Frequently Asked Question

KeePass is a password safe for all of your online and application logins and passwords that you may need to access. It is an excellent way of keeping passwords encrypted, not in plain text or on notes around your workstation, which is a major security risk.

To get started, install KeePass from Software Center. You can find this by typing "Software Center" into your start menu. KeePass is available to all users and is stored under applications. Open the KeePass icon and click install.

Open KeePass from your start menu. Since it is your first time, you will not have a database created yet, so you will need to create a new one. Go to File > New, and name your folder, keeping the ".kdbx" extension. Please save this file to a server share (your H: drive would be ideal). This way, if your computer crashes, you can still have a copy of all of these logins and passwords backed up on the server, still protected by your own login credentials.

You will then be asked to create a Master Password. This is the ONLY password you will need to remember to login to the database where the rest of your logins and passwords will be safely stored for you. Feel free to move past the next screen with Database Settings.

You can right click and delete the sample entries that are default in your database.

Now you can right click and "Add Entry"
In the example below, we will show how our Windows Login might look.

If the entry you are creating has a URL to direct you to the homepage of where you login, you can enter that for quick access to that login screen.

Once the entry is generated, you can double click on the title in the menu to open the same editing box. You can change/update passwords, logins, and URLs at any time.

You no longer have to type in complicated or encrypted passwords. To copy your login or password to your clipboard, you simply double click on one to copy and then directly paste it into the login screen. Please note, this only stays copied on your clipboard for a short period of time to improve security. Double-click again to re-copy if needed.

The KeePass screen will also minimize its screen after a short period to prevent the program from staying open and visible to those who may pass by or gain access to your computer. You will only need to enter your Master Password again to re-open. 

KeePass can also generate secure passwords for you, and since you don't have to remember the passwords because you are able to copy/paste, you can try this feature by clicking on the Open Password Generator feature.

Using this password manager will allow you to not have to juggle all of the logins and passwords that are used day to day, or have to remember them when they change. It is easy to add them, update them, and copy and paste as needed.

If you are a more visual learner, you can watch this short YouTube video with a walkthrough of the details above, starting at the 2:10 mark.