MICROSOFT EDGE FIXES PASSWORD SECURITY FLAW
INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ
FRI, MAY 15, 2026■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE
Microsoft is updating Edge to stop loading saved passwords into process memory in clear text at startup, reversing its previous position that the practice was intentional.
The Redmond-based tech giant announced the security fix following criticism over how Edge handled password storage. Previously, Microsoft had defended the behavior as "by design," but the company is now addressing the vulnerability.
Loading passwords into memory in plain text creates a security risk, as the data could potentially be accessed by malicious actors or other processes running on a user's system. The update will change how Edge manages credentials during startup, ensuring stored passwords remain encrypted.
This reversal highlights ongoing debates within the tech industry about balancing user convenience with security best practices. The fix is expected to roll out in a future Edge update, though Microsoft has not specified an exact timeline.
The move comes as browser makers face increasing scrutiny over password management and data protection. Users relying on Edge's password manager will see the security improvement without requiring manual intervention.
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