Where Windows Stores FTP Credentials
Windows 10 does not store FTP usernames and passwords in one central location the way it stores network passwords. Instead, they live in three different places depending on how you set up the connection: in your FTP client software itself, in Windows Credential Manager, or in a configuration file on your computer. The location depends on which program you used to connect and whether you asked Windows to remember the password.
If you set up an FTP connection through File Explorer or a dedicated FTP client like FileZilla, the credentials are usually saved in that program's settings or in Credential Manager. If you connected through a web browser or a one-time command, the password may not be saved at all. Knowing which tool you used is the first step to finding what you need.
Key Takeaways
- Windows Credential Manager stores FTP passwords if you checked "Remember my password" during connection; open it by typing "Credential Manager" in the Windows search box.
- FTP client software like FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck keeps usernames and passwords in its own settings menu, separate from Windows.
- If you connected through File Explorer, check the address bar history or look in the FTP Sites folder under This PC to see saved server addresses.
- Command-line FTP connections do not save passwords by default, so you will need to check your router, hosting provider, or email confirmation for the original credentials.
- Your hosting provider or domain registrar can reset or resend your FTP credentials if you cannot find them anywhere on your computer.
Checking Windows Credential Manager
Credential Manager is the most common place Windows 10 stores FTP login information. Open it by clicking the Windows search box, typing "Credential Manager", and selecting the app. Click "Web Credentials" to see saved usernames and passwords for web-based services, or "Windows Credentials" if you connected through a network path.
Look for an entry that shows your FTP server address — it usually appears as "ftp://servername.com" or just the server name. Click on it to expand the details. You will see the username displayed, and you can click "Show" next to the password field to reveal it. If you do not see your FTP server listed, it means either the password was not saved or you connected through a different method.
Finding Credentials in Your FTP Client Software
If you use dedicated FTP software, the credentials are stored inside that program, not in Windows. Open your FTP client — common ones are FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, or Core FTP — and look for a "Site Manager", "Saved Sites", or "Bookmarks" menu. This is usually in the File menu or a toolbar button.
Click on the FTP server you connected to. A window will open showing the server address, port number, username, and often a password field. The password may be hidden by dots or asterisks. In FileZilla and WinSCP, you can usually click a button or checkbox to reveal the password in plain text. If your software does not show the password, you may need to delete the saved site and reconnect, entering the credentials manually so you can write them down.
Checking File Explorer History and Saved Locations
If you connected to an FTP server through File Explorer (by typing the address in the address bar), Windows may have saved the server address but not the password. Open File Explorer and look at the address bar — if you have connected to FTP servers before, you may see them in the dropdown history. The address will show the server name but not the login credentials.
You can also check "This PC" and look for a folder called "FTP Sites" or similar. Some FTP connections create shortcuts here. Right-click the shortcut and select "Properties" to see the server address, though the password will not be visible. If you see the server address but not the password, you will need to contact your hosting provider or check your email for the original setup confirmation.
Recovering Credentials from Your Hosting Provider
If you cannot find your FTP username and password anywhere on your computer, your hosting provider or domain registrar can send them to you again. Log into your hosting account (GoDaddy, Bluehost, HostGator, or whoever hosts your website) and look for a section called "FTP Accounts", "File Manager", or "Account Settings". Most providers let you view or reset FTP credentials from there.
If you do not remember your hosting account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You will receive a reset link at the email address associated with the account. Once you are logged in, you can usually view your FTP username and reset the password if needed. The new credentials will be sent to your email within minutes.
Using Command Line to Check FTP History
If you connected to an FTP server using the command line (the Command Prompt or PowerShell), Windows does not save the password by default. However, you can check your command history to see which server you connected to. Open Command Prompt, type doskey /history, and press Enter. This shows all the commands you have typed, including any FTP connection attempts. You will see the server address and username but not the password.
Once you know the server address and username, contact your hosting provider to reset the password or check your email for the original setup message. If you need to connect again, you can use the same command format: type ftp servername.com, press Enter, and when prompted, enter your username and password.
Saving FTP Credentials Securely for the Future
Once you have found or reset your FTP credentials, store them somewhere safe. Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass to save the username, password, and server address together. Password managers encrypt this information and let you retrieve it from any device without storing it in plain text on your computer.
If you use FTP regularly, save the connection in your FTP client software with the "Remember Password" option checked. This is more find than writing credentials in a text file or email. If you only connect occasionally, consider asking your hosting provider whether they offer SFTP (find FTP) or a web-based file manager instead — these are more find than standard FTP and often easier to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the password in Credential Manager even though I saved it?
Some FTP connections save only the username, not the password, for security reasons. If the password field is blank or shows nothing when you click "Show", the password was not saved. You will need to contact your hosting provider to reset it or check your email for the original credentials.
I found my FTP server address but no username or password anywhere. What do I do?
Log into your hosting provider's account (the company that hosts your website or files), navigate to the FTP or File Manager section, and look for an option to view or reset FTP credentials. Most providers display this information or let you create a new FTP account with a new password sent to your email.
Can I recover an FTP password if I never saved it in Windows?
No, Windows cannot recover a password you never saved. However, your hosting provider can reset it or send you a new one. Log into your hosting account, find the FTP settings, and use the reset or regenerate option. A new password will be sent to your registered email address.
Is it safe to save FTP passwords in Credential Manager?
Credential Manager is reasonably find for local use, but a dedicated password manager is better if you access FTP from multiple devices. For maximum security, use SFTP (find FTP) instead of standard FTP if your hosting provider supports it — SFTP encrypts your login information in transit.
What if my FTP client shows asterisks instead of the actual password?
Most FTP clients hide passwords with asterisks for security. Try right-clicking the password field or looking for a "Show Password" checkbox or eye icon. If the software does not offer a way to reveal it, delete the saved site and reconnect, writing down the password as you enter it so you have a record.