Where Remote Desktop Credentials Are Stored

Your Remote Desktop username and password are stored in different places depending on how you set up the connection. If you created the connection yourself on your own computer, Windows saves the credentials in the Credential Manager — a built-in tool that holds login information for websites, networks, and remote connections. If someone else set up Remote Desktop for you, or if you are connecting to a work computer, the credentials might be stored on that remote computer instead, or managed by your organization's IT department.

The most common scenario is that you saved your credentials when you first connected, and now you need to retrieve them. Windows does not display saved passwords in plain text for security reasons, but you can view your username and reset the password if you have access to the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores Remote Desktop usernames in Credential Manager, which you can open by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start menu.
  • Saved passwords are encrypted and cannot be viewed in plain text, but you can delete the saved credential and enter a new password on your next connection.
  • If you forgot the password to the remote computer itself, you will need to reset it on that computer or contact the person who manages it.
  • Work computers often use domain credentials managed by your IT department, which you should contact if you cannot connect.

Viewing Your Saved Username in Credential Manager

Open Credential Manager by clicking the Start menu and typing "Credential Manager" — the app will appear at the top of the results. Click it to open the window. You will see two sections: "Web Credentials" and "Windows Credentials." Remote Desktop connections are saved under Windows Credentials, so click that section to expand it.

Look for an entry that contains the name of the remote computer you are trying to connect to, or the server address. It will show the username next to it. Click on that entry to expand it and see more details. The password field will show dots or asterisks instead of the actual password — this is intentional, and Windows does not allow you to view encrypted passwords this way.

Resetting a Forgotten Remote Desktop Password

If you need to change the password, the easiest route is to delete the saved credential and let Windows prompt you for a new one on your next connection. In Credential Manager, find the Remote Desktop entry, click it to expand it, and then click "Remove." The next time you open Remote Desktop Connection and try to connect to that computer, Windows will ask you to enter your username and password again.

If you do not remember the password at all, you will need to reset it on the remote computer itself. If it is your own computer, you can restart it and use a password reset disk or a Microsoft account recovery option. If it is a work computer, contact your IT department — they can reset the password for you or help you regain access.

Finding Remote Desktop Connection Details

If you need to find the computer name or IP address you are connecting to, open Remote Desktop Connection by searching for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Start menu. The computer name or address appears in the "Computer:" field at the top of the window. This is the address you are connecting to, not your username.

You can also check your connection history. If you have connected to the same computer before, Remote Desktop Connection will show it in a dropdown list when you click in the Computer field. This helps you find the correct address if you have multiple remote computers.

Work Computers and Domain Credentials

If you are connecting to a work computer, your username is likely a domain account rather than a local account. It usually appears as "DOMAINNAME\username" or "username@company.com" depending on how your organization set it up. These credentials are managed by your company's IT department, not stored on your personal computer.

If you cannot remember your domain password or cannot connect, contact your IT help desk or support team. They manage these accounts and can reset your password or troubleshoot connection problems. Do not try to reset a domain password on your own — it will not work the same way as a local account password.

Saving Credentials Securely for Future Connections

When you connect to a remote computer, Remote Desktop Connection will ask if you want to save your credentials. If you check the box, Windows encrypts and stores them in Credential Manager so you do not have to type them every time. This is safe on your own computer, but do not save credentials on a shared or public computer.

If you want to remove saved credentials later — for example, if you are selling the computer or no longer need access — go back to Credential Manager, find the entry, and click Remove. This deletes the saved password and username from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Remote Desktop password after I save it?

No. Windows encrypts saved passwords and does not display them in plain text for security. If you need to change it, delete the saved credential in Credential Manager and enter a new password on your next connection.

What if I see multiple usernames in Credential Manager?

You may have saved credentials for different remote computers or different user accounts on the same computer. Check the computer name or address in each entry to find the one you need. The entry details will show which computer it connects to.

Why does my username show as "DOMAINNAME\username"?

This format means you are using a domain account, usually for a work computer. The part before the backslash is your organization's domain. You cannot change this format — it is how your IT department set up your account.

Can I reset my Remote Desktop password myself?

If it is your own local computer, yes — you can reset it through Windows settings or a password reset disk. If it is a work computer with a domain account, contact your IT department. They manage domain passwords and must reset them for you.

What should I do if I cannot connect even after entering my password?

First, make sure you are using the correct computer name or IP address. If that is right, the password may have changed, or your account may not have Remote Desktop permission. For work computers, contact IT. For your own computer, try resetting the password or checking that Remote Desktop is turned on in Windows settings.