Windows stores the passwords that you use to log in, access network shares, or shared devices. Some of these passwords are stored safely, in an encrypted format, while others are not. Here is how to see which passwords are insecurely stored by Windows, and identify those that can be easily stolen by others:
Contents
Step 1. Download Network Password Recovery, for free
First, you need an app that knows where Windows stores passwords and reads them for you. One of the best apps for this task is Network Password Recovery. It is available for free, without bloatware of any kind, both in portable and installable forms. Another positive is the fact that it is available in dozens of languages, not just English.
Network Password Recovery, netpass, Windows
Download the netpass.zip file archive and extract it somewhere on your computer. The app can be used to read passwords from the current operating system or from an external drive where you installed Windows. The external drive can be also from another Windows computer.
Step 2. Run Network Password Recovery and see which Windows passwords are vulnerable
Next, run the netpass.exe file, and when you see a UAC prompt asking for administrative permissions to run the app, click or tap Yes.
Network Password Recovery, netpass, Windows
The Network Password Recovery app is loaded. It immediately displays all the passwords stored by Windows. If you want to refresh the data displayed, press the F5 key on your keyboard, or the Refresh button in its toolbar.
Network Password Recovery, netpass, Windows
For each item in the list you see: its name stored by Windows, the type of password (generic, domain password, autologon password), the username, the password, when the password was "last written" or stored by Windows, the internal alias Windows uses, comments stored by Windows or the apps using the password, the persist value, and the password strength.
Network Password Recovery, netpass, Windows
We were surprised to see that Windows store some passwords in plain text. For example, if you log into a network share using a local user account, the password gets stored in plain text, easy to read.
If you set Windows to log you in automatically, without having to type your password, then your password has become insecure. It does not matter whether you use a Microsoft account or a local user account, it is stored in plain text, easy to read by anyone. Generally, Microsoft accounts have their password stored in an encrypted format. Unfortunately, the automatic logon makes them vulnerable, and easy to read with the right tools.
Network Password Recovery, netpass, Windows
With Network Password Recovery you can also read passwords used by Microsoft Outlook to connect to Exchange mail servers, or the passwords stored when using Remote Desktop. This tool reveals and shows all the data that is easy to steal by anyone with access to your Windows computer or its hard disk.
What to do when you want Windows to forget a password stored insecurely?
If your Windows password has become vulnerable because you turned on the automatic login, then you should turn off this feature. If you want Windows to forget some passwords that you use inside a network, to access shared folders and devices, then open the Credential Manager and remove them from there. This tutorial helps with all the steps you need to go through: Credential Manager is where Windows stores passwords and login details. Here's how to use it!
Which easy to read passwords did you find?
Network Password Recovery is a powerful tool that can also be used from the Command Prompt. Try it out and see what passwords are vulnerable on your PCs with Windows. Also, do not forget to take corrective measures. You never know when one of your passwords gets stolen by someone who should not have access to it.
Dealing with a broken screen on your Android phone is a hassle. Although phone screens are pretty tough, one nasty drop can shatter them completely. Given that most people have a lot of irreplaceable content on their phones, it is
In today's world, where information is more accessible than ever before, finding long-lost friends or relatives has become much easier. Online services for finding people provide convenient and effective tools that allow you to restore lost connections.
In the busy software utilities industry, the available uninstallation tools are often overshadowed by more glamorous alternatives. Nonetheless, an excellent way of removing programs on a PC is vital for optimal system performance and the elimination of unwanted applications.
Instructions for creating a Moon phase trend. The Moon trend is extremely popular on TikTok, creating an unprecedented fever. Through Moon phase will help you know the date
How to edit videos posted on YouTube without losing views, You forgot to blur sensitive content in videos posted on YouTube. Don't worry, here's how to adjust it
How to turn on dark mode on TikTok, How to turn on dark mode on TikTok is not difficult. The article will guide you in detail how to change the TikTok interface to black on Samsung
Shirt size chart - How to choose the most accurate shirt size, What is the shirt size chart? Shirt size means only the size and size of the shirt or pants. Shirt size varies according to direction
Instructions for drawing prizes to receive Lucky Money on ZaloPay. Recently, Zalo has launched the program "Amazing lucky money, Happy Spring Luck" taking place from January 29, 2021 to
How to view and recover Microsoft Outlook password, How to view Outlook password on computer is not difficult. This article will guide you how to view and recover Outlook password
Instructions for creating and searching for draft articles on Facebook. Currently, we can save articles that we have created but have not yet posted on Facebook. Here, WebTech360 invites
How to set up LibreOffice Writer to work like Microsoft Word, If you're planning to switch from Microsoft Word to LibreOffice Writer but want a similar experience
Instructions for turning off saving videos on TikTok are extremely simple, to help people block others from downloading and saving their videos simply and easily. So today, WebTech360
Instructions for creating genealogical charts and organizing them on Google Sheets. Google Sheets is an online office application that helps us easily edit online spreadsheets,
How to import and manage multiple email accounts in Gmail, Want to manage all emails in Gmail? Let's learn how to manage and add multiple accounts with WebTech360
Instructions for using Photoshop filters for beginners, Each filter in Photoshop has its own algorithm and uses. Below are instructions for using the internal filter
How to create automatic clicks on Macrorify, Macrorify helps you create automatic click tasks and detect images. In this article, let's find out how with WebTech360
Instructions for remotely logging out of your Instagram account. If you don't know how to remotely log out of your Instagram account, today WebTech360 would like to introduce
Instructions for remotely logging out of Tik Tok account. To help people quickly log out of Tik Tok accounts from other devices, today WebTech360
Instructions for blurring photos on B612. Recently, the B612 application has updated the image blur effect. Next, WebTech360 will introduce the article Instructions for blurring photos
How to fix the error of printing blank pages in Microsoft Excel. Why do some Excel documents not display data or contain blank pages when printed? Below are the reasons
