Even though it had a bumpy start, Windows 10 is getting more and more popular with each passing day. Not only has it managed to improve and even completely change certain features of its predecessor, Windows 8.1, but it also introduced new security features for an ever more streamlined account login. However, like any OS out there, Windows 10 is unable to protect your online identity without proper help. That’s why a password manager is the perfect addition to the advanced login options provided by Windows 10. With the new login options and a password manager on your side, not only can the boot up time be sped up and simplified considerably, but you’ll also be effectively protecting your online and offline identity in such a way that stealing any credentials from your accounts will become virtually impossible.
For the most part there is no difference between Windows 8.1 and 10, since the typical login options of a password, a PIN code and the picture password are all present. However, Windows 10 has a built-in biometric security system too, Windows Hello, which includes fingerprint login, a feature that was already present in computers running Windows 8. But if the computer possesses an Intel RealSense camera then get ready for a treat, since these users also have the option to sign in via facial or iris recognition. However, if Hello is not available on your device, Microsoft has an entire policy describing how the ideal password should look, and there is the always available option of resetting your password by receiving a temporary passcode via email or an SMS message.
Sadly, there are some issues regarding Windows 10’s privacy and the culprit is Microsoft itself. Not only could updates erase pre-installed, third party biometric security system managers – which constantly happens to our HP 840 G1 laptop – but thanks to the dubious privacy policy there is also a chance that the OS, Microsoft Edge and Cortana could spy on you – unless you take the advice of experts and turn off or modify certain settings.
Like all web browsers, Microsoft Edge – the default browser of Windows 10, and successor to the infamously despised Internet Explorer – is capable of saving and storing passwords and online forms. By default Edge prompts to save credentials, but it is also possible to completely turn this feature off and never save a password to Microsoft’s browser again. Although the effort to make logins more convenient is appreciated, the built-in password manager of Edge is lackluster – since it saves nothing but the URL, username and password – and accessing it is rather complicated. It also suffers from the same problem as its competitors: aside from passwords, credit card information and forms, Edge doesn’t support the storage of any other types of data, and there is no way of ensuring that saved credentials are encrypted properly.
However, the big blow for Microsoft Edge is that its extension library is ridiculously limited compared to Chrome, Firefox or Safari. And knowing that password managers heavily rely on their add-ons to save credentials to a secure vault, then the fact that they might not integrate properly into Edge clearly shows that Microsoft’s latest browser may never be fully trusted.
There are plenty of quality password managers on the market, but there is only one that is available in a downloadable format and as an app in the official Microsoft Store: Keeper. Both the desktop version and the mobile app have the same features, which includes unlimited storage, backup and the sharing of online and offline passwords, credentials and private files, military-grade encryption, auto-fill, and two-factor authentication. However, the app has one major advantage: by default it offers the option to sign in to your Keeper vault using the same fingerprint login that is linked to Windows 10’s start screen. As a nice addition, Keeper is available on all platforms (macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Blackberry) and it supports all major browsers, including Edge.
Thankfully this password manager never had any major issues regarding security breaches so the continued support of millions of subscribers worldwide is anything but surprising. And although Keeper doesn’t provide a free account, the fact that there is a subscription for individuals, families and businesses alike is something that many competitors lack.
Let’s face it – a data breach is the ultimate nightmare scenario for anyone, and the consequences are the worst for companies. Unfortunately, back in 2022, hackers were able to breach LastPass and steal segments of customer data like usernames and salted and hashed passwords.
Although the incident caused the loss of customer trust and brand reputation, the company has been taking all the measures possible to restore confidence and retain customers. A few examples include splitting from its parent company, enhancing its security infrastructure with strengthened password security and advanced logging, and investing in cybersecurity leadership.
LastPass's core features were never in doubt, since it offers all elements necessary for excellent password management, such as a password generator, password sharing, dark web monitoring, and autofill. Additionally, there’s a free version with unlimited password storage, free trials, and discounts of up to 20% on all plans.
Responsible internet users know that using multiple strong passwords is the best way to protect yourself online. However, remembering all those passwords or even writing them down isn’t exactly convenient. Thankfully, password managers come to the rescue, and Dashlane is one of the best solutions you can find. Although it can be used for free, Dashlane bundles in a number of helpful extras for a monthly fee. It’s a multi-device program where you can securely store all your passwords in a bank-level encrypted cloud storage vault. Additionally, Dashlane sports some unique features like the password changer, password strength evaluation tool, secure data sharing, and a built-in VPN – all of which help achieve complete protection when surfing the web. And we haven’t even mentioned the stellar mobile app, various authentication methods, continuous security monitoring, and unlimited data and password storage…
Nowadays having a password manager is a must if you hope to ever recall all those complex, secure passwords created for numerous websites. However, passwords are worth nothing if the program managing them is too complicated. This is where Sticky Password enters the picture, a brutally simple password manager with Czech origins.
With this software on your devices all your passwords will be well protected by military-grade encryption both locally and in the cloud. The program offers various data syncing options (both online and offline), integrates with many browsers and it sports an equally simple mobile application. This password manager features a free for life version alongside both a subscription for Sticky Password Premium on a cheap annual basis or the option to purchase a license for the software and use all of its stellar features without any limitations. And to top it all, Sticky Password treats premium subscribers like kings, as both the annual plan and the lifetime license are available with a 50% discount that makes it available for as low as $1.25 per month.
The Best Reviews team researches and tests all products first-hand. We've been reviewing products and services since 2012 and are proud to only publish human-created content.
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other users. Your feedback helps our community make better decisions.
©2012-2025 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
