- Pro
- Security
Edge's password manager is getting an upgrade
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
- Copy link
- X
- Threads
- Microsoft retires Edge master password feature
- Passkeys and biometrics replace old authentication
- Users may turn to third‑party managers
Microsoft is killing the master password feature in Edge, and is moving to newer, more secure solutions.
Edge is Microsoft’s internet browser, based on Chromium. Among other things it has a built-in password manager that allows users to store not just passwords, but other secrets, too, such as usernames, payment info, or in some cases, addresses.
Until now, users who wanted to log into the tool and manage their secrets, could do so via a password, but Microsoft has been pushing to replace the old authentication method with passkeys. In a press release shared with TechRadar Pro, NordVPN said that as of June 4, the master password feature in Edge is finally retiring, to be replaced by device-based authentication methods such as Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition).
Latest Videos FromWatch full video here:
A step in the right direction
For Ignas Valancius, VP of engineering at NordPass, this is a logical step forward, since biometrics and passkeys are “considered more convenient and secure than passwords”.
“When people manage too many passwords, they tend to reuse them or create simple variations, such as changing a single letter or number,” Valancius stressed. “This practice creates significant vulnerabilities — if one of these accounts is breached, all other accounts sharing the same or a similar password become compromised.”
You may like-
Microsoft finally stops using SMS codes for account sign-in
-
Microsoft's Copilot can now peek into open tabs in Edge — if you let the AI
-
My 5 top tips for choosing a good password
Still, he expects at least a little backlash, because humans are “creatures of habit”, and old habits die hard. Such people can find comfort in alternative, third-party password managers, which still allow users to log in using a master password. “But personally I think a push toward passwordless authentication is a positive development,” he stressed.
Passwords have long been considered one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain, mostly because people can’t be bothered to create, and safely store, strong ones. Instead, they end up using simple, easy-to-guess passwords across a wide range of services, risking losing access to numerous services in one fell swoop.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
The best antivirus for all budgetsOur top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons➡️ Read our full guide to the best antivirus1. Best overall:Bitdefender Total Security2. Best for families:Norton 360 with LifeLock3. Best for mobile:McAfee Mobile Security
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
TOPICS Microsoft CATEGORIES Cyber Security Computing Security Computing Sead FadilpašićSocial Links NavigationSead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.
View MoreYou must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Read more
Security
Microsoft finally stops using SMS codes for account sign-in
Edge
Microsoft's Copilot can now peek into open tabs in Edge — if you let the AI
Security
My 5 top tips for choosing a good password
Security
UK security agency officially declares passkeys superior to passwords – passkeys should be the 'first choice' for authentication
Security
Microsoft is introducing Entra passkeys to Windows – so tough luck if your device is jailbroken, as your credentials will soon be gone forever
Security
I’m a password expert – and these are my top five tips for picking the right password manager
Latest in Security
Security
'You can no longer do things at human scale': Cisco releases AI agent botnet that works on behalf of your business
Security
Weedhack malware campaign infects 116,000 mod-hungry Minecraft players systems through SEO poisoning and YouTube
Security
Steam Community Profiles abused as C2 network in new WordPress malware infection campaign
Security
New Trump executive order requests AI companies 'voluntarily' allow the White House to test the "advanced cyber capabilities of AI models”
Security
Rapid7 observes new Palo Alto VPN flaw exploited in the wild to bypass GlobalProtect authentication
Security
Compromised Red Hat npm packages downloaded over 80,000 times in one week – supply chain attack still ongoing
Latest in News
Pro
Microsoft reveals Scout, its first "Autopilot"
Entertainment
Final trailer for Supergirl shows why it's no longer called Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Gaming Industry
Is gaming better value than movies? New study shows US gamers think it's a better use of their cash
VPN Privacy & Security
Japan is considering stronger age restrictions for social media use — but public response to the move hasn't been as positive as hoped
VPN Services
Microsoft Edge and Aloha caught sharing precise user location data with third parties
Gaming Industry
Former Xbox exec says recent rebrand 'is smarter than it looks'
LATEST ARTICLES- 1Microsoft is ditching password-based authentication tomorrow – Edge browser will switch to Windows Hello access
- 2A Rammstein-themed turntable now exists and das will ich (I want it)!
- 3Microsoft reveals Scout, its first "Autopilot"
- 4OpenAI and Anthropic are battling to conquer the AI market in Finance and Legal
- 5WWDC 2026 could be Apple's most important event in years