How to View Your Passwords in Credential Manager on Windows

The Windows Credential Manager is a hidden desktop app that stores account information, including the passwords you enter when you're using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. The tool also saves credential information you won't be able to view, like authentication tokens created by apps and network services. This wikiHow teaches you how to use the Credential Manager to decrypt and view passwords saved on your Windows PC.

Steps

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    To do this, type credential into the Windows search bar, and then click Credential Manager in the search results.
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    Both options are at the top of the window.
    • Web Credentials: This section contains passwords you've saved while using Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. If you've saved passwords using a different web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox), you'll need to use that web browser's password manager to find your passwords.
    • Windows Credentials: This section will only be useful if your PC is on a corporate network. The passwords stored here are just those used for network-related Windows services. Most people will not be able to view any passwords in this section.
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    This displays more information about the account, including the option to show the password (if applicable).
    • If you're in the Windows Credentials section and expanded the "Generic Credentials" arrow, you'll find that none of the passwords can be shown. This is normal, as these are saved authentication tokens rather than plain-text passwords.
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    A confirmation window will appear.
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    Once you verify your identity, the saved password will appear in plain text. [1]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My computer does not show the "show password" option in Windows or web credentials. What happened?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    In order for you to save your passwords, you must have a Windows password and a PIN set up. They would be used to unlock your Windows credentials.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 182 Helpful 39
  • Question
    In the password line, I do not have the "Show" link. Why is that?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    You cannot view the password for Windows credentials. You can edit the credential to have the correct password, though.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 244 Helpful 91
  • Question
    How to find my user password? I didn't set up any passwords on my device but it required password to see.
    BurgerBoy1000
    Community Answer
    Try your Microsoft account password. Make sure to use the main Microsoft account password. If you use an offline account, try asking the Windows community.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 8
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/find-hidden-saved-passwords-windows/#:~:text=When%20the%20Credential%20Manager%20opens,log%2Din%20to%20various%20websites .
      2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.
      3. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Windows Search bar.
      2. Type "credential."
      3. Click Credential Manager .
      4. Click Web Credentials or Windows Credentials .
      5. Click the arrow next to an account.
      6. Click Show .

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