> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/knowledge-base/how-to-articles/secure-local-credential-files-using-application-password.md).

# Secure local credential files using application password

The credentials configured in Remote Desktop Manager Windows under ***File*** – ***My account settings*** – ***My personal credentials*** and also ***File*** – ***My account settings*** – ***My privileged account*** are stored locally in RDT files. To decrypt the data, it is sufficient to copy the file to one’s own system and launch the application.

![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW4183_2024_3.png)

### Set application password to protect local credential files

1. Go to ***File*** – ***Settings*** – ***Security*** – ***Application security (local)***, and select ***Use application password*** from the dropdown menu.

![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW4185_2024_3.png)

2. Enter an application password and enable the ***Encrypt local files using the application password*** option.

![](https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW4186_2024_3.png)

For more security (optional), check ***Enable DPAPI cryptography on local files*** in ***File*** – ***Settings*** – ***Security***, under ***Others***.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Should you change password (using the password recovery method for example), the DPAPI keys could be reset and the data encrypted with them could become permanently unreadable, thus preventing Remote Desktop Manager from launching. Use with caution.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://cdnweb.devolutions.net/docs/RDMW4302_2025_1.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information regarding the ***Application security (local)*** options and settings, consult the [Security](https://docs.devolutions.net/rdm/commands/file/options/security/#application-security-local) article.
{% endhint %}


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