Microsoft testing feature to secure autofilling passwords on Edge

Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature
Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Edge Canary now lets you enable an option to require passwords before it autofills passwords.
  • The feature will help secure the browser from people who gain access to a PC.
  • It appears to be an optional feature.

This feature could come in handy if someone gains physical access to your PC. If someone obtained your PC while it was already unlocked, they could potentially use Edge to spend money or perform a wide range of actions on accounts requiring passwords.

Requiring authentication for autofilling passwords is one of the features outlined in the "What's Next" page for Microsoft Edge.

Require authentication before autofilling passwordsWith this capability, passwords saved to the browser will no longer be autofilled. They will need a successful user authentication prior to filling. This will add another layer of privacy and help prevent non-authorized users from using saved passwords to log into websites.

Based on the screenshots shared, this appears to be an optional feature that you can turn on or off. There are options to sign in automatically or to have the browser require authentication at specified intervals.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.