Avoid Microsoft Edge’s Password Manager — Pick These Safer Choices Instead

Microsoft Edge’s built-in password manager may seem safe, but some significant security flaws make it a bad choice. From a workaround that lets someone else download your files, to security concerns at the source code, you shouldn’t keep your sensitive data in its storage.

Password security is our first line of defense against hackers, so you should be mindful about where your information is stored. Independent password manager apps are more secure and offer extra features compared to browsers’ built-in password management.

Read on for more information about Microsoft Edge’s weak security and the best password managers you should be using instead to keep your important data secure.

Is Microsoft Edge’s password manager safe?

The Microsoft Edge password manager might be convenient, but it has some flaws that make it inferior to independent password managers. First, Edge saves your passwords under the filename Login Data. Anyone can export this Login Data to a CSV file if they have access to your browser account. The CSV file is saved without encryption, exposing all your passwords.

Another safety concern is that Microsoft Edge uses closed-source software, guarding its source code. This is great for companies that want to keep their trade secrets, but bad for the consumer, since you can’t examine what security is in place.

Microsoft Edge also includes fewer extra features, so it’s missing an additional layer of protection against hackers. If you have a password manager that lets you securely share passwords, store documents like medical files, and have an encrypted way to pass on your credentials, you lessen the likelihood of a cybercriminal accessing your data.

Best alternative password managers

If you’re looking for a better password management option to replace the one that comes with Microsoft Edge, then take a look at some of our favorites below:

• NordPass: NordPass is reasonably priced, offers plenty of features, and comes from the same trusted name as NordVPN. You can purchase it on its own or bundle it with other Nord products for increased security.

  Get NordPass | Read NordPass Review

• RoboForm: RoboForm offers budget-friendly prices and a simple-to-use interface. Its simplicity makes it ideal for families or less tech-savvy users.

  Get RoboForm | Read RoboForm Review

• Keeper: Keeper comes with security-focused features such as an offline vault, self-destruct, and an additional monitoring tool, BreachWatch, to scan the dark web for your data.

  Get Keeper | Read Keeper Review

Comparison of alternative password managers

How to export passwords from Microsoft Edge

If you’re switching to a new password manager, you’ll want to disable Edge’s built-in password manager. Before that, you need to import all of your login credentials to your new password manager.

Each manager has different methods, so creating a backup file by exporting your passwords is a good practice while you’re making sure everything has been transferred over properly.

After you’ve migrated your credentials over, if you want to keep this exported file we suggest using a removable storage method like a USB stick or external hard drive. That way you won’t have an unencrypted file with all your passwords stored in your main computer memory.

To export your passwords from the Microsoft Edge password manager, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Go to Settings > Profiles.
3. Scroll down to Microsoft Wallet and open Passwords.



4. Go to the “More Actions” menu and choose “Export passwords.”



5. Import passwords into your new password manager.

Once you’ve exported your passwords, you’re going to want to delete them from the Microsoft Edge password manager. This is a simple process:

1. Go to Microsoft Edge’s Settings > Privacy, search, and services
2. Under Delete browsing data > Clear browsing data now > Choose what to clear



3. Scroll down and make sure the “Passwords” checkbox is checked and then clear the browsing data.

How to turn off Microsoft Edge’s password manager

Once you’ve exported your passwords and deleted all the ones saved, you should disable Edge’s password manager. We recommend making sure everything is stored properly before you do this.

Once you’re ready, follow these steps:

1. Go to Microsoft Edge’s settings > Microsoft Wallet > Passwords > Settings
2. Under the “Passwords” section, turn off “Offer to save passwords” and “View and autofill passwords.”

How to improve your online security

To improve your online safety, perform these security measures whenever possible:

• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Enable biometrics like a fingerprint reader or FaceID.
• Create strong passwords.
• Use a password manager.
• Use unique passwords for your online accounts.
• Share passwords only via an encrypted method.
• Input information only on secure websites — check that the website is using https:// rather than http://, with the S indicating that it is secure.
• Go to a website’s homepage manually to input information instead of following an unknown or untrusted link.
• Question the source and motive of every link or attachment that you are prompted to open.
• Use antivirus software with malware and real-time protection.

FAQs

Bottom line

The Microsoft Edge password manager isn’t safe. Between the ability to download the files and the closed-source technology, there are too many security flaws.

Since password managers are so vital for creating and storing strong passwords, separate password manager apps are the way to go. You’ll even get some bonus extra features that amp up your security.

Since passwords are the gatekeepers of all our personal information, making them complex and keeping them secure is paramount. A password manager is the way to go, but make sure you have one of the best password managers so you get additional features and security.