Browsers are designed for speed. By default, if you are logged into your computer, your browser assumes it is safe to autofill your usernames and passwords the moment a login page loads.
This creates a dangerous “single point of failure.” If you step away from your unlocked laptop for just a minute, or if someone gains remote access to your computer, they have instant access to your bank, email, and sensitive accounts without needing to know a single password.
You should fix this immediately. Every major desktop browser allows you to require re-authentication—entering your computer’s PIN, password, or using a fingerprint scan—before it fills in credentials. This adds a layer of protection that stops unauthorized users in their tracks.
Here is how to enable these protections on desktop versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
Google Chrome (Windows & macOS)
Chrome leverages your computer’s native security (Windows Hello or macOS Touch ID) to gatekeep your passwords.
How to enable it:
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click Autofill and passwords, then select Google Password Manager.
- Click Settings (located in the left-hand menu within the Password Manager tab).
- Look for the toggle labeled:
- On Windows: “Use Windows Hello when filling passwords.”
- On macOS: “Use Touch ID / password when filling passwords.”
- Toggle this ON. You will be asked to enter your computer PIN, password or scan your fingerprint/face to confirm.
The Result: When you visit a login page, Chrome will not fill the password field until you successfully authenticate with your device PIN/password, or biometric scan.
Microsoft Edge (Windows & macOS)
Because Edge is deeply integrated into Windows, this feature works seamlessly with Windows Hello.
How to enable it:
- Open Edge and click the three-dot menu (…).
- Go to Settings.
- In the Profiles tab, click on Passwords.
- Click on Sign-in preferences (sometimes listed under “Login”).
- Find the setting for device authentication:
- On Windows: Toggle ON “Prompt for the custom primary password before filling website password” or “Use Windows Hello.”
- On macOS: Ensure “Prompt for device authentication” is active.
- Enter your computer credentials to confirm the change.
The Result: Edge will pause before autofilling any data and prompt a system dialog box asking for your PIN or fingerprint.
Mozilla Firefox (Windows & macOS)
Firefox is unique. Unlike the others, it does not rely on your operating system’s security by default. Instead, it uses a specific feature called a Primary Password (formerly known as a Master Password). This password encrypts your saved logins locally.
How to enable it:
- Open Firefox and click the three-line menu (≡) > Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the section labeled Logins and Passwords.
- Check the box “Use a Primary Password”.
- A dialog will appear asking you to create this password. Make it strong and memorable—if you forget this, you cannot recover your saved passwords.
The Result: The first time you visit a site requiring a password in a browsing session, Firefox will ask for your Primary Password. Once entered, it stays unlocked for that session (unless you configure it otherwise), but it prevents anyone from opening your browser cold and logging in.
Apple Safari (macOS)
Safari does not handle this strictly inside the browser; it relies on your Mac’s System Settings to control access.
How to enable it:
- Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Go to Touch ID & Password (or just Touch ID on older versions).
- Toggle ON the setting “Use Touch ID for autofilling passwords”.
- Note: If you do not have Touch ID, you can set your Mac to require your administrator password.
- Next, open Safari, go to Settings (⌘ + ,) in the menu bar.
- Click the AutoFill tab and ensure “User names and passwords” is checked.
The Result: When you click a password field in Safari, a prompt will appear on your screen (or on your Touch Bar) requiring a fingerprint scan or admin password before the text appears.
Summary Table
| Browser | Feature Name | What acts as the “Key”? |
| Chrome | Password Manager Verification | Device PIN / Fingerprint |
| Edge | Sign-in Preferences | Device PIN / Windows Hello |
| Firefox | Primary Password | A custom password you create |
| Safari (Mac only) | Touch ID Autofill | Mac User Password / Touch ID |