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Fix: Credential Manager Not Working / Not Saving Passwords

Note that sometimes the Vault directory lacks specific permissions

9 min. read

Updated onOctober 10, 2023

updated onOctober 10, 2023

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Key notes

CredentialManager represents an inbuilt feature located within theWindows 10internal system. This feature is used byInternet Explorerand by other web browsing clients to store your user names and passwords for various websites and accounts.

Now, during the lines from below, we will be checking how to fix the problems that are related to theCredentialManager feature; thus, if you are dealing with malfunctions, don’t hesitate and read the following guidelines.

But why is it so important to use the Credential Manager after all? Well, basically, your web browser app is using this default feature for storing your personal data and accounts.

Then, this information allows the Windows 10 system to automatically log you on towebsitesor other computers.

Therefore, ifCredentialManager isn’t working properly, yourWindows 10device will not be able to save yourcredentials,and you will not be able to automatically log into your various accounts – thus, a manual operation will be required each time you want to access awebsiteor a different computer.

Addressing the issues that are related to yourcredentialsis easy though you can fix these problems in two ways: manually by using in-built options and by accessing Registry on your computer; both methods will be explained below, choose the troubleshooting solution you prefer the most.

Credential Manager is an important part ofWindows, but users reported various issues with it, and speaking of issues, today we’re going to cover the following problems:

How do I fix the Credential Manager in Windows 10?

1. Change your Internet Options

According to users, you might be able to fix the problems withCredentialManager by changing your Internet Options. After making these changes, check if Credential Manager is working.

2. Use Registry Editor

Few users claim that you can fix the problems with Credential Manager simply by using Registry Editor. After making these changes to the registry, check if the problem is resolved.

3. Change ownership for Vault directory

Credential Manager holds its information in a certain Vault directory. However, sometimes, Credential Manage is not working because the Vault directory is missing certain permissions.

After doing that, you need to locate theAC658CB4-9126-49BD-B877-31EEDAB3F204folder. You should be able to find it inside theVaultdirectory. Once you locate this folder, you need to do the following:

Many users reported that these directories didn’t have any permissions assigned to them, and that causedAccess Deniederror message to appear when trying to run Credential Manager.

After changing the permissions, this problem should be resolved, and you’ll be able to use Credential Manager again.

4. Set the Credential Manager service to Automatic

If you’re having problems withCredentialManager, you might be able to fix those problems simply by changing the Startup type of its service.

Many users reported thatCredentialManager was forgetting savedpasswords. After changing the Startup type of service, yourCredentialManager should start working again without any problems.

A few users reported that restarting theCredentialManager service fixed the problem, so feel free to do that as well. To restart this service, simply click theStopbutton, wait for a few seconds, and then click on theStartbutton to start the service again.

5. Enter the credentials manually in Credential Manager

If theCredentialManager isn’t working properly, you might be able to fix the problem by entering yourcredentialsmanually. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this solution few times to fix this problem, so feel free to try it out.

6. Use Microsoft Edge to change saved passwords in Credential Manager

According to users, you can fix problems withCredentialManager simply by changing saved passwords inMicrosoft Edge.

After doing that, yourCredentialManager should start working again. If everything is working properly, be sure to revert any changes you made to your saved passwords in Edge.

Several users suggested removing all your saved passwords from Edge in order to fix the problem. Before you remove your passwords, be sure to export them or write them down since you might not be able to restore them.

A few users reported that removing saved passwords from Edge fixed the problem, so be sure to try that.

7. Use the IP address of the device

If you can’t access thenetwork drive, you might have to make a few changes inCredentialManager. To fix the issue, users suggest finding the problematic credential and removing it.

Now, create a new credential, but be sure to use the device’s IP address in the credential creation process. Now enter your username and password, and the issue should be resolved.

8. Delete the Protect directory

Few users reported that they fixed the problem with Credential Manager simply by removing all files fromProtectdirectory. Keep in mind that this process will delete all logincredentialson your PC, so you might want to export and save your passwords.

After deleting the contents of the Protect directory, the problem should be completely resolved.

So that’s how you can anytime fix your Credential Manager problems. You may also encounter theCredentiaUIBroker.exe errorso be sure to check out our detailed article for quick fixes.

Try both methods if the first one isn’t working for you; also, if after completing this step-by-step guide you are still experiencing problems with your Windows 10 device, don’t hesitate to share your issues with us by using the comments field below. We will try to assist you as soon as possible.

Fix: Credential Manager Not Working / Not Saving Passwords#

How do I fix the Credential Manager in Windows 10?#

1. Change your Internet Options#

2. Use Registry Editor#

3. Change ownership for Vault directory#

4. Set the Credential Manager service to Automatic#

5. Enter the credentials manually in Credential Manager#

6. Use Microsoft Edge to change saved passwords in Credential Manager#

7. Use the IP address of the device#

8. Delete the Protect directory#