Microsoft Edge users are surprised by some changes to the way their saved passwords appear in the integrated manager.
For those using the web browser on Windows 11, iOS, and other devices, their saved passwords will now appear as long strings, similar to a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID). This ruined the ability to copy and paste their actual passwords for use in other applications, or even look at them.
Since recent updates to Microsoft’s servers, several users have reported the issue on a number of devices. Some believe this is some kind of security feature to keep passwords private, but it seems more likely that it is a bug. Fortunately, there appears to be a relatively simple solution.
Sync again
Windows Latest is full of users complaining about the problem, with some saying their saved passwords now appear as “something like a serial key”. A Reddit The user also reported that while the issue affected them on their phone, “it’s not an issue on my computer, and it just happened with this latest update.”
Fortunately, the way to solve the problem is quite simple. For Edge users on desktop, under the profile section of the settings, navigate to “Sync” and toggle off and on to resync passwords. Mobile users will need to reinstall Edge first and then follow the same steps – the settings can be found by clicking the three vertical dots in the top corner of the app.
Although the problem is pervasive, it seems that many users haven’t noticed it, probably because most don’t look at their saved passwords often. Windows has also so far given no indication that it is aware of the problem.
However, it’s gearing up to deliver new updates to Edge next weekend, with new screenshot capabilities and – of course – more AI power, this time to help with writing, so perhaps it will bring clarity then.