Best Windows Password Manager Basics

How Do You Use a Password Manager?

Some Windows password managers take a little effort to set up, but most are designed to do all the work for you. You’ll be prompted to store or generate a new password the first time you visit a website and your password manager will automatically fill in your log-in details the next time you visit the same site.

You can also sort your passwords into folders, update old or insecure passwords, sync your passwords across multiple devices, and more.

Do I Need a Password Manager for My PC?

If you’ve made the decision to use a password manager, then you may be wondering how important it is to choose one that’s compatible with your operating system. Most password managers allow you to log in using any web browser, so you can still access your vault even if you haven’t installed a Windows application.

However, if you want to be able to use all of its features, such as syncing and autofill options, you’ll need to install either an application or browser extension.

Is It Safe to Share Passwords?

As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to share your passwords with other people, even trusted family members or your spouse. But there are some occasions when you don’t really have a choice, such as for shared personal or business accounts.

In that case, it’s much safer to use a password manager and share your password in an encrypted format, rather than write it down on paper or send it in a text message.

Who Will Have Access to My Passwords?

There are two ways that a password manager can store your passwords: either locally or in the cloud. Local storage means they’re only stored on your own devices and you can sync them across a local network, such as your home Wi-Fi network.

Cloud storage means your password manager will store them in an encrypted format on their own servers, making it easier for you to access them on all of your devices. Either way, they’re protected by 256-bit AES encryption, so they won’t be visible to hackers or even to your password manager’s employees — only to you.

What Happens if I Lose My Master Password?

You’ll need to remember a single master password to log in to your password manager. If you forget it, you may be permanently locked out of your account. Each password manager has its own policy around account recovery, so if you think you might forget your master password, choose one that allows you to set up biometric log-ins or a backup code to restore access to your account.