How to Back Up and Restore Windows Credentials

Windows Credentials Manager is a built-in feature of Microsoft Windows that securely stores your login credentials. Knowing how to back up and restore these credentials is essential if you're migrating to a new PC, re-installing Windows, or want a safe copy for backup purposes. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

What Are Windows Credentials

Windows credentials include:

Web Credentials: Stored passwords for websites (used by Internet Explorer and Edge).

Windows Credentials: Login details for local computers, network shares, and RDP sessions.

Certificate-Based Credentials: Digital certificates used for encryption and authentication, such as smart card login or VPN connection.

Generic Credentials: These are used by third-party applications to store login data securely.

How to Back Up Windows Credentials

Backing up credentials helps preserve important login details in case of system changes or failures. Since Windows does not provide a direct export option, backing up requires copying the secure storage files manually.

Step 1. Open Credential Manager

Press Win + R, type control and hit Enter to open Control Panel, then navigate to User Accounts > Credential Manager.

Step 2. Back Up Credentials

• In the Credential Manager window, click on Windows Credentials > Back up Credentials.

• The Stored User Names and Passwords wizard appears. Click Browse, choose the save location, and enter a file name.

• Click Next, it will ask you press the CTRL+ALT+DELETE keys to continue. You’ll be prompted to enter a backup password. 

• Click Next, then Finish.

How to Restore Windows Credentials

Restoring credentials helps recover saved login data after system changes or during migration to a new device.

Method 1: Using Credential Manager

This restoration method works with backups created through Credential Manager. It's the simplest way to recover your saved credentials.

• Open Credential Manager as before.
• Click Restore Credentials.

• Browse to the backup file (.crd) and enter the password.
• Confirm the restoration.

Method 2: Using System Restore

If credentials were recently deleted or lost due to system changes, a System Restore can revert Windows to a previous state—bringing back the Credential Manager contents if a restore point was created before the loss.

• Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
• In the window, click on Next to continue.
• Select a restore point dated before the credential loss occurred.
• Click Next and follow the prompts to begin restoration.

Conclusion

Windows Credentials simplify authentication, and knowing how to properly back them up and restore them ensures smoother transitions between systems and avoids lost access. Whether you're upgrading your PC or recovering from data loss, use the method that best fits your security and portability needs—always ensuring backups are handled safely.