4 best password managers for Windows 11

In addition to managing and securely storing passwords, it can store important notes and documents, banking and other financial details, identity details, generate strong passwords, sync passwords your devices and keep an eye on stolen and leaked passwords online.

Fortunately, password managers are often cross-platform, so you don't need to mix and match password managers to store passwords on multiple devices. Today's article will review the best password managers for Windows 11, that offer great security and are great value for money.

1. Bitwarden

Bitwarden is one of the best apps overall, and thanks to its core features, it's probably the best free password manager for Windows. It is an open source, cross-platform utility available on Windows, MacOS, web browsers, and mobile platforms.

Bitwarden's standard features are the same as other password managers. It helps you to save, create and manage your logins securely. Data is secured with Zero-knowledge end-to-end AES-256-bit encryption. In addition, it also uses salted hashing (adding unique random character strings to passwords in the database, or each password before they are hashed) and PBKDF2 as the basic pseudo-random number generator.

It also supports multi-factor authentication, password sharing, and unlimited password storage for multiple users. On compatible devices, you can unlock your Bitwarden vault via biometric authentication. If you want full control over your data, you can also host Bitwarden yourself on your own server.

The desktop app is nothing out of the ordinary, but does the job well. You can view, add, and move saved data to the trash. Furthermore, you can also create folders to better organize and keep data clutter-free.

Bitwarden also has impressive import and export features. You can import passwords from over 50 password managers and export existing data stores in JSON, JSON (encrypted) and CSV file formats.

2. Keeper

Keeper has had a design overhaul, making this reliable password manager an even more appealing proposition. It's a premium add-on for desktop and web users and offers a free one-month unlimited trial, excluding security add-ons. Mobile users can use the free version with some limitations.

Keeper offers advanced encryption and a Zero-knowledge model to keep your data safe and private. You can share the login in groups or keep it in your personal vault. Despite being a cross-platform service, Keeper's desktop application is possibly the best of all password managers. It's neat, easy to use, and offers plenty of features.

In Keeper, you can create a new credential record or import a CSV file from popular password managers, including Bitwarden, Dashlane, and LastPass. Once imported, you can modify the records to add new details and create stronger passwords. Open the Security Audit tab to see your current password strength, how often you use your password repetitions.

3. 1Password

1Password is another popular password management service with powerful vault organization features and an extra layer of security. When you create an account, it automatically generates a secret key above the strong master password set by the user. You'll need your secret key and master password to log into your 1Password account on web and devices.

1Password has all the core features of a password manager, including the ability to save, autofill, edit, and delete records. It also supports setting up two-factor authentication for supported account types.

In addition, you can share your login information with your contacts or anyone with the link with predefined expiration times and set viewing limits. And you can also store your crypto credentials with 1Password.

Watchtower is another standout feature in the service. It monitors your logins for security levels, shows weak and repeatedly used passwords, and supports two-factor authentication. Interestingly, these details seem to vary greatly from one password manager to another.

The desktop application is intuitive and offers streamlined organization options through tags and categories. However, the "Import" feature seems complicated. Unless you're importing from LastPass or 1Password's unencrypted export, you can only import your login information from its web interface. Even then, the imported records look messy and you may need to re-edit and rearrange them.

4. Dashlane

Dashlane is a great premium password manager available on the web, browsers, and mobile devices. Unfortunately, the company has discontinued the desktop app, which isn't ideal if you want to access your login information through the desktop app.

If a desktop app isn't required, Dashlane has a lot to offer. On the security front, it features a Zero-knowledge architecture combined with end-to-end AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication to secure your logins.

Dashlane provides a web experience. So you're limited to browser extensions and web apps to manage and sync your logins across devices. Intuitive extension with frequently used features like Vault, Autofill and password generator available with one click.

The free plan offers basic password management features, including unlimited password and password storage, secure sharing, password generator and autofill, encrypted document storage 1GB encryption, password history and live chat support.

Jessica Tanner

Update 08 August 2023