticator on PC.
5. GAuth Authenticator
If you want something in your browser, you can try the GAuth Authenticator (Web | Chrome extension). Image credit: Firmbee.com via Unsplash All screenshots by Crystal Crowder 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, you just need to install your chosen app from the above list and add in your QR codes. It’s quicker and doesn’t involve having to remove 2FA from any accounts.
