Managing Your Credentials: A Guide to Windows Credential Manager

Credential Manager in Windows: How to Access and Manage Your Credentials​

Credential Manager is a built-in Windows feature that securely stores the usernames, passwords, and certificates you use to log on to websites, network resources, and applications. It simplifies the sign-in process by keeping your credentials safe and accessible when needed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to access Credential Manager and explain its basic functions.

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What Is Credential Manager?​

Credential Manager in Windows helps you:

• Store Credentials: Save your logon details securely for websites and network resources.
• Manage Credentials: View, edit, or remove stored credentials as needed.
• Separate Credential Types: There are two main categories:
  • Web Credentials: Stores passwords for websites you access through Internet Explorer, Edge, or apps that use these stored credentials.
  • Windows Credentials: Keeps login details for network computers, shared folders, and other resources that require authentication.

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How to Access Credential Manager​

Here are two straightforward ways to open Credential Manager on your Windows PC:

Method 1: Through the Start Menu​

1. Search for Credential Manager:
   • Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
   • Type “Credential Manager” into the search box.
2. Open the Application:
   • Click on the Credential Manager app from the search results.
   • This will open the Credential Manager window where you can view and manage your saved credentials.

Method 2: Using the Control Panel​

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Win + R, type control or search for Control Panel via the Start menu, and open it.
2. Navigate to Credential Manager:
   • Change the view to Large icons or Small icons if needed.
   • Click on Credential Manager.

By following either method, you'll gain access to a central hub where you can manage both Web Credentials and Windows Credentials.

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Managing Your Credentials​

Once you’re in Credential Manager, you’ll see two main sections:

1. Web Credentials:
   • Here you can view and manage saved passwords for websites. This is particularly useful if you frequently use browsers like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
2. Windows Credentials:
   • This section stores your login information for network resources, shared folders, and remote connections. You can add new credentials, edit existing ones, or remove those you no longer require.

Adding, Editing, or Removing Credentials​

• Add a Credential:
  Under the relevant section, select the option to add a new credential. Enter the required details (such as the website address or network resource, along with your username and password).
• Edit a Credential:
  Find the credential you wish to update and select the option to update it. This is useful if you’ve recently changed a password or need to modify associated details.
• Remove a Credential:
  To delete a credential, simply select it from the list and choose the delete option. This is recommended if the credential is outdated or no longer needed.

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Why Proper Credential Management Matters​

Effective use of Credential Manager offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Security:
  By securely storing your credentials, you reduce the risk of password-related security breaches.
• Convenience:
  Automatically filling in your credentials saves time and simplifies access to websites and network resources.
• Centralized Management:
  Maintain better control over your digital identity by having a single location for managing all your saved logins.

Regularly reviewing and updating your stored credentials helps keep your system secure and ensures that your accounts are always protected.

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Final Thoughts​

The Microsoft Traditional Chinese IME support page provides a clear guide on managing input methods. Similarly, Credential Manager in Windows is a powerful tool for managing your passwords and logon data securely. By understanding how to access and use Credential Manager, you can streamline your login processes while ensuring a higher level of security across your devices.
For further details or troubleshooting, refer to the official Microsoft Support documentation on Credential Manager.
Source: Microsoft Support

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Source: Microsoft Support Credential Manager in Windows - Microsoft Support