How to disable Edge password manager

Lukas Grigas
Cybersecurity Content Writer
Disable Edge password manager

Are you finding Microsoft's Edge browser a bit too eager to save your passwords? While the inclusion of a password manager in Edge was done for convenience, it may not appeal to everyone's preference or security needs. Today, we’ll explore why you may want to disable the Edge password manager, how to do that, and what to expect afterward. We’ll also introduce a more secure alternative for managing not only passwords, but passkeys, payment card details, personal information, and much more.

Why you might want to deactivate Edge password manager

The Edge password manager is a convenient addition to the browser as it offers basic functionality by saving your passwords directly in the browser. However, there are several reasons you might consider moving away from the built-in tool.

  • Security risks: Sometimes, storing passwords in a browser can make them vulnerable to hacking attempts, especially if your device is lost or compromised. Cybercrooks often target browsers because quite a few people use them to store sensitive data such as passwords, payment cards, and personal details.

  • Limited features: While Edge's password manager is convenient, it still lacks advanced features like password health analysis, secure password sharing, email masking, sub domain matching for autofill, and so much more.

  • Cross-platform incompatibility: If you use multiple browsers or devices on a daily basis for work or just to run personal errands, syncing passwords across those devices is critical; this way you’ll have your credentials with you at all times. Unfortunately, Edge's password manager doesn't offer seamless cross-platform support.

  • Preference for dedicated solutions: Dedicated password managers like NordPass provide enhanced security features, user-friendly interfaces, and better overall management of your digital credentials.

By deactivating Edge's built-in password manager, you can opt for a solution that offers better security, more advanced features, and more flexibility.

Before you disable your Edge password manager

Disabling the password manager in your Edge browser is more than just flipping a switch. One critical step before disabling the built-in password manager is exporting and saving all your stored passwords. This backup is critical because once the password manager is disabled, your saved passwords may no longer be accessible.

Here's how you can export your passwords from Edge:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner.

  2. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

  3. Click Profiles, then choose Passwords.

  4. At the top of the Saved passwords section, you'll see an option with three dots. Click it and select Export passwords.

  5. Confirm the action, and choose a secure location on your device to save the exported file.

By exporting your passwords, you ensure that all your login information is safely stored and can be easily imported into a dedicated password manager like NordPass. This not only prevents the hassle of resetting passwords but also provides an opportunity to enhance your online security.

How to turn off Edge password manager

Disabling the password manager in Edge is quite simple and should not take too much of your time. Follow these detailed steps:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.

  2. Click the three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner of the browser window.

  3. From the dropdown, select Settings.

  4. In the left sidebar of the Settings page, click Profiles.

  5. Under the Profiles section, select Passwords.

  6. Find the option labeled Offer to save passwords.

  7. Toggle the switch to the Off position.

  8. Below that, toggle off Sign in automatically.

  9. If you want to delete the passwords already saved in Edge, scroll down to the Saved passwords section. Here, you can remove individual passwords by clicking the three dots next to each entry and selecting Delete.

  10. Close and reopen the browser to ensure that the changes take effect.

By following these steps, you've successfully turned off the password manager in Microsoft Edge.

What happens after disabling Edge password manager

Once you have turned the password manager off in Edge, the browser will no longer prompt you to save passwords when you sign into the website, nor will it automatically fill out your login credentials. In turn, this means that you will need to manually enter your usernames and passwords each time you access your accounts. This change presents a chance to improve your overall online security by switching to a password manager like NordPass. With NordPass, you can securely store your passwords, enjoy automatic form filling, and benefit from advanced security features that offer stronger protection than the built-in password managers.

Advantages of using NordPass over a built-in password manager

Switching to a dedicated password manager like NordPass is not an upgrade but a full change in how you secure and manage your life online. While the built-in password manager offers basic and convenient functionality, NordPass takes that to the next level with advanced features, advanced security, and unmatched convenience.

Advanced security measures

NordPass uses state-of-the-art encryption protocols, more precisely XChaCha20 encryption combined with zero-knowledge architecture. This essentially means that your data is encrypted on your device before reaching the servers of NordPass, and you alone retain keys for decrypting it. On top of that, NordPass supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding that extra layer of security by requiring further verification methods when trying to access your vault.

Seamless cross-platform functionality

With NordPass, your passwords, passkeys, payment card data, secure notes, and personal information are synchronized across all your devices, whether you're using Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. This cross-platform accessibility eliminates the limitations associated with browser-specific password managers. At the end of the day, with a dedicated password manager, you will have access to your credentials whenever and wherever you need them.

Better user experience and features

NordPass is designed in such a way that its intuitiveness and user-friendly interface make password management pretty easy, even if you’re not a tech-head. The Password Health feature goes through the passwords stored in your NordPass vault and identifies weak, reused, or old passwords, suggesting updates toward stronger alternatives. The built-in Data Breach Scanner monitors your credentials for exposure. If your information has been compromised, NordPass alerts you immediately so you can take immediate action to secure your accounts.

By transitioning to NordPass, you're not merely replacing Edge's basic password storage—you're adopting a comprehensive security solution that actively safeguards your digital identity. NordPass' advanced encryption, cross-platform accessibility, and user-friendly features elevate your online security to a higher standard.

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