How to View Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge

Introduction

Microsoft Edge makes it easy to save the usernames and passwords associated with websites you visit. If you ever want to see your list of saved passwords in Microsoft Edge, you can do that with a few quick clicks in the browser that will show you a list of your saved accounts. However, the only thing you can do in the Microsoft Edge browser is see that you’ve saved the account information and delete the username and password so they’re no longer saved in Edge. If you want to actually see what the password is for a website where you’ve saved the access information in Microsoft Edge, you have to do that through your computer’s control panel. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.

Steps to See Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge

1. Open the Microsoft Edge web browser. You’ll land on your Microsoft Edge home screen.
2. Click the ellipses in the upper right corner of the screen.
3. Click “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
4. Click “Passwords and Autofill” in the list of high-level menu options on the left side of the menu. Passwords and Autofill has an icon that looks like a key to the left of it. The Passwords and Autofill menu appears on the right side of the screen.
5. Click “Manage Passwords” in the Passwords section. A list of the accounts where your username and password information have been saved to your Microsoft Edge password manager appear. It’s important to note that this is where you can delete an account where you have the username and password saved from Microsoft Edge by clicking the “X” that appears when you hold your cursor over that account.

Click any of the accounts listed beneath Saved Passwords where you want to see more information. You can see the URL associated with the account and the username, and the number of characters associated with the password for that account, but not the actual password.

Steps to View Actual Passwords Saved in Microsoft Edge

To see the full passwords associated with your accounts saved to your Microsoft Edge password manager, you’ll need to do the following.

1. Click the “Windows” icon in the lower left side of your taskbar to open the Start menu, and then type “Manage Web Credentials.” A list of search results will replace the Start menu. Click the “Manage Web Credentials” option that features an icon of a safe on it. The Manage Your Credentials screen appears.
2. Click to select “Web Credentials” at the top of this screen. A list of your saved web passwords appears.
3. Click to expand the account you want to see more information for, and then click “Show” to the right of Password. You’ll be prompted for your Windows authentication information. After entering this information, the password associated with your saved account will be displayed.

5 Reasons to View Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge

1. Recovering Forgotten Passwords

One of the most common scenarios for viewing saved passwords in Microsoft Edge is simply forgetting them. It happens to the best of us. You create a unique password for a site to ensure security, only to forget it later. Thankfully, Edge stores these passwords safely. By accessing the saved passwords, you can quickly recover your login details without undergoing the often tedious password reset process. This feature is especially useful for those who manage multiple accounts. It reduces the stress of remembering every single password. Moreover, it saves time and keeps your browsing experience seamless.

2. Checking for Security Flaws

Regularly reviewing your saved passwords in Microsoft Edge is crucial for maintaining online security. It allows you to identify weak or reused passwords across different sites. This practice helps in strengthening your online defenses. If a password looks too simple or if you’ve used it on multiple sites, it’s a sign to update it. Edge’s password manager lets you see all your stored passwords at a glance. This is an excellent opportunity to perform a security check-up. Ensuring that each account has a strong, unique password is a step toward safeguarding your personal information against cyber threats.

3. Syncing Across Devices

For those who use multiple devices, viewing saved passwords in Microsoft Edge facilitates seamless syncing across all platforms. Whether it’s a desktop, laptop, or smartphone, having access to your passwords on each device enhances your productivity. This means no time wasted trying to recall passwords when you switch devices. Edge synchronizes this data securely under your Microsoft account, ensuring that your passwords are accessible wherever you go. This functionality is perfect for those who travel often or work on various devices. It ensures that your workflow is not disrupted by login issues.

4. Facilitating Account Sharing

Sometimes, you need to share login information with family members or colleagues. Viewing saved passwords in Microsoft Edge makes this process straightforward and secure. Instead of risking security by writing down or texting passwords, you can directly access them from Edge and share them securely. This method is particularly useful for shared accounts like streaming services or team-based tools. It ensures that everyone has the necessary access without compromising the account’s security by using insecure sharing methods.

5. Educational Purposes and Digital Literacy

For educators and tech enthusiasts, viewing saved passwords can serve as a teaching tool for lessons in digital literacy. Demonstrating how password managers work and the importance of strong passwords can educate users about secure online practices. By showing how Edge manages and stores passwords, one can highlight the benefits of password managers in protecting online identity. This is crucial in a world where online security threats are ever-increasing. It teaches users, especially the younger generation, the importance of maintaining robust security measures online.