Import and Export Passwords in Microsoft Edge Browser

Import and export saved passwords in Microsoft Edge using CSV format to migrate credentials from Chrome, Firefox, or third-party password managers, with best practices for secure handling.

Emanuel DE ALMEIDA

3/13/2026 12 min 0

easymicrosoft-edge 5 steps 12 min

Overview

Microsoft Edge includes a built-in password manager under Settings > Passwords and autofill > Microsoft Password Manager that supports both import and export of credentials in CSV format. This allows users to migrate passwords from Chrome, Firefox, and third-party password managers like LastPass and 1Password, or create encrypted backups of saved credentials.

To export passwords, navigate to Settings > Passwords > Export passwords and authenticate with your Windows Hello or account password. The exported CSV file contains plaintext credentials and must be treated as highly sensitive data. For imports, go to Settings > Passwords > Import passwords, select your source browser or CSV file, and Edge will merge credentials while flagging duplicates. For enterprise environments, password manager access can be controlled via the PasswordManagerEnabled MDM/Group Policy.

Warning: The exported CSV file stores passwords in plaintext. Delete it immediately after use and ensure it is never stored in unsecured locations or synced to cloud storage.

Implementation Guide

Full Procedure

Access Microsoft Edge Password Manager

Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

In the left sidebar, click Passwords and autofill, then select Microsoft Password Manager. This opens the central hub for all your saved credentials.

Verification: You should see a list of your saved passwords with website names and usernames displayed.

Export Passwords to CSV File

Next to the Passwords section, click the three horizontal dots (⋯) and select Export passwords.

In the Export passwords dialog, click Export. Edge will prompt you to authenticate using Windows Hello, PIN, or your computer password for security.

Choose a secure location to save the file. Use a descriptive filename like Edge_Passwords_Backup_2026-03-12.csv to track when you created the export.

Warning: The exported CSV file contains your passwords in plain text format. Anyone with access to this file can read all your credentials.

Verification: Check that the CSV file was created in your chosen location and note its file size.

Import Passwords from CSV File

To import passwords, go to Settings > Profiles and select Import browser data.

Under Other import locations, click the Import button next to Import passwords now.

In the Import from dropdown menu, select Passwords CSV file.

Click Choose file and navigate to your CSV file. Select it and click Open.

Verification: Edge displays a confirmation notification showing the total number of passwords imported successfully.

Import from Other Browsers

For importing from Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, go to Settings > Profiles > Import browser data.

Select your source browser from the Import from dropdown. Edge supports:

Google Chrome (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11; macOS)
Mozilla Firefox (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11; macOS)
Internet Explorer (Windows systems)

Check the Saved passwords option and any other data you want to import, then click Import.

Verification: Navigate to Password Manager to confirm the imported passwords appear in your list.

Secure File Cleanup and Verification

After successfully importing passwords, immediately delete the CSV file for security. Select the file and press Shift + Delete to permanently remove it from your system.

When prompted, check the option "Delete Microsoft Edge Passwords.csv from your device" and click OK.

Pro tip: Empty your Recycle Bin after deletion to ensure the file cannot be recovered by unauthorized users.

Verify your imported passwords work by visiting a few websites and checking that Edge auto-fills your credentials correctly.

Verification: Confirm the CSV file no longer exists in your file system and test auto-fill functionality on 2-3 websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to export passwords from Microsoft Edge to CSV format?+

Exporting passwords to CSV creates an unencrypted file containing all your credentials in plain text. While the export process itself is secure and requires authentication, the resulting CSV file poses security risks if accessed by unauthorized users. Always delete the CSV file immediately after importing and never store it in cloud storage or send it via email.

Can I import passwords from LastPass or 1Password into Microsoft Edge?+

Yes, Microsoft Edge supports importing passwords from third-party password managers including LastPass, 1Password, and True Key. You must first export your passwords from the third-party manager to CSV format, then use Edge's CSV import feature. The process involves exporting from your password manager, then importing the CSV file through Settings > Profiles > Import browser data.

Why can't I see the Export passwords option in Microsoft Edge?+

The Export passwords option may be hidden if your device has the PasswordExportEnabled policy disabled by an administrator. This commonly occurs on corporate or managed devices where IT departments restrict password export functionality for security reasons. Contact your system administrator or check Group Policy settings if you have administrative access to your device.

What happens to duplicate passwords when importing into Microsoft Edge?+

Microsoft Edge automatically detects and handles duplicate passwords during import by comparing website URLs and usernames. Duplicate entries are typically skipped to avoid conflicts, and Edge displays the total number of successfully imported passwords in the confirmation notification. If you need to update existing passwords, you should manually review and update them in the Password Manager after import.

How do I verify that my password import was successful in Microsoft Edge?+

After importing passwords, navigate to Settings > Passwords and autofill > Microsoft Password Manager to view your complete password list. Test auto-fill functionality on 2-3 websites to ensure passwords work correctly. Edge also displays a confirmation notification showing the exact number of passwords imported successfully. Check that website URLs and usernames match your expectations for imported credentials.

Written by

Emanuel DE ALMEIDA

Microsoft MCSA-certified Cloud Architect | Fortinet-focused. I modernize cloud, hybrid & on-prem infrastructure for reliability, security, performance and cost control - sharing field-tested ops & troubleshooting.