However, there have been concerns about potential hacker access to saved passwords. Windows Credential Manager is a user-friendly password manager, allowing you to easily administer sensitive information. Equally, you can restore saved passwords on a new computer by selecting Restore Credentials and then selecting a previously created backup file. You will be asked to specify a password to protect the Credential Manager file that will be created. Once you do this, click Browse to select a destination for your backup. It is easy to back up stored passwords by selecting the Back up Credentials option in Credential Manager.

Whenever you remove a credential from your list, you will be prompted to re-enter that information the next time you log in to the app or website. If this were to happen, you would have to reinstall and reconfigure the apps in question. Instead, update these passwords directly in the app to avoid the risk of damaging future access to them. Be careful when updating saved information, and avoid updating encrypted passwords used by specialized apps (like virtualization software) through the Windows Credential Manager. In this area, you can also edit and remove stored information by selecting either the Edit or Remove buttons respectively. Once you enter this information and save, it will be added to your Windows Credential Manager library. If you choose Add a Windows credential, for example, you will be presented with the option to add the IP address, username, and password required for that credential. To add credentials, select Add a Windows credential or Add a certificate-based credential, which will prompt you to add additional information.

Managing stored credentials is relatively straightforward. If you are having trouble, you can find up-to-date information and support for Windows Credential Manager via Microsoft. This is where you will find all your saved information listed below these headings. Alternatively, use the search box on the taskbar to search for ‘credential manager.’ You will see your two vaults: Web Credentials and Windows Credentials. Open the Control Panel, go to User Accounts, then select Credential Manager. (Image credit: Microsoft) How do I access Windows Credential Manager?

Credential manager control panel