Microsoft is ditching password-based authentication tomorrow Edge browser will switch to Windows Hello access

Date:
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Description:
Edge's password manager is getting an upgrade as it ditches decades-old solutions.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Microsoft retires Edge master password feature Passkeys and biometrics replace old authentication Users may turn to thirdparty managers Microsoft is killing the master password feature in Edge, and is moving to newer, more secure solutions.

Edge is Microsofts internet browser, based on Chromium. Among other things it has a built-in password manager that allows users to store not just
passwords, but other secrets, too, such as usernames, payment info, or in
some cases, addresses. Until now, users who wanted to log into the tool and manage their secrets, could do so via a password, but Microsoft has been pushing to replace the old authentication method with passkeys. In a press release shared with TechRadar Pro, NordVPN said that as of June 4, the master password feature in Edge is finally retiring, to be replaced by device-based authentication methods such as Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition). Latest Videos From Watch full video here: A step in the right direction For Ignas Valancius, VP of engineering at NordPass, this is a logical step forward, since biometrics and passkeys are considered more convenient and secure than passwords.

When people manage too many passwords, they tend to reuse them or create simple variations, such as changing a single letter or number, Valancius stressed. This practice creates significant vulnerabilities if one of these accounts is breached, all other accounts sharing the same or a similar password become compromised. You may like Microsoft finally stops using SMS codes for account sign-in Microsoft's Copilot can now peek into open tabs in Edge if you let the AI My 5 top tips for choosing a good password

Still, he expects at least a little backlash, because humans are creatures of habit, and old habits die hard. Such people can find comfort in alternative, third-party password managers, which still allow users to log in using a master password. But personally I think a push toward passwordless authentication is a positive development, he stressed.

Passwords have long been considered one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain, mostly because people cant be bothered to create, and safely store, strong ones. Instead, they end up using simple, easy-to-guess passwords across a wide range of services, risking losing access to numerous services in one fell swoop. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign
up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. The best antivirus for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best antivirus 1. Best overall: Bitdefender Total Security 2. Best for families: Norton 360 with LifeLock 3. Best for mobile: McAfee Mobile Security Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/microsoft-is-ditching-password-based-au thentication-tomorrow-edge-browser-will-switch-to-windows-hello-access


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)