Hot Take Microsoft is removing a security feature from the Edge browser

[Parkinsond]

Edge's built-in password manager lets you secure passwords and autofill with two security options: Windows Hello or a standalone password. The latter is now on its way out, as Microsoft decided to discontinue the primary password in favor of the device sign-in or Windows Hello.

Starting with Edge 146, users will no longer have the ability to create a custom primary password. However, the feature will remain available for existing users for a couple of additional months. On June 4, 2026, Microsoft will pull the plug for existing users and switch them to device authentication.

Microsoft is removing a security feature from the Edge browser

If you use Microsoft Edge's built-in password manager, there is an important change coming soon for you.

www.neowin.net

 

[ForgottenSeer 114717]

Tavis Ormandy don't like this at all.

 

[lokamoka820]

I think MS Edge is the program that changes its settings the most in the shortest amount of time.

 

[Parkinsond]

I think MS Edge is the program that changes its settings the most in the shortest amount of time.

Bill like it

 

[lokamoka820]

Microsoft Edge Removes Master Password Feature, Switches to Windows Hello for Saved Password Access

Microsoft has removed the Custom Primary Password (master password) feature from Microsoft Edge starting June 4, 2026. Users who previously activated the feature will now need to use device-based authentication methods to access their saved passwords.

This includes options such as Windows Hello with PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, or the device's standard operating system login. The change was first introduced with the release of Edge version 145 and aligns with Microsoft's broader shift toward passwordless authentication.

This shift also includes the announced phaseout of SMS two-factor authentication for personal Microsoft accounts last month.

Microsoft Edge Removes Master Password Feature, Switches to Windows Hello for Saved Password Access - gHacks Tech News

Microsoft has removed the Custom Primary Password feature from Edge as of June 4, replacing it with Windows Hello and device-based authentication to protect saved passwords.

www.ghacks.net

 

[Halp2001]

A bit of a mixed bag courtesy of Microsoft. On one hand, they "liberate" us from the torment of remembering an extra password thanks to Windows Hello. On the other hand, if your PC PIN is shared at home, congratulations: you just gifted access to everything, from your emails to your bank accounts.

In short, this confirms what many of us suspect: browsers are fantastic for browsing, but for holding keys… a dedicated vault is best. Third-party password managers are still light years ahead in security and save us from being guinea pigs for Edge's constant experiments.