When hosting a website using HTTP Authentication, if the client has not authenticated, the server will send a 401 Unauthorized response, including a WWW-Authenticate header. An optional directive in this header is realm:
A string describing a protected area. A realm allows a server to partition up the areas it protects (if supported by a scheme that allows such partitioning), and informs users about which paricular username/password are required.
(emphasis mine)
Let's say www.example.com requires authorization and has configured a realm value of Test Area. Back in the day, most web browsers would display a login dialog when receiving such a response, and say something along the lines of "Authorization required. The site at www.example.com says 'Test Area'."
But (at least recent versions of) Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, now all just display a generic message, without including the realm value. Interestingly enough, IE still displays the realm value (screenshots below, all Windows 10 64bit):
Chrome (v93.0.4577.82)
Firefox (v92.0)
Edge (v93.0.961.52)
IE (v11.1411.18362.0)
I'm pretty sure Firefox and Edge used to display it. Chrome may have a while back but seems like it was the first to stop. Since all modern browsers aren't displaying it, I assume there's some reason why..?? I've search all over the internet, and can't figure it out. I have a use-case where it would be helpful to users to have the realm displayed, as it would make it clearer which particular credentials they need to use. I know that you can't force the browser to display it, but it's just annoying. However if there is a valid reason for it not being shown I'll accept that.