Best Password Manager for Windows – Top Tools Reviewed for 2025

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The best password manager for Windows will let you generate, store, and manage your passwords and other sensitive data securely while offering seamless integration with the Windows ecosystem.

In addition to their traditional password management features, the providers on my list offer cutting-edge encryption, user-friendly interfaces, and numerous advanced tools that set them apart from the competition.

Read on to learn more about my top pick, NordPass, and its closest competitors, each offering unique features for different needs. Whether you’re looking for a solution to protect individual, family, or business accounts, I’ll help you make an informed decision as I break down the top providers’ features, pricing, and performance.

NordPass – The Best Windows Password Manager Overall

Free-Forever Plan
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1Password – Best Windows Password Manager for Privacy

14-Day Free Trial
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Total Password – Best Browser-Based Windows Password Manager

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
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Dashlane – Best Windows Password Manager With a VPN

Free-Forever Plan
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Keeper – Best Windows Password Manager For Business Users

30-Day Free Trial
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iolo ByePass – Best Windows Password Manager With Remote Controls

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
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The Top 6 Password Managers for Windows Ranked

  1. NordPass  The Best Windows Password Manager Overall
  2. 1Password  Best Windows Password Manager for Privacy
  3. Total Password  Best Browser-Based Windows Password Manager
  4. Dashlane  Best Windows Password Manager With a VPN
  5. Keeper  Best Windows Password Manager For Business Users
  6. iolo ByePass  Best Windows Password Manager With Remote Controls

How to Choose the Best Password Manager for Windows

No Windows password manager offers the same services, so choosing the best one for your needs requires careful research. Here’s a list of factors to consider before you commit to a subscription:

  • Usability – Look for a password manager with a user-friendly, intuitive interface and helpful features such as autofill and strong password generation.
  • Security – Opt for a solution with a zero-knowledge architecture, strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and real-time breach alerts for maximum security.
  • Compatibility – Your password manager should offer a feature-rich app designed for Windows or easy access to its features via browsers. Support for iOS and Android devices is also a plus, as it allows cross-device syncing.
  • Customizability – Choose a password manager that lets you organize your password vault items and offers tailored security policies, such as password-sharing controls or biometric authentication options.
  • Extra Features – Depending on your requirements, opt for a password manager with extra features like a VPN, admin controls, or phishing protection.

The Best Password Managers for Windows Reviewed

After extensively testing the leading password management solutions, following our strict testing methodology, I’ve added just a handful of providers to my list as they stand out from the competition. Starting with my top pick, NordPass, you’ll learn more about each provider below.

1. NordPass – The Best Windows Password Manager Overall

NordPass password manager logo

Starting Price $1.49/month
Free Version/Trial Free plan, 30-day trial
Key Features Encrypted Storage, xChaCha20 Encryption, Password Health
Audited / Zero Knowledge ✅/✅
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browser

Why We Picked It

I rate NordPass as the best Windows password manager, as it offers the best value for money. Its versatile features let you safely store and manage personal or business data, and its Windows app is responsive and easy to use.

Features

NordPass uses the future-proof xChaCha20 encryption algorithm and has a zero-knowledge architecture to ensure only you have access to your password vault.

  • 3GB of Encrypted Storage – In testing, I appreciated NordPass’s generous 3GB of data storage allowance, which is more than what competitors like 1Password offer. I could store all sorts of files in the encrypted vault, including documents, images, and notes.
  • Email Masking – This feature lets you generate fake email addresses to use instead of your own when creating online accounts. It allowed me to create a temporary alias and avoid spam emails, phishing attacks, and identity leaks while registering for various services online.
  • Password Health – NordPass gives you an overview of your vault’s security and lets you easily plug security holes. While reviewing my password vault on both the personal and business plans, the tool alerted me to several passwords that were weak, old, or reused and allowed me to quickly change them.

Ease of Use

NordPass makes password management a breeze with its intuitive Windows app, which is also fully functional as a browser extension. I found the interface clean and responsive, but I’d like to see more customization options added in the future.

Pricing

You can purchase a single NordPass license for just $1.49/month with a two-year subscription or secure up to six family members with its Family plan, which starts at $2.79/month.

While there’s also a free version, it lacks some of NordPass’s defining features, such as email masking and encrypted storage, so I recommend the Premium plan, which also comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who It’s Best For

NordPass offers a perfect balance between security and convenience at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for individuals, families, and small businesses.

Pros

  • XChaCha20 encryption
  • Lightweight Windows app
  • Email Masking feature
  • Reliable password health reports
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Limited vault customization options

 

2. 1Password – Best Windows Password Manager for Privacy

1Password password manager logo

Starting Price $2.99/month
Free Version/Trial 14-day trial
Key Features Travel Mode, Watchtower, Shared Items
Audited / Zero Knowledge ✅/✅
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browser

Why We Picked It

1Password earns its spot as one of the best Windows password managers with its easy-to-use and unique features that allow you to customize, share, and even hide your vault items with just a few clicks.

Features

With end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a zero-knowledge architecture, and a transparent privacy policy, 1Password won’t leave your master password or vault items exposed to third parties, including its own employees.

  • Travel Mode – This unique feature lets you temporarily remove data from your vaults when crossing borders. It allowed me to hide entire folders with a single click during testing, making it a perfect solution for users looking to reduce security risks while traveling or sharing devices.
  • Watchtower – Although most competitors offer security reports, 1Password’s Watchtower goes a step further by reminding you to enable two-step authentication and change your passwords on potentially vulnerable sites. The feature also flags weak and reused passwords, and I found its overviews more comprehensive than NordPass’s.
  • Password Sharing – 1Password lets you share your vault items with anyone by generating a secure link to them. Additionally, you can share entire vaults, which makes it an excellent choice for families.

Ease of Use

1Password offers highly customizable password vaults, and its autofill feature performed flawlessly in my tests, resulting in a smooth user experience. The Windows interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly, but importing your data from other sources can feel a bit clunky.

Pricing

A bit more expensive than NordPass, 1Password’s entry-level plan costs $2.99/month with a one-year subscription. For $4.99/month, you can opt for the Family plan, which offers password vaults for up to five members each.

Although there’s no free plan, you can test 1Password’s features with its risk-free 14-day trial.

Who It’s Best For

1Password is an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users who often share devices with others and require proactive security alerts through Watchtower.

Pros

  • Advanced vault control with Travel Mode
  • Easy-to-use password-sharing features
  • Intuitive, modern interface
  • Proactive security alerts
  • Robust encryption

Cons

  • No free plan
  • No money-back guarantee

 

3. Total Password – Best Browser-Based Windows Password Manager

Total Password password manager logo

Starting Price $1.99/month
Free Version/Trial 30-day money-back guarantee
Key Features Security Reports, Secure Me, Total Adblock
Audited / Zero Knowledge ❌/✅
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Browser Extensions, iOS, Android

Why We Picked It

As a browser-first solution, Total Password offers lightweight and intuitive extensions for all major browsers. It’s also available on mobile, making it a great option for cross-device syncing, and offers some of the best security features in the business.

Features

Total Password protects your data using robust AES-256 encryption and operates on a zero-knowledge model that prevents others – including the company itself – from obtaining your master password. The only drawback is that the provider hasn’t passed an independent audit yet.

  • Security Reports – Clicking on the Security Report tab in Total Password’s browser extension will alert you of any vulnerable passwords, such as old or reused ones. Plus, I liked that it shows how strong your master password is and reminds you to enable two-factor authentication.
  • Secure Me – Lending your laptop to someone or forgetting it at work or a friend’s house won’t leave your credentials exposed, as this feature lets you simply log out of any active sessions from a different device. It didn’t fail in over 20 tests across different devices and I appreciated that it allowed me to remotely delete my browsing history as well.
  • Total Adblock – Total Password is the only service I’ve tested for this guide to have a built-in adblocker included in the package for free. It blocks ads, trackers, and annoying pop-ups, and I found it also works perfectly on YouTube.

Ease of Use

Total Password lets you access all its features via a browser extension pop-up window that has separate tabs for your vault, security reports, and password checks. Although I’d like to see a full-sized web app in the future, Total Password offers a user-friendly experience.

Pricing

Total Password has a single plan for individuals that starts at $1.99/month with an annual subscription. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and includes Total Adblock, which significantly reduced ads on my browser and blocked third-party trackers during testing.

Who It’s Best For

Total Password is a solid option for users looking for a minimalistic browser-based password manager for Windows. The service also provides handy features like remote logout and an adblocker, making it a comprehensive solution.

Pros

  • Lightweight browser-based solution
  • Remote logout feature
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Accurate weak password alerts

Cons

  • No dedicated Windows app
  • No free plan or trial

 

4. Dashlane – Best Windows Password Manager With a VPN

Dashlane password manager logo

Starting Price $4.99/month
Free Version/Trial Free plan, 30-day trial
Key Features Built-in VPN, Password History, Phishing Alerts
Audited / Zero Knowledge ✅/✅
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Web App, Browser Extensions

Why We Picked It

Dashlane is a great password manager for Windows, with extra security features like a built-in VPN, dark web monitoring, and advanced password management settings. It also offers a beginner-friendly web app and extensions with intuitive features, making it a good choice for first-time users.

Features

Dashlane has undergone several audits that confirm it adheres to its privacy policy and zero-knowledge model, making it a trustworthy solution. It also uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to secure your data.

  • Built-in VPN – Dashlane is one of the few password managers I’ve tested that offers a VPN, which lets you browse the internet anonymously, adding an extra layer of protection. The service is provided by Hotspot Shield, which is a solid provider that gives you access to servers in 80+ countries for easy access to geo-restricted content.
  • Password History – Unlike competitors like ByePass, Dashlane lets you review your previously entered passwords and restore them with a single click. I also found the feature handy for analyzing past security mistakes to avoid them in the future.
  • Phishing Alerts – Dashlane will warn you before using your saved logins on potentially dangerous websites. For example, I attempted to autofill my credentials on an HTTP version of a website I saved as HTTPS, and Dashlane immediately alerted me.

Ease of Use

Like ByePass and Total Password, Dashlane is a browser-based password manager for Windows. It offers extensions for all major browsers and a web app, which is easy to use and virtually indistinguishable from a dedicated Windows app.

Pricing

Dashlane offers several plans for individuals, families, and businesses, starting at $4.99/month, billed annually, for a single user.

There’s also a free plan, but I can’t recommend it as it lets you save a maximum of 25 passwords. However, you can try its Premium plan risk-free with a 30-day trial, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who It’s Best For

Although slightly more expensive than its competition, Dashlane justifies its price by offering extra security features such as VPN and phishing protection, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users looking for an all-in-one package.

Pros

  • Robust VPN protection
  • Secure password sharing
  • Beginner-friendly web app
  • Extensive SSO options with business plans

Cons

  • Limited features for free users
  • Relatively expensive

 

5. Keeper – Best Windows Password Manager For Business Users

Keeper password manager Logo

Starting Price $2.92/month
Free Version/Trial Free plan, 30-day trial
Key Features Shared Team Folders, Delegated Administration, Enforcement Policies
Audited / Zero Knowledge ✅/✅
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Browser

Why We Picked It

While Keeper offers solid personal and family plans, it truly shines with its business packages. With comprehensive admin controls and top-notch password-sharing features, it’s the best password manager Windows 10 and 11 users can get for business protection this year.

Features

Keeper relies on AES-256 encryption and a zero-knowledge policy to provide your team with virtually impregnable password vaults, role-based access controls, and numerous other benefits to curb the risk factors in your organization.

  • Shared Team Folders – Each team member can store items in their personal vault for private viewing, but Keeper also lets you create shared folders for seamless collaboration. I found it easy to manage who gains access to what folders, and removing users from a shared folder was equally easy.
  • Delegated Administration – You can give administrative permissions to team leaders that allow them to manage nodes, approve new devices, and generate security reports, which I found more detailed than what Total Password offers.
  • Security Policies – Keeper also lets you enforce company-wide security policies. For example, I set it up so every user needs to have an alphanumeric password that’s at least 20 characters long.

Ease of Use

Keeper has a password manager Windows app that comes with a slight learning curve but offers numerous benefits. For example, it’s capable of auto-filling your details in other Windows apps, which many browser-based password managers can’t do.

Pricing

Keeper’s plan for individuals starts at $2.92/month, while its entry-level business plan for teams of up to ten users costs $2/user/month. However, small-to-mid-sized businesses with 10+ members will find its Business Password Manager plan, which costs $3.75/user/month, an outstanding choice, as it includes granular admin controls and advanced organizational features.

You can try Keeper risk-free today, as its personal and business plans have free trial periods of 30 and 14 days, respectively.

Who It’s Best For

Keeper is the best Windows password manager for businesses of all sizes looking for a scalable solution that lets them manage their security at an individual and organizational level.

Pros

  • Free family plan for every team member
  • Secure password sharing
  • Company-wide policy enforcement
  • Passphrase generator

Cons

  • Limited free plan
  • No money-back guarantee

 

6. iolo ByePass – Best Windows Password Manager With Remote Controls

iolo / Byepass logo

Starting Price $1.66/month
Free Version/Trial 30-day money-back guarantee
Key Features Login Guardian, Secure Credit Cards, Secure Notes
Audited / Zero Knowledge ❌/❌
Max Devices and Compatibility Unlimited – iOS, Android, Browser

Why We Picked It

ByePass offers some of the best remote control features in the market, giving users a unique combination of security and convenience while logging into their accounts on multiple devices.

Features

ByePass utilizes AES-256 encryption and encrypts your data locally on your device to safeguard your information and ensure third parties never have access to it. However, the company has yet to pass an independent audit, and it doesn’t operate under a zero-knowledge policy.

  • Login Guardian – This handy feature lets you remotely log out of your other devices to prevent third parties from accessing your password vault. In testing, I discovered that it also lets you close browser tabs, erase browsing history, and clear cookies.
  • Secure Credit Cards – Saving your credit card information with ByePass lets you fill in the relevant fields while shopping online with a single click, saving time and improving usability. This also minimizes the risk of exposing your data to keyloggers and other spyware.
  • Secure Notes – In testing, I was able to store notes such as my Wi-Fi password and bank account details in my ByePass vault. Accessing the notes I needed only took a couple of clicks.

Ease of Use

ByePass doesn’t offer a dedicated Windows app, as it’s a web-based password manager, which may be a drawback for those who prefer native apps. However, I found its extensions fast and intuitive, making them a user-friendly choice regardless of the device you’re using.

Pricing

ByePass has a single pricing plan that costs $1.66/month or $19.95/year and gives you the provider’s full feature set. While there’s no free plan available, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.

Who It’s Best For

ByePass is ideal for individuals looking for a lightweight and minimalistic browser-based solution that lets you remotely revoke access to your password vault and provides extra security for online shopping.

Pros

  • Excellent remote logout feature
  • Accurate autofill
  • User-friendly account recovery process
  • Secure storage for credit cards and notes

Cons

  • No dedicated Windows app
  • No free or family plan

The Best Windows Password Managers Compared

Now that you know what makes each Windows password manager on my list unique and suited to specific tasks, I’ll help you compare them based on their features, pricing, compatibility, and other factors.

NordPass 1Password iolo ByePass Dashlane Total Password Keeper
Starting Price $1.49/month $2.99/month $1.66/month $4.99/month $1.99/month $2.92/month
Max Devices Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Password Generator
Password Storage Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Key Features 3GB of Encrypted Storage, xChaCha20 Encryption, Password Health Travel Mode, Watchtower, Shared Items Login Guardian, Secure Credit Cards, Secure Notes Built-in VPN, Password History, Phishing Alerts Security Reports, Secure Me, Leaked Passwords Shared Team Folders, Delegated Administration, Enforcement Policies
Money-Back Guarantee 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days
Windows Free Trial
Free Plan

How I Tested and Reviewed The Best Windows Password Managers

Over the course of a few weeks, I tested over 20 leading providers to find the best password manager for Windows. My process involved installing and using each password manager on Windows via dedicated apps or browser extensions and analyzing their features while comparing their overall usability, security, and value for money.

Here are the five main criteria I used to decide whether a Windows password manager makes it to my list:

  • Security – I looked for services that offer multi-factor authentication, a zero-knowledge architecture, strong encryption, biometric logins, and similar security features to ensure your data is safe with them.
  • Ease of Use – The Windows password managers on my list are all user-friendly and require no technical expertise to use. Plus, I tested their auto-fill capabilities and ensured they offer password importing from other apps and browsers for convenience.
  • Compatibility – I tested their functionality on Windows 10 and 11 using various browsers and their dedicated apps to ensure smooth operation.
  • Features – Each Windows password manager on my list offers advanced features that set them apart from password managers offering traditional tools only.
  • Value for Money – After comparing more than 20 password managers for Windows, I included only the ones that offer reasonably priced subscriptions without sacrificing quality.

Why Do You Need a Password Manager for Windows?

To maintain good digital hygiene, you should have a different password for each online account, which can quickly become hard to keep track of as nearly every service has a digital platform today.

That’s where password managers come in, as they’re capable of generating and storing complex passwords. That makes your accounts virtually immune to hackers while giving you easy access to your credentials when required.

Whether it’s a Windows 10 password manager or a Windows 11 solution, these tools are especially useful for desktop users, as these devices are often used for various tasks tied to sensitive accounts like email, banking, and social media. A password manager for Windows will ensure your passwords for these and other services are strong, reducing your chances of falling victim to a cyberattack.

Most password managers seamlessly integrate with Windows and supported browsers, allowing you to auto-fill your credentials across apps and sites. Additionally, these indispensable tools are easy to install and use, meaning they can enhance your digital security without complicating your digital life.

Does Windows Have a Built-In Password Manager

Yes, Windows has a built-in password manager, Credential Manager, which offers basic password management functionalities, such as password storage and auto-fill.

Although a convenient solution, as it lets you access your accounts without having to memorize or type in your credentials, it lacks advanced features that set the leading password managers apart from the competition.

For example, you’d need a third-party solution to generate a strong password or sync your data across devices, as Windows Credential Manager lacks these features.

That makes solutions like NordPass or 1Password much better options, as they offer better security and a more convenient way to store and manage your passwords on Windows.

Are Password Managers for Windows Safe?

Yes, password managers for Windows are safe when you opt for a reputable provider that uses industry-leading encryption, such as xChaCha20 or AES-256, and follows a zero-knowledge model.

With a zero-knowledge architecture, password manager providers are unable to access your passwords, including your master password, leaving your vault entries accessible only to you. Plus, your password vault and each item inside it is encrypted, meaning malicious actors can’t intercept or extract your data without the master password.

Since your vault items are encrypted, hackers won’t have access to them even if they extract your password vault from the provider’s servers during a data breach.

Additionally, modern password management solutions can help you retrieve your password vault items if you forget your master password by giving you various emergency access options, ensuring you never lose them completely.

How to Use a Password Manager for Windows

Installing a Windows 10 or Windows 11 password manager is quick and easy, and the process is largely similar for all providers. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on installing NordPass on your desktop.

  1. Subscribe to NordPass and Download its Windows App

    Head to the official NordPass website and subscribe to one of its plans. Use a valid email during checkout to ensure you can access your account. Once you subscribe, follow the on-page instructions to download and install its Windows client, then log into your account.
    Subscribe to NordPass and Download its Windows App
  2. Create a Master Password

    Once you log in, NordPass will ask you to create a master password before you access the vault. Ensure you use a password that’s easy to remember yet secure. Enter it again to access your vault.
    Create a Master Password
  3. Add Passwords to Your Vault

    Once you set a master password, you can start adding vault items manually by entering the credentials and the websites they’re associated with or by logging into your accounts and hitting Save.
    Add Passwords to Your Vault

What’s the Best Free Password Manager for Windows?

Although free password managers can be a decent starting point, they often come with limitations such as no multi-device sync, restricted features, or reduced security measures.

For example, NordPass offers the best free password manager for Windows I’ve tested because it lets you store unlimited passwords and encrypts your data using xChaCha20, but it lacks the advanced features of the provider’s premium plans.

Using its free plan, you won’t have encrypted storage for file attachments or data breach monitoring, and you can only use it on a single device at a time. That makes its premium plans a much better choice, especially considering the 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try them risk-free.

Conclusion – What is the Best Password Manager for Windows?

Simple passwords can be cracked in seconds, making the use of lengthy, complex passwords a must nowadays. However, that also makes them a nuisance to remember without a password management tool.

Having tested the leading Windows password managers, I’m confident NordPass offers the most comprehensive and user-friendly service. It combines traditional password management features, like auto-fill and password storing, with advanced security tools like data breach monitoring and secure sharing for enhanced protection.

With multi-device syncing, support for all leading browsers, and a dedicated Windows app, NordPass offers a hassle-free solution to help safeguard your data.

PC Password Manager FAQs

What’s the best free Windows password manager?

Does Windows have a password manager?

What is the number 1 password manager?

Is Windows 10 password manager secure?

Do security experts recommend password managers?

Can I sync my Windows passwords with Mac, iOS, and Android devices?

Does Windows 11 have a password manager?

Are my passwords stored locally on my PC?

References

  1. Understanding XChaCha20 (Gitbook)
  2. TOTP (Twilio)
  3. How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work? (Merchant Fraud Journal)
Ilijia Miljkovac
Technology Writer
Ilijia Miljkovac
Technology Writer

Ilijia Miljkovac has been a writer for Techopedia since 2022. Beyond this, he has seven years of experience in content creation and development, covering all things tech for brands such as MakeUseOf, Career Karma, and Creative Plus Media. Ilijia writes about cybersecurity topics spanning VPNs, antiviruses, and hosting, helping to inform B2B and B2C audiences about the latest products and services.