How to Manage Stored User Names and Passwords in Windows 11 (Complete Guide)
Windows 11 stores your login information for websites, apps, and networks to make signing in faster and more convenient. Managing these stored credentials helps maintain security, prevent unauthorized access, and organize your accounts. You can access and control your saved credentials using Credential Manager, Microsoft Edge, or your Microsoft account sync settings.
1. Understanding Credential Storage in Windows 11
Windows 11 saves user names and passwords in two main areas:
- Web Credentials — These are stored when you sign in to websites using browsers like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
- Windows Credentials — These include logins for Windows apps, network shares, mapped drives, Remote Desktop connections, and other system-level accounts.
The Credential Manager acts as the main interface for managing these credentials. It stores encrypted passwords in the Windows Vault, which is protected by your user account’s encryption key.
2. Access Stored Passwords Using Credential Manager
Steps:
- Press Windows + S or click the Search icon on the taskbar.
- Type Credential Manager and open it from the search results.
- Choose between:
- Web Credentials — to manage browser-based passwords.
- Windows Credentials — to manage app and network credentials.
- Click the dropdown arrow next to any saved entry to expand its details.
- To view the stored password, select Show.
- Enter your Windows password or PIN to reveal the hidden password.
Example:
If you often connect to a shared network drive, you might find your saved domain credentials under Windows Credentials. Viewing or editing these ensures your stored information remains up to date after a password change.
3. Edit or Remove Saved Credentials
Editing or removing credentials helps clean up old logins and prevent access issues.
Steps:
- Open Credential Manager again.
- Select Web Credentials or Windows Credentials depending on the type of entry.
- Find the saved credential you want to update or delete.
- Click the dropdown arrow beside it.
- Choose:
- Edit — to update the username or password.
- Remove — to delete the credential completely.
- Confirm when prompted.
Tip:
Removing outdated credentials helps avoid sign-in errors, especially if you’ve changed your Windows password or updated network policies.
4. Manage Saved Passwords in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has its own integrated password manager that securely stores credentials and syncs them across devices linked to your Microsoft account.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Profiles > Passwords.
- Here you can:
- Turn Offer to save passwords on or off.
- Enable or disable Auto sign-in.
- View, edit, or delete saved passwords.
- To view a password, click the eye icon and confirm your Windows password or PIN.
Extra Features:
- Password Generator: Edge can suggest strong passwords automatically.
- Password Health Alerts: It notifies you if any saved passwords are found in known data breaches.
- Syncing Across Devices: Saved passwords can be synced between your PC, phone, and tablet.
5. Sync Passwords Across Devices Using Microsoft Account
Windows 11 can sync your credentials securely using your Microsoft account. This ensures consistent logins on all devices you own.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Accounts > Windows backup.
- Under Remember my preferences, toggle on Passwords.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
Your credentials will now sync automatically across Windows 11 devices connected to the same Microsoft account.
Tip:
If you frequently switch between work and home devices, enabling password sync saves time and ensures you don’t forget important credentials.
6. View Stored Passwords Manually
If you need to check a password for a website or network, you can do this directly through Credential Manager or Edge.
Method 1: Credential Manager
- Open Credential Manager > Web Credentials.
- Expand a saved site or service.
- Click Show next to the password field.
- Enter your Windows password or PIN to view it.
Method 2: Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge > Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
- Locate the website.
- Click the eye icon next to the password field.
- Confirm your identity to reveal it.
Security Note:
Passwords are encrypted using Windows Hello, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), or your local account encryption key. Only authenticated users can view stored credentials.
7. Prevent Automatic Password Saving
If you don’t want Windows or your browser to store passwords:
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Sign-in info.
- Turn off any options that allow Windows to save credentials automatically.
- In Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Profiles > Passwords and disable:
- “Offer to save passwords”
- “Auto sign-in”
This helps increase privacy, especially if you share your PC.
8. Export or Backup Passwords
While you can’t export passwords directly from Credential Manager, you can export them from Microsoft Edge.
Steps to Export from Edge:
- Go to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
- Click the three-dot menu next to “Saved Passwords.”
- Select Export passwords.
- Confirm with your Windows PIN or password.
- Save the file in a secure location (the export is a
.csvfile).
Warning:
The exported CSV file is unencrypted. Keep it in a protected folder or delete it after transferring to a password manager.
9. Use a Dedicated Password Manager
Although Windows and Edge manage credentials safely, a dedicated password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass provides better organization, password health checks, and sharing options.
Benefits:
- Cross-platform access (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
- Secure password generation.
- Breach alerts and security reports.
- Easy organization with folders and labels.
- Encrypted cloud backups.
10. Security Tips for Managing Passwords
- Enable Windows Hello: Use fingerprint, face, or PIN sign-in for faster and safer access.
- Keep BitLocker and encryption on: Protect stored credentials if your device is lost or stolen.
- Use unique passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
- Check for compromised credentials: Use Microsoft’s Password Monitor or online security tools.
- Update regularly: Remove credentials for accounts you no longer use.
Common Questions
Q1: Is it safe to store passwords in Windows 11?
Yes. Credentials are encrypted using Windows security features. Use Windows Hello or a strong PIN to protect them.
Q2: Can I view my Wi-Fi password?
Yes. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks, right-click your Wi-Fi, and view its Security Key.
Q3: Can I recover deleted credentials?
No, once removed, they can’t be recovered unless backed up using system restore or a password manager.
Q4: Can I use Credential Manager offline?
Yes. Stored credentials work even without an internet connection.
Conclusion
Managing stored user names and passwords in Windows 11 helps keep your logins secure and organized.
- Use Credential Manager for local and network credentials.
- Use Microsoft Edge for web passwords and syncing.
- Turn off automatic saving if privacy is a concern.
- Clean up old credentials periodically.
- Use a dedicated password manager for better organization and added protection.
By regularly reviewing and maintaining stored credentials, you improve both your device’s security and your overall sign-in experience.
