How to View and Manage Your Saved Passwords in Windows Credential Manager
In today’s digital landscape, managing passwords has become a crucial aspect of online security. We juggle multiple accounts across various websites and applications, each requiring a unique and strong password. Remembering all these passwords can be a daunting task, leading many to rely on password managers. Windows offers a built-in solution called Credential Manager, a secure storage space for your credentials, including website passwords, network credentials, and certificates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of accessing, viewing, and managing your saved passwords within Credential Manager in Windows.
What is Credential Manager?
Credential Manager is a component of the Windows operating system that allows you to store and manage your usernames and passwords for websites, applications, and network resources. It acts as a secure vault, automatically filling in your credentials when you access these resources, saving you the hassle of manually typing them each time. It’s essentially a built-in password manager, although with more limited features compared to dedicated third-party solutions.
Key benefits of using Credential Manager include:
* Convenience: Automatically fills in your login credentials for websites and applications.
* Security: Stores your passwords in an encrypted format, protected by your Windows user account.
* Centralized Management: Provides a single location to view and manage your saved passwords.
* Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Windows and compatible applications.
Accessing Credential Manager in Windows
There are several ways to access Credential Manager in Windows. Here are the most common methods:
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
This is the traditional method and works across different versions of Windows.
1. Open the Control Panel:
* Windows 10 and 11: Click the Start button, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
* Windows 7 and 8: Click the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
2. Navigate to User Accounts:
* In the Control Panel, if you’re in Category view, click on “User Accounts.” Then click on “User Accounts” again on the next screen.
* If you’re in Large icons or Small icons view, simply click on “Credential Manager.”
3. Open Credential Manager:
* On the User Accounts screen, you should see a link that says “Manage your credentials.” Click on it.
This will open the Credential Manager window.
Method 2: Using the Start Menu Search
This is a quicker method, especially on Windows 10 and 11.
1. Click the Start button.
2. Type “Credential Manager” in the search bar.
3. Click on “Credential Manager” in the search results.
This will directly open the Credential Manager window.
Method 3: Using the Run Command
This method is useful if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts.
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control keymgr.dll” (without the quotes) in the Open field.
3. Press Enter or click OK.
This will open the Credential Manager window.
Understanding the Credential Manager Interface
Once you open Credential Manager, you’ll see a window divided into two sections:
* Web Credentials: This section stores your usernames and passwords for websites that you’ve saved in your web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Internet Explorer). These are typically passwords saved when you clicked “Remember Password” or a similar prompt on a website.
* Windows Credentials: This section stores credentials for network resources, such as shared folders on a local network, remote desktops, or VPN connections. It might also store credentials for specific applications that require authentication.
Each entry in these sections represents a saved credential. The entry will usually display the website address or network resource name, making it easy to identify.
Viewing Your Saved Passwords
To view a saved password in Credential Manager, follow these steps:
1. Open Credential Manager using one of the methods described above.
2. Choose the appropriate section:
* If you want to view a website password, click on “Web Credentials.”
* If you want to view a network password, click on “Windows Credentials.”
3. Locate the entry for the website or network resource you want to view the password for. The entries are usually listed alphabetically by website address or network name.
4. Click the dropdown arrow next to the entry. This will expand the entry and show more details.
5. Click the “Show” link next to the “Password” field. You might be prompted to enter your Windows user account password or PIN to verify your identity. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your saved passwords. This might also require administrator privileges.
6. Enter your credentials: A security prompt will appear asking for your Windows user account password or PIN. Enter the correct credentials and click “OK.”
7. View the password: Once you’ve entered your credentials, the password will be revealed in plain text in the “Password” field. Be careful who is around when you reveal the password!
Important Security Considerations:
* Physical Security: Always be mindful of your surroundings when viewing passwords. Ensure no one is looking over your shoulder.
* Malware: Keep your computer free from malware, as malicious software can potentially steal your saved passwords.
* Account Security: Protect your Windows user account with a strong and unique password or PIN. This is the primary layer of security for your saved credentials.
Managing Your Saved Passwords
Credential Manager allows you to not only view your saved passwords but also manage them. You can edit, remove, or back up your credentials as needed.
Editing a Saved Password
If you’ve changed your password on a website or network resource, you’ll need to update the saved password in Credential Manager to ensure it remains accurate.
1. Open Credential Manager.
2. Choose the appropriate section (Web Credentials or Windows Credentials).
3. Locate the entry you want to edit.
4. Click the dropdown arrow to expand the entry.
5. Click the “Edit” link.
6. Enter the new password in the “Password” field.
7. Click the “Save” button. You may be prompted to enter your Windows user account password or PIN for verification.
Removing a Saved Password
If you no longer need a saved password or want to remove it for security reasons, you can delete it from Credential Manager.
1. Open Credential Manager.
2. Choose the appropriate section (Web Credentials or Windows Credentials).
3. Locate the entry you want to remove.
4. Click the dropdown arrow to expand the entry.
5. Click the “Remove” link.
6. Confirm the removal when prompted. You might see a popup window asking you to confirm that you want to delete the credential. Click “Yes” or “OK” to confirm.
Backing Up and Restoring Credentials (Indirectly)
Credential Manager doesn’t offer a direct backup and restore feature for your saved passwords. However, your credentials are tied to your Windows user account. Therefore, backing up and restoring your entire user profile can indirectly back up and restore your credentials. This is a more complex process and is generally handled as part of a full system backup strategy.
* Windows Backup: Windows has built-in backup tools that can create a system image, including your user profiles and settings. Restoring from this image will restore your credentials.
* Third-Party Backup Software: Many third-party backup solutions can also back up and restore your entire system or specific user profiles.
Important Note: Backing up and restoring your entire user profile or system is a more comprehensive process than simply backing up passwords. Make sure you understand the implications and risks involved before proceeding.
Credential Manager vs. Dedicated Password Managers
While Credential Manager provides a basic password management solution, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by dedicated password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Credential Manager | Dedicated Password Manager | |
| —————— | —————— | —————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Password Generation | No | Yes | Generates strong, unique passwords for each website, improving security. |
| Multi-Device Sync | No | Yes | Synchronizes passwords across multiple devices (computers, smartphones, tablets). |
| Secure Notes | No | Yes | Allows you to store secure notes, such as software licenses, personal information, or other sensitive data. |
| Two-Factor Auth | No | Yes | Supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. |
| Password Sharing | No | Yes | Allows you to securely share passwords with family members or colleagues. |
| Browser Extensions | Limited | Extensive | Offers browser extensions for seamless password management within web browsers. |
| Password Health | No | Yes | Analyzes your passwords for strength and identifies weak or reused passwords. |
When to use Credential Manager:
* You only need basic password storage and retrieval.
* You primarily use a single Windows device.
* You prefer a built-in solution over installing additional software.
When to use a dedicated password manager:
* You need advanced features like password generation, multi-device sync, and secure notes.
* You use multiple devices (computers, smartphones, tablets).
* You want enhanced security features like two-factor authentication and password health monitoring.
* You need to share passwords securely with others.
Best Practices for Password Security
No matter which password management solution you choose, it’s crucial to follow best practices for password security:
* Use strong, unique passwords: Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthday, or pet’s name.
* Don’t reuse passwords: Use a different password for each website or application. If one website is compromised, all your accounts with the same password will be at risk.
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): When available, enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code in addition to your password.
* Be wary of phishing scams: Be cautious of emails or websites that ask for your password. Always verify the authenticity of the source before entering your credentials.
* Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software to patch security vulnerabilities.
* Use a password manager: Consider using a dedicated password manager to generate, store, and manage your passwords securely.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter issues while using Credential Manager. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* Password not saving:
* Make sure the website or application is compatible with Credential Manager. Some websites may have security measures that prevent password saving.
* Check your browser settings to ensure that password saving is enabled.
* Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
* Password not filling in automatically:
* Make sure the website address or application name in Credential Manager matches the actual address or name.
* Check your browser extension settings to ensure that the password manager extension is enabled and functioning correctly.
* Try restarting your browser or computer.
* Cannot access Credential Manager:
* Make sure your Windows user account has sufficient privileges. You may need administrator privileges to access certain features.
* Check for corrupted system files by running the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow) in the Command Prompt as an administrator.
* Password shows as asterisks but “Show” button doesn’t work:
* Ensure you are logged in with the Windows user account that originally saved the password.
* Verify you are entering the correct password or PIN for your Windows user account when prompted.
* Run a malware scan to ensure no malicious software is interfering with Credential Manager.
Conclusion
Credential Manager is a useful tool for managing your saved passwords in Windows. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily access, view, and manage your credentials. However, remember to prioritize password security and consider using a dedicated password manager for more advanced features and enhanced protection. Regularly review and update your passwords to keep your online accounts safe and secure. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the risk of password-related security breaches and protect your personal information in the digital world. Understanding and utilizing Credential Manager effectively contributes significantly to your overall online security posture. Remember to combine its use with strong password practices and vigilance against phishing and other online threats for comprehensive protection.