How to Safely Remove Saved Passwords on Windows 11

Windows 11 has revolutionized the way we interact with technology—speeding up logins and streamlining workflows with features like saved passwords. Yet, as convenient as these features are, they might also pose a security risk if an unauthorized person gains access to your account. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through multiple methods to remove saved passwords on Windows 11, discuss the reasons behind these security practices, and offer expert advice to keep your system safeguarded.

Quick Overview:

• Saved Passwords: Facilitate quicker sign-ins but can be exploited if your Windows PIN or credentials are compromised.
• Security Balance: Removing these passwords minimizes risk while letting you explore enhanced security alternatives like multifactor authentication or trusted third-party managers.

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1. Removing Saved Passwords from Your Windows User Account​

Windows 11 offers several tools to clear saved credentials from your Administrator or local user accounts. Below are some step-by-step methods:

1.1 Using the Control Panel​

• Launch Control Panel:
• Click on the Windows Search bar, type Control Panel, and select Open.
• Navigate to User Accounts:
• Click User Accounts, then select Windows Credentials.
• Remove Credentials:
• Expand the entry for your Microsoft account (or any other stored credential) and click Remove.
• Repeat for all the accounts that require clearing.

This method is straightforward and suitable if you simply want to purge stored passwords without altering your system settings significantly.

1.2 Using Account Settings​

• Access Settings:
• Click the Start button and select Settings.
• Go to Sign-in Options:
• Navigate to Accounts from the left pane, then choose Sign-in options.
• Change and Clear Password:
• Expand the Password section and click Change.
• Enter your current password, then when prompted to set up a new password, leave the fields blank and click Next.
• Finally, click Finish.

This approach effectively resets your password without needing to dive into system tools.

1.3 Using Windows Terminal​

• Open Windows Terminal as Administrator:
• Press Windows Key + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Run the Command:
• Enter the command:
  

  bash
  
       net user YourUserName *

• When prompted, simply press Enter twice without entering any password.

This method quickly removes the saved password for the specified local account. Remember to replace "YourUserName" with your actual account name.

1.4 Modifying the Registry (Advanced)​

Important: Modifying the registry can cause system instability. Always back up your registry before making changes.

• Open Registry Editor:
• Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
• Navigate:
• Go to:
  

       Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

• Update Credentials:
• Right-click on a blank area in the right pane, select New > String Value, and create:
• DefaultUserName → Double-click and set your Microsoft account email.
• DefaultPassword → Double-click and input your Microsoft account password.
• Double-click AutoAdminLogon and set its value to 1 to ensure auto-login is enabled or disabled as desired.

This method is more technical and is recommended only for seasoned users comfortable with registry edits.

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2. Resetting Your BIOS Password​

In some cases, you may need to clear credentials at a more fundamental level. Resetting your BIOS password should be approached with caution.

2.1 Resetting via Command Prompt​

• Enter Automatic Repair Mode:
• Shut down your PC by holding the Power button.
• Power it on and repeat the shutdown process twice until the Automatic Repair screen appears.
• Access Advanced Options:
• Click Advanced options, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
• Execute Commands:
• Type the following commands one at a time (press Enter after each):
  

       debugo 70 2E
  
       o 71 FF
  
       quit

• Restart Your PC:
• Reboot to apply changes and reset the BIOS password and CMOS settings.

2.2 Resetting by Blocking BIOS Access​

• Trigger the BIOS Lock:
• Restart your computer and press the BIOS entry key (such as F1, F2, F10, Esc, Ctrl, or Delete—depending on your system).
• Enter an incorrect password three times until you see a system disabled message displaying a code.
• Retrieve the Master Password:
• On another device, visit http://bios-pw.org/, enter the displayed code, and click Get Password.
• Reset:
• Enter the retrieved password on the locked BIOS screen to reset the settings.

These BIOS reset procedures should only be attempted if you’re locked out of critical system settings and understand the risks.

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3. Deleting Browser-Saved Passwords​

Beyond Windows itself, modern browsers store passwords to streamline your online experience. Here’s how to remove them from Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome:

3.1 Microsoft Edge​

• Open Edge Settings:
• Click the menu button (three horizontal dots) and select Settings.
• Manage Passwords:
• In the left pane, click Profiles. Under the selected profile, locate Microsoft Wallet (or directly Passwords).
• Delete Passwords:
• Find the site or app entry with the password you wish to remove, then hit Delete.
• You may be prompted to enter your PIN or password.

3.2 Google Chrome​

• Access Google Password Manager:
• Click on the three vertical dots at the top-right corner and navigate to Passwords and autofill > Google Password Manager.
• Remove Entries:
• Browse through the list to find the credentials you want to delete.
• Click on the forward arrow next to the desired password, then confirm removal in the Windows Security prompt.
• Bulk Deletion:
• To delete all stored passwords, go to Settings within Google Password Manager and click Delete all Google Password Manager data.

Removing browser-stored passwords is a good security measure, especially if you suspect that your credentials might be at risk.

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4. Expert Analysis and Best Practices​

While the convenience of saved passwords in Windows 11 is undeniable, it comes at a security cost. Here are some key points to consider:

• Security vs. Convenience:
  Saved passwords can be a weak point if your device falls into the wrong hands. Regularly clearing them and switching to more secure authentication methods like MFA can mitigate risk.
• Data Breaches and Vulnerabilities:
  Our previous discussion on critical vulnerabilities (refer to our post at https://windowsforum.com/threads/352455) highlighted the importance of proactive security management. In today’s cybersecurity landscape, it’s vital to stay one step ahead.
• Third-Party Password Managers & Expiration Policies:
  Consider using robust password managers with advanced encryption and multifactor authentication. Implementing password expiration policies further enhances security.
• Step-by-Step Guides as a Reference:
  Just as our Windows 11 Audio Prompt guide (see https://windowsforum.com/threads/352461) helped users disable intrusive alerts, this guide on managing saved passwords empowers you to take charge of your digital security.

Rhetorical Question: Is the ease of automatic sign-ins worth the potential risk in today’s threat landscape? The answer often leans towards caution!

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5. Summary and Conclusion​

In Summary:

• Windows 11 User Accounts: Multiple methods exist for removing saved passwords—from the Control Panel and account settings to powerful commands in Windows Terminal.
• BIOS Password Resets: For deeper security concerns, reset techniques using the Command Prompt or BIOS lock methods are available.
• Browser Password Management: Both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome offer built-in tools for managing and deleting stored credentials.
• Expert Advice: Enhance your cybersecurity by combining these practices with multifactor authentication and dedicated password managers.

By following these steps, you’re not only preserving your privacy on Windows 11 but also taking proactive steps toward a more secure digital environment. Stay vigilant and keep exploring new ways to balance productivity with robust security measures.
Have you cleared your saved passwords yet? Which method did you find most effective? Share your experiences on our forum and join the conversation with fellow Windows enthusiasts.

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Keywords: Windows 11 saved passwords, delete Windows 11 passwords, Windows security, cybersecurity, password management, Windows 11 update, Microsoft security patches.

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Source: WindowsReport.com https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-delete-saved-passwords/