The best free password manager software

 In the previous article, I introduced you to some of the best password storage software. Among them are both freeware and paid software.

Today I continue to introduce to you specifically one of that software. This software is written on open-source code and is completely free.

The software I want to introduce to you today is KeepassXC software. In my opinion, this is the best free password manager.

KeePassXC is a modern, secure, and open-source password manager that stores and manages your most sensitive information. You can run KeePassXC on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

To use a cloud-hosted KeePassXC database on a smartphone, you’ll need to install separate software. The developers recommend the open-source KeePass2Android or KeePassDX for Android devices and the open-source Strongbox or KeePassium for iOS, both of which are free downloads

KeePassXC is for people with extremely high demands of secure personal data management. It saves many different types of information, such as usernames, passwords, URLs, attachments, and notes in an offline, encrypted file that can be stored in any location, including private and public cloud solutions. For easy identification and management, user-defined titles and icons can be specified for entries. In addition, entries are sorted into customizable groups. An integrated search function allows you to use advanced patterns to easily find any entry in your database. A customizable, fast, and easy-to-use password generator utility allows you to create passwords with any combination of characters or easy-to-remember passphrases.

You can store an unlimited number of passwords and information in a KeePassXC database. Every piece of information you store in your database is encrypted at all times within the kdbx file. When you are accessing your database from within KeePassXC, your information is decrypted and stored in your computer’s memory. KeePassXC places control over the access to this data so other applications cannot read it (unless they have administrative rights). The interface is designed to let you quickly access your passwords, search for the right entry, perform Auto-Type or copy/paste operations, make and save changes, and then get out of your way.

KeePassXC has numerous features for novice and power users alike. This guide will go over the basic features to get you up and running quickly. The User Guide contains more in-depth discussions on the major features of the application.

Basic Features

Create, open, and save databases in the KDBX format (KeePass Compatible)

Store sensitive information in entries that are organized by groups

Search for entries

Password generator

Auto-Type passwords into applications

Browser integration with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Chromium, Vivaldi, Brave, and Tor-Browser

Entry icon download

Import databases from CSV, 1Password, and KeePass1 formats

Advanced Features

Database reports (password health, HIBP, and statistics)

Database export to CSV and HTML formats

TOTP storage and generation

Field references between entries

File attachments and custom attributes

Entry history and data restoration

YubiKey/OnlyKey challenge-response support

Command-line interface

Auto-Open databases

KeeShare shared databases (import, export, and synchronize)

SSH Agent

FreeDesktop.org Secret Service (replace Gnome keyring, etc.)

Additional encryption choices: Twofish and ChaCha20

Setup KeePassXC

 KeePassXC is available for download for the following operating systems and platforms:

Microsoft Windows: Portable and MSI Installer (64-bit and 32-bit)

Linux - Official Cross-Distribution Packages: AppImage and Snap Package

Linux - Distribution-Specific Packages: Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, Gentoo, Fedora, CentOS, and OpenSUSE

MacOS: DMG Installer, Homebrew Cask

To download the KeePassXC installer for your desired platform, visit https://keepassxc.org/download or directly from our GitHubReleases.

To install KeePassXC on Microsoft Windows, perform the following steps: 

Double click on the KeePassXC-Y.Y.Y-WinZZ.msi file. Here, Y.Y.Y represents the version of the software and ZZ represents the 32-bit/64-bit version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Click Next and follow the simple instructions on the KeepPassXC Setup Wizard to complete the installation. You will have the option to choose your install location, add a desktop shortcut, and launch on startup. 

The following options can be set when running the MSI in an unattended installation: 

LAUNCHAPPONEXIT - Launch KeePassXC after install (default ON) 

AUTOSTARTPROGRAM - KeePassXC will auto-start on login (default ON) 

INSTALLDESKTOPSHORTCUT - A desktop icon will be installed (default OFF)

In the next article, I will introduce you to how to use the software and some notes and tricks when using it.

  See you in the next post.