Microsoft Edge Drops Master Password, Letting Anyone With Device Access Unlock Your Saved Logins

Microsoft Edge will soon remove the master password option from its built-in password manager and opt for device-based authentication instead.

Right now, autofilling a password field with Edge's built-in password manager requires one of two things: Windows Hello or a master ("primary") password. The latter lets you forget individual login credentials while keeping access exclusive to anyone who knows it. Soon, however, that option will be gone, forcing Edge users to authenticate with Windows Hello or device login in its place.

In Edge version 146, Microsoft has started blocking the creation of new primary passwords on the browser's password settings page. Users who already use a primary password can keep it for now, but don't be surprised when you start seeing warnings that the feature will shut down on June 4, 2026.

After that date, Edge will rely fully on Windows Hello or the device's sign ...