Removing cached credentials in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves accessing the Credential Manager and deleting the stored credentials. This guide will provide clear steps to ensure that you can remove any old or incorrect cached credentials quickly and easily.
How to Remove Cached Credentials in Windows 10
Removing cached credentials is crucial if you’re troubleshooting login issues or security concerns. The following steps will help you navigate through Windows 10 to clear out these saved credentials effectively.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Navigate to the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
The Control Panel is your gateway to numerous settings and features. Once you’re there, finding the Credential Manager is a breeze.
Step 2: Access the Credential Manager
Within the Control Panel, click on “User Accounts,” then “Credential Manager.”
Credential Manager is the hub where Windows stores your login information for websites, apps, and networks. You can manage and delete these credentials from here.
Step 3: Select Windows Credentials
Click on the “Windows Credentials” tab to view cached credentials specifically for Windows.
You’ll see a list of saved credentials, including network shares, mapped drives, and Remote Desktop connections.
Step 4: Find the Credential to Remove
Scroll through the list to find the specific credential you want to delete. Click on the down arrow to expand it.
Expanding the credential will reveal more details, such as the username and the option to remove it.
Step 5: Remove the Credential
Click on “Remove” to delete the credential. Confirm your choice when prompted.
Deleting it ensures that Windows no longer uses this credential to log in to the specified resource, which is helpful if the credentials are outdated or incorrect.
After completing these steps, Windows 10 will no longer use the removed credentials for automated logins. You might need to re-enter new credentials the next time you access the resource.
Tips for Removing Cached Credentials in Windows 10
- Backup Important Credentials: Before removing any credentials, ensure you note down any important ones you might need later.
- Be Selective: Only remove credentials that you are certain are outdated or incorrect to avoid login disruptions.
- Check for Multiple Entries: Sometimes, there might be multiple entries for the same resource. Make sure to remove all outdated ones.
- Keep Credentials Updated: Regularly updating your credentials can prevent login issues and enhance security.
- Use a Password Manager: Consider using a dedicated password manager to store your credentials securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cached credentials?
Cached credentials are stored login details that Windows saves for quick access to network resources, websites, and applications.
Why should I remove cached credentials?
Removing cached credentials can resolve login issues, remove outdated information, and improve security.
Can I recover deleted credentials?
Once removed from Credential Manager, credentials can’t be recovered. Make sure you have backups if needed.
Will removing credentials affect my computer’s performance?
No, removing cached credentials won’t affect performance. It’s a maintenance task to ensure login accuracy.
Do I need admin rights to remove cached credentials?
Yes, you typically need administrative rights to access and modify the Credential Manager settings.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Access Credential Manager.
- Select Windows Credentials.
- Find the credential to remove.
- Remove the credential.
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove cached credentials in Windows 10 is a useful skill that can help you manage your system’s security and troubleshoot login issues. Whether you’re updating old passwords or removing unused credentials, this process is simple and effective.
Remember, keeping your credentials up to date not only improves your login experience but also enhances your computer’s security. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Windows 10 features that can boost your productivity and security. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.