Microsoft's Autofill autofill extension allows users to automatically fill in passwords, addresses, and payment information on websites they visit. Autofill was originally built into the Microsoft Edge browser, allowing users to easily fill in common repetitive items on websites. In order to bring the same experience to Google Chrome browser users, Microsoft Chrome Web App Store released the Autofill extension.
Similar to the Autofill experience on Edge, the Microsoft Autofill extension allows Chrome users to save passwords, addresses, and payment information and have them automatically filled when they visit websites. Autofill can be linked to a Microsoft account and the saved details can be used on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
Recently, Microsoft announced that it will retire from the Chrome browser and its Autofill extension will be retired on December 14th. In addition, Microsoft has banned saving new information or editing existing information starting from November 14, 2024.
Since the data is stored in Microsoft accounts, after this date, affected users can use the same Microsoft account in Edge and start using their data for Autofill. If needed, they can also export data from Microsoft Edge and import it into other browsers.
To continue working with this data in Chrome, users can export the data using Microsoft Edge and import the exported CSV file into Google Password Manager in Chrome. Microsoft notes that payment information saved in the Autofill Chrome browser extension will not be available in a Microsoft account because the information is stored locally in the extension.
Here are the reasons cited by Microsoft for opting out of the Autofill Chrome extension:
"We regularly review our products to ensure we provide the highest value experience for our users. As part of this review process, we will retire this extension to better streamline our products."
This change will affect more than 100,000 users. Microsoft should have provided a more relaxed timeline for users to migrate to alternative solutions. Rather than reducing an extension's functionality with just 30 days' notice, a more gradual retirement plan could be in place.