Microsoft Autofill Chrome Extension to be discontinued next month

Understanding Microsoft Autofill

Microsoft Autofill is a convenient feature that enables users to automatically populate passwords, addresses, and payment details on various websites. This functionality is integrated into the Microsoft Edge browser, facilitating effortless entry of frequently used information.

Availability on Google Chrome

To extend this convenience to Google Chrome users, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Autofill extension, available on the Chrome Web Store. This extension mirrors the Autofill capabilities found in Edge, allowing users to save passwords, address details, and payment methods. By leveraging a Microsoft Account, users can access their saved information across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.

Retirement Announcement of Autofill for Chrome

Recently, Microsoft made an important announcement regarding the Autofill extension for Chrome; it is set to be retired on December 14, 2024. Furthermore, as of November 14, 2024, the ability to save new information or modify existing details will be disabled.

User Transition Options

For those affected by this change, it’s essential to know that data stored with a Microsoft Account can still be utilized within the Edge browser post-retirement. Users have the option to export their Autofill data from Microsoft Edge and subsequently import it into another browser if desired.

For Chrome users wishing to maintain access to their filled data, Microsoft Edge offers an export function. By exporting data as a CSV file, users can then import this file into Google Password Manager within Chrome. However, it’s important to note that any payment information saved specifically through the Autofill Chrome Extension will not migrate to the Microsoft Account, as it is stored locally in the extension.

Reason Behind the Retirement

“We regularly review our offerings to ensure we’re delivering the highest value experiences for our users. As part of this review process, we are retiring this extension to better simplify our offerings.”

Impact on Users

This significant change will impact over 100,000 users, sparking concerns about the abruptness of the retirement timeline. Many believe that a more gradual phase-out approach, rather than the short notice of just 30 days, would have been more beneficial for users transitioning to alternative solutions.

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