How to Enable or Disable Autofill Passwords and Passkeys in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11

What You Should Know

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords helps you sign in to websites quickly by saving and typing your login details for you. The browser keeps your data safe while syncing it across your devices, and you can manually add new credentials or change how the feature behaves at any time in the settings ⚙️.

Manual credential entry remains available inside the password manager in Microsoft Edge.

Edge provides three distinct methods for securing stored passwords:

• Fill in passwords automatically (easiest, but less secure)
• Ask for your device password before filling passwords (medium security)
• Use a custom primary password (highest security)

Reference: Additional privacy for your saved passwords – Microsoft Support

Option 1For Your Account Only

Turn On or Off Autofill Passwords in Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots menu (Settings and more) at the top right. Click Settings.
3. Click Passwords and autofill in the left sidebar. Click Microsoft Password Manager on the right side.
   

   Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be turned on or off through the browser settings menu. You just need to open the settings panel, find the password manager section, and toggle the main switch to control whether the browser saves and fills your login information automatically.

4. Click More settings.

Option A: Fill Passwords Automatically (Default)

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be set to fill in your login details and sign you in instantly as soon as you open a recognized website. This default option requires no extra steps from you once your credentials are saved in the browser.

What happens? Edge populates usernames and passwords automatically upon landing on a recognized website.

1. Select Fill website password and sign in automatically, or suggest available passkeys.
2. If Windows Security asks for your device password, enter it.
3. Close the Settings tab when done.

Option B: Ask for Device Sign-In Before Filling

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be set to ask for your Windows password, PIN, or fingerprint scan before filling in any login details. This extra security step stops anyone else from accessing your accounts if they use your computer.

What happens? Edge pauses autofill operations until the user provides a Windows password or fingerprint verification.

1. Select Prompt for the device sign-in options before viewing or filling website password.
2. If Windows Security asks for your device password, enter it.
3. Choose from the dropdown menu:

   • Always ask permission (asks every time)
   • Ask permission once per browsing session (default — asks once per session)
4. Close the Settings tab when done.

Option C: Use a Custom Primary Password

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be protected by a custom master password that you must type before the browser fills in any login details. This option provides the highest level of security for your saved accounts by keeping them locked behind a unique password only you know.

What happens? Edge prompts for a custom master password. Browser autofill halts completely until that passphrase clears authentication.

1. Select Prompt for the custom primary password before viewing or filling website password.
2. If Windows Security asks for your device password, enter it.
3. Type in a new primary password and click Create.
4. Choose from the dropdown menu:

   • Always ask permission (asks every time)
   • Ask permission once per browsing session (default — asks once per session)
5. Close the Settings tab when done.
   

Turn Off Autofill Passwords using Registry

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be completely disabled across your system by editing the Windows Registry. This method stops the browser from saving new credentials and halts all automated form completion when standard settings are not enough.

What happens? Edge stops saving new credentials and halts all automated form completion.

1. Turn off the toggle for Autofill passwords and passkeys.
2. Close the Settings tab when done.

Option 2For All Users on Your Computer

Admin privileges required.

This section requires administrator privileges because it involves modifying policies that affect multiple accounts on the system.

Always Enable With Automatic Fill

Microsoft Edge autofill passwords can be forced on for all user profiles on a computer by running an administrator command. This system-wide enforcement ensures that saved passwords populate web forms automatically and stops local users from turning the feature off.

Open Windows Terminal as an administrator and run this command:

Forced autofill remains active across all system accounts. The browser prompts users for device verification prior to form completion. Local users cannot disable this utility, though modifying prompt frequency remains permitted.

Enforcing a primary password mandates master passphrase verification across every profile on the machine before autofill functions. Local accounts cannot bypass this security restriction. Deploying this configuration requires downloading a specific registry file.

Click the Download button below to download the registry file, then follow the steps at step 7.

Disabling credential completion globally blocks password caching and automated filling throughout the operating system. Local users cannot reactivate password automation. System administrators control this parameter via enterprise deployment policies.

Open Windows Terminal as an administrator and run this command:

Default Edge behavior handles credentials through user-controlled preferences. Each Windows 11 profile manages saving routines independently. Enabling the feature accelerates sign-ins, while disabling blocks credential retention entirely.

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge" /v PrimaryPasswordSetting /f

Summary

Microsoft Edge provides flexible credential management choices spanning automated speed, device-authenticated security, and maximum protection through custom primary passwords.