Topic: Useful Application that you can use in a computer/PC. (Read 344 times)

OP is not talking about a PC version, it is rather explaining how to run Google Auth application on a PC.
Bluestacks, as other Android emulators, can be used to run any Android application (.apk). It is basically used by gamers and developers.

I have a bad experience of using simulations on my windows operating system so I would not recommend doing it at all.
It is better to install/burn Remix OS on flash memory and then boot using the Android operating system.
The issue is not just about using 2FA using Google Authenticator but more safety, especially with the use of some wallets.

This is what I meant, installing the authenticator via an android emulator in your computer device as an alternative authenticator on your mobile phone. Having installed android emulator on your mobile device is almost the same as buying new phone.

Just FYI - you can store 2fa private key somewhere (for example on a piece of paper - it's not that long to enter it manually)
I'm suggesting this just because sometimes exchange support could be really slow.
And in some cases, it is pretty hard to exchange to determine if you are a legitimate user.
(If exchange do not have any verification in place and you've deposited funds from some other exchange how you determine if a user is legitimate?)

I think 2FA better for the mobile version some time created the problem when you use multiple or more emails so created problem my opinion better that "Google  2FA mobile version".

You can see Three (3) useful add-ons for Google Chrome web browser
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/three-3-useful-addons-for-google-chrome-web-browser-5115541

Basically OP is suggesting installing Google Authenticator on your computer device via an android emulator as an alternative to Google Authenticator on your smartphone. I'd definitely still go with a smartphone though. It's a good alternative, but I'd advise against this if you have a smartphone due to security reasons.

There are many other Android emulators that you can use also like Nox Player and Ko Player.
Personally, if I lose my 2fa code I would simply contact the platform support and ask them to provide me with a new code (after buying a new phone of course).

If all your safe measure is on the same device, your risky is higher. To really have greater security, it is better using different devices for 2fa and for password manager. An old phone with a different Google account could help a lot.

Your title and the introductory part of your topic are kind of confusing that's people are not getting well what you are trying to put across.
Honestly, I too did not understand the purpose of the post so.

I understand your point but some people have 2 PC/devices used where the main is connected to internet where the other one is use for storing important files or information. I read some post made by a forum user here in bitcointalk that he/she has 2 PC used for crypto. Well, it's entirely depends on the person whether he/she did store authenticator app on a PC device. What can you say about the google chrome extension of Authy that you can use on your desktop?. AFAIK, bluestacks can be use/run in offline mode and the google authenticator app can be used offline too so, you can still safely use the app in a computer that is not connected to an internet.

Don't get me wrong but having your authenticator app stored within the same PC/device kind of defeats the purpose of having two-layers of security. In the event that someone managed to gain access of your computer, they can easily sweep whatever there is that needs sweeping since they already have the 2FA covered and easily tracked if they needed it. I understand the convenience this offers to some users but in reality, what this does is just making yourself even more vulnerable in hacks or physical theft. I'd rather compromise convenience over security any day.

As stated in my op, my point/goal in this thread is that we can also use the Google Auth. or Authy app version in PC/Windows since not all authenticator has windows/pc version unlike authy and google authenticator have their own windows version. Some people may/might refer android/ios version so, for those who want an android version on a computer then this is one way to make it android version on a computer. I'm aware that some authenticator have windows version or extensions for browser and some of it is already explained and other authenticators in this site
https://www.maketecheasier.com/google-authenticator-for-desktop/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/google-authenticator-windows/

One more thing, it is all about having an authenticator app without using a phone and it won't cost you money at all. I should have include it on the op, my fault. You can also installed the apps you want to install because of bluestacks.

What do you mean by the same device? Is an android device and a computer the same?. Bluestacks is not a mobile device but it will act the same as android type device on a computer or as an emulator of android devices, you can also install other android apps that can be use in crypto.

And just to add on, there are other 2FA available apart from Google Authenticator and Authy.

For those who own a hardware wallet eg. Trezor and Ledger, you already have a device that can act as a 2FA. See: link. These are way safer than Google Authenticator and Authy.

For a list of services compatible with such wallets see this:link

2fa authenticator is very important for everyone to have on his/her device it act like a double layer protection.
But it's something you must understand well and there have been various discussion about it here on the forum.

Important precautions about 2fa. https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/2fa-important-precautions-with-google-authenticator-3178131
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/two-factor-authentication-2fa-2527917

I don't think it would be wise to use it that way. To ensure maximum security second factor should not be obtainable from the same device.
If your machine is compromised nothing would stop a hacker from obtaining both your password and your second factor.

Hello Everyone,

This is about an "APPLICATION" that work the same as the mobile devices that you can install in your PC or laptop.
This app can also be used in offline or doesn't need internet before you can use the app. It is an Android Emulator that work the same as the mobile device does. This App can be use to install any app you like from playstore like Google Authenticator, Authy and more Authenticators. This will help you acquire the 6 Digit Code without a mobile device/phone involved or used. The App in your PC will serve as your second device that has authenticator installed like Google Authenticator or Authy app where you can get the 6 Digit Code.

About Bluestacks: Bluestacks is an Application for windows and it is the same platform as the mobile device you have.
Bluestacks is an Android Emulator.
What is an Android Emulator?
The Android emulator mimics all of the hardware and software features of a mobile device, except that it cannot place actual phone calls or text. So that means you can have "ANDROID APPS" in your PC.
List of Android Emulators that you may use can be found in this site:
https://fossbytes.com/best-android-emulators-pc/

It is very useful to install an Android Emulator like bluestacks in your PC. Some Authenticator Apps doesn't have a safe chrome/extenstion version windows version. You can install Android version of Google Auth and Authy App in bluestacks to your PC device.

How to get the 6 Digit Code from Authenticator without using mobile phone.

To get the "6 DIGIT CODE" from Google Authenticator or Authy without using a mobile phone/device.
First, Open BLUESTACKS in your computer.
Second, Open the Google Authenticator or Authy.
Third, Select the account that you want to access then copy the 6 digit code.

The 16 digit you got from the site where you enable must be in the authenticator on your PC so even if you lost your phone you can still access your account with the 6 digit code you can get from the authenticator in your PC.

Don't know how to use Google Auth and enable 2FA?
Thread Link: [Guide] How to Enable 2FA using Google Authenticator!

Please let me know if my explanation is not explained correctly because English is not my native but I'll try my best to explain it in English. Please ask your questions if you have one or more.

Edit: The Authenticator installed on a your bluestacks App on your PC device work the same as the mobile phone does.