How to Switch to Device-Based Authentication in Microsoft Edge

Switching to Device-Based Authentication (The Best Way!)

The feature relies on your computer’s built-in security chip to keep your credentials safe from unauthorized access, whether that is someone sharing the device or an attack over the network.

You will usually see two ways to prove who you are:

• Windows Hello: The easiest option. You sign in with your face or fingerprint. If your computer has a compatible camera or fingerprint reader, use this one. Windows Hello is set up in the Windows sign-in options, not in Edge, so set it up there first if you have not already.
• Your device sign-in password/PIN: If you do not use Windows Hello, Edge asks for your normal Windows password or PIN. This is the same one you use when the computer starts or wakes up.

Menu names can differ slightly between Edge versions, so the steps below describe what to look for. They apply to current Edge on Windows 11, and the same options appear on Home and Pro editions.

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Start the browser from the Start menu ⊞, taskbar or desktop. Its icon is a blue and green wave. You should see an Edge window with your home page or last session.
2. Open Settings ⚙️. Click the three dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the window, then choose Settings from the drop-down list. A Settings page opens in a new tab, with a list of categories on the left.
3. Go to the password settings. In the left-hand list, click Passwords and autofill. Depending on your Edge version, you may see Microsoft Password Manager straight away, or you may need to open it from this page. You should now see the settings ⚙️ for your saved passwords.
4. Open the extra options. In the Password Manager section, click More settings. A longer list of password options appears.
5. Check that autofill is on. Find the Autofill passwords and passkeys switch. It must be turned on for saved passwords to fill in at all. When it is active, the switch shows blue or green. If it is grey, click it once to turn it on.
6. Choose the device sign-in prompt. Look for an option worded something like Prompt for the device sign-in options before viewing or filling website password. Select or turn on this option. It tells Edge: “Before you fill in a password, ask me to prove it’s me using my computer’s login.” If you cannot find it, check that Edge is up to date, because older versions word or place it differently. It is also worth confirming that you are signed in to Windows with a PIN, password or Windows Hello.
7. Authenticate with your device. The next time Edge is about to fill in a password, or when you try to view your saved passwords, a prompt appears asking you to prove it is you. That may be a Windows Hello prompt asking you to look at the camera or touch the fingerprint reader. Otherwise it asks for your Windows PIN or password. Complete the prompt, and Edge then fills in or shows the password. You should not need to restart the 🔄 computer.

Edge will then fill passwords without asking. Given the June 4, 2026 deadline, though, expect Edge to switch this on for you eventually.

With this in place, Edge verifies your identity every time saved credentials are about to fill a form. Unauthorized access becomes much harder. Even if someone reaches your unlocked PC, they still have to pass the local Windows check before they can use your saved passwords.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/keep-your-saved-passwords-private-in-microsoft-edge

Summary

In short, this change moves password management to your computer's own credentials. Edge no longer uses a standalone browser password and relies on Windows Hello or your PIN to verify you instead.