How to manage passwords with KeePassX

January 20, 2011 by Amber Nutt

Recently, we’ve talked about password management tools and online safety quite a bit around here. KeePassX is a free, open-source application that runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. While it is important to never use the same password for multiple accounts, it is also a hassle to remember all that information. KeePassX stores and organizes your multiple usernames and passwords in a secure database. You are required to enter a master password each time it is opened. Usernames and passwords can then be easily copied and pasted into your account.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to http://www.keepassx.org/downloads

2. Select the proper download for your operating system.

3. The download will begin automatically. Select to save the file to your computer and click OK.

4. KeePass will continue downloading and appear on either your desktop or Downloads folder. Double click the file to open the installer and then double click the installer to continue.

5. Double click the KeePass icon and confirm that you would like to open this file.

6. Create and enter your Master key. This is the password (and only password) you’ll need to access KeePass in the future.

7. This is where the good stuff begins. Click the Add New Entry icon to add your first password.

8. Assign a group and title to your password. Enter the username and password associated with this account. KeePass will also rate the strength of your password, (if the quality is too low you should log in to the account and add numbers and/or uppercase letters to create a more secure password). Click OK when you are finished.

9. Continue this process until you have entered all passwords that you’d like to store. New databases can also be created to store your passwords in different groups by clicking the New Database icon in the menu bar. Don’t forget to save your database (File > Save Database) each time before you exit.