Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue the Autofill extension for the Chrome browser, effective December 14, 2024. The company states that it is simplifying its offerings for users and will no longer support the extension, though users’ data will remain intact, except for payment information.
The Autofill extension allowed users with a Microsoft account to store passwords, addresses, and payment details in Chrome, automatically filling in these fields on websites visited frequently. It functioned similarly to a password manager and was also available across platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
End of Support for Chrome Extension
As of November 14, users can no longer save or update new data in the Chrome Autofill extension. On December 14, the extension will stop working altogether. Microsoft explains that it periodically evaluates its products, and based on this assessment, it has decided to simplify the Autofill experience by discontinuing the extension for Chrome users.
Accessing Data After December
Despite the discontinuation, users will not lose their stored data. Information will remain accessible via their Microsoft account and can be used with the Edge browser. Additionally, users can export their data in CSV format and transfer it to other browsers, including Google Chrome, where they can upload it to Google Password Manager to continue using autofill features.
However, users should note that payment details stored in the Chrome extension will not be carried over, as these were saved locally within the extension. To use Autofill for payment information again, users will need to manually re-enter this data.
User Reactions and Criticism
This decision impacts over 100,000 users, and some have voiced concerns over the short timeline for the transition. Experts suggest that a longer period for users to adapt to the change would have been more considerate, allowing them to adjust their data management strategies without disruption.