Microsoft is officially removing the default password feature for the Edge browser.
The move marks the end of password-based authentication for the browser’s built-in manager and a broader shift to passwordless authentication in the Microsoft ecosystem. Users will now be required to use device-based authentication methods such as Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition) to access their passwords saved in Edge. It’s the latest step in Microsoft’s assault on passwords, pushing the world toward a password-free future of passkeys and biometrics. If you haven’t set up Windows Hello yet, you should act now.
Ignaz Valancius, vice president of engineering at cybersecurity company NordPass, comments:
“Disabling a master password in Microsoft Edge doesn’t just change settings — they force a change in habit. While biometrics and passkeys are considered more convenient and secure than passwords, this ‘cold turkey’ switch may be unpleasant for users who prefer to keep their passwords.
“And there are definitely people who prefer passwords, because we’re creatures of habit. We can all relate to the feeling of being in your comfort zone and not wanting to change anything. Users who want to stick with a basic password can easily find an alternative in third-party password managers. But personally, I think the push towards passwordless authentication is a positive development.
“When people manage too many passwords, they tend to reuse them or create simple variations such as changing a single letter or number. This practice creates significant vulnerabilities – if one of these accounts is compromised, all other accounts that share the same or similar password are compromised.
“Microsoft began to phase out password Authentication last year, starting with the Authenticator app. Passwords and autofill features have been moved to the built-in password manager in the Microsoft Edge browser (similar to how Google Chrome works).
“At the end of February 2026, the company removed support for master passwords in the browser. Although it was no longer possible to create new master passwords, existing passwords continued to work until now. After June 4, 2026, old master passwords will stop working completely and users will only be able to access the password manager through device authentication.
“Such steps by Big Tech companies have likely helped reduce the number of passwords people juggle. Our recent research shows that the average number of passwords an individual manages It decreased from 168 to 120 in 2024 In 2026, work-related passwords dropped similarly from 87 to 67.
“Users increasingly prefer the convenience of signing in via single sign-on (SSO) with their main account, such as Google, Apple or Facebook. The growing adoption and promotion of password alternatives such as Passkeys, Apple Face IDs, Windows Hello and WebAuthn are contributing to this long-awaited decline. Our own Passkey offering may also play a role.”
