Test Automation tools expect the browser to behave in a predictable and clean way. Certain browser settings can unintentionally interfere with this and cause automation steps to fail.
Test Automation depends on consistent browser behavior. When different users have different browser settings (such as password managers or autofill), the same script may succeed for one user and fail for another.
This article highlights common browser settings that may impact Test Automation and explains what the issue looks like and how to fix it.
Example 1: Browser Extensions Enabled
What the issue looks like
Random test failures
Clicks do not land on the expected element
Tests work on some execution agents, but not on others
Why this happens
Browser extensions can inject scripts, banners, or overlays into pages, which interferes with element detection.
How to fix it
Disable all non-essential extensions
Use a clean or dedicated browser profile for automation
Example 2: Download Prompts Enabled
What the issue looks like
Tests hang or fail during file downloads
Automation waits indefinitely for a file
Why this happens
The system dialogs that appear with this setting, such as "Save file" prompts, require additional interactions that would need to be added to the script but can be avoided instead.
How to fix it
In browser settings, disable:
Ask where to save each file before downloading
Example 3: Password Manager or Autofill Enabled
What the issue looks like
Login steps fail intermittently
Fields are auto-filled with unexpected values
Why this happens
Autofill and password managers inject UI behavior that conflicts with automated input.
How to fix it
Disable password saving and autofill features
Use automation-managed credentials instead
Best Practices
To avoid browser-related automation issues:
Use a dedicated browser profile for Test Automation
All Automation users should have the same browser settings
Ensure the browser opens with one clean tab only
Disable extensions, autofill, and password managers
Keep browser settings as close to default as possible
Summary
Browser configuration plays a critical role in Test Automation stability. Even small settings — such as opening multiple tabs on startup — can cause automation commands to fail.
When troubleshooting Test Automation issues, always verify browser startup behavior and settings before investigating the test logic itself.