How to Access Credential Manager in Windows
Credential Manager is a built-in Windows feature designed to help you manage and securely store your usernames, passwords, and other login information. By using Credential Manager, you can sign in to websites, network resources, and applications with ease, without the need to repeatedly enter your credentials. This guide will show you how to access and manage Credential Manager on your Windows PC.What is Credential Manager?
Credential Manager stores your saved login details—both Web Credentials for websites (e.g., Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer) and Windows Credentials for network resources and applications. Having your credentials securely stored means:- Easier sign-in processes across various services.
- Safe storage of sensitive information, protected by Windows security.
- Centralized management of all your saved credentials, allowing you to update or remove them as needed.
How to Access Credential Manager
You can access Credential Manager in Windows through two common methods: via the Start menu or using the Control Panel.Method 1: Using the Start Menu
- Search for Credential Manager:
- Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type “Credential Manager” into the search bar.
- Open Credential Manager:
- Select the Credential Manager app from the search results. This opens the Credential Manager window where you can review and manage your saved credentials.
Method 2: Through the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type
control, and press Enter.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type
- Navigate to Credential Manager:
- In Control Panel, switch the view to either Large icons or Small icons.
- Click on Credential Manager to open the application.
- Web Credentials: Contains saved passwords for websites.
- Windows Credentials: Contains login details for network resources, shared folders, and remote systems.
Managing Your Credentials
Within Credential Manager, you can perform the following actions:- Add a Credential:
Select “Add a Windows credential” or “Add a Generic credential,” then enter the necessary details (such as the target network address, username, and password). - Edit a Credential:
To update details, click on an existing credential, then choose “Edit” to modify the username or password. - Remove a Credential:
If a credential is no longer needed, simply select it and click “Remove” to delete it from the system.
Benefits of Using Credential Manager
By leveraging Credential Manager, you can:- Enhance Security: Keep your login details secure and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Improve Convenience: Avoid re-entering login credentials repeatedly, saving time and reducing hassle.
- Centralize Management: Easily monitor and update all your saved credentials from one location, ensuring your digital accounts remain secure.
Final Thoughts
Credential Manager in Windows simplifies the management of your stored credentials, providing both ease of use and heightened security. Whether you access it via the Start menu or Control Panel, this tool is invaluable for anyone who regularly logs into multiple sites or network resources. By periodically reviewing and updating your saved credentials, you can ensure your system remains secure and your login processes are as seamless as possible.For more detailed guidance and additional troubleshooting tips, please visit the official Microsoft Support page on Credential Manager.
Happy credential managing!
Source: Microsoft Support Credential Manager in Windows - Microsoft Support
