Modern web browsers, including Microsoft Edge, act as highly convenient password managers, saving your login credentials so you do not have to type them out every time you visit a website. However, relying solely on your browser to store this sensitive data is risky.
If you are switching to a new computer, moving to a different browser (like Chrome or Firefox), or upgrading to a dedicated, secure password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password), you need to get your passwords out of Microsoft Edge. The easiest way to do this is by exporting them into a standard CSV (Comma Separated Values) file, which can be read by Excel or imported into almost any other software.
How to Export Passwords from Microsoft Edge
The export process is built directly into the Edge settings menu and only takes a few clicks.
- Open Microsoft Edge: Launch the browser on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Access Settings: Click the three horizontal dots (…) in the extreme top-right corner of the browser window to open the main menu. Toward the bottom of the list, click on Settings.
- Navigate to Passwords: In the Settings menu, ensure you are on the Profiles tab on the left sidebar (this is usually the default screen). Under your profile information, click on Passwords.
- Find the Export Option: Scroll down slightly until you see the section titled “Saved passwords.” To the far right of this section heading, you will see a small icon with three horizontal dots (…). Click this icon.
- Initiate Export: Click the Export passwords option that appears in the small drop-down menu.
- Acknowledge the Security Warning: A pop-up box will appear warning you that your passwords will be visible to anyone who has access to the exported file. Click the Export passwords button in this warning box to proceed.
- Authenticate: Because exporting passwords is a highly sensitive action, Windows or macOS will require you to verify your identity. You must enter your computer’s administrator password (the same PIN or password you use to log into your computer when it turns on), or use biometric authentication like a fingerprint or FaceID.
- Save the File: A standard “Save As” file browser window will appear. Choose a location to save the file (like your Desktop or Documents folder). The file type will automatically be set to “Microsoft Excel Comma Separated Values File (*.csv)”. Click Save.
Crucial Security Warning About CSV Files
You have now successfully exported your passwords, but your data is currently in extreme danger.
A CSV file is a plain text document. It has zero encryption and zero security. If you open that file, you will see a neat list containing the website URL, your username, and your password in plain, readable text.
- Anyone who gains access to this file has all your passwords.
- If a piece of malware scans your computer, it will find this file instantly.
- If you email this file to yourself, you are sending your passwords in plain text across the internet.
What You Must Do Next
The CSV file should only exist for the few minutes it takes to transition your data.
- Immediately open your new password manager or browser and use their “Import” function to upload the CSV file.
- Once the import is successful and you have verified your passwords are in the new system, delete the CSV file immediately.
- Do not just send it to the Recycle Bin. Hold Shift + Delete (on Windows) to permanently destroy the file so it cannot be recovered.