Direct answer
Review saved credential entries with the account owner, identify the applications and networks that rely on them, and remove obsolete entries without exposing their secrets or breaking required access.
Agree scope and privacy
Confirm who owns the device and user profile and why the review is authorized. Saved credentials can be sensitive; do not reveal passwords, copy them into evidence or inspect another person's profile without the appropriate authority.
Identify entries and dependencies
Microsoft describes Credential Manager as a place to view and delete saved web and Windows credentials. Record only the entry's purpose and owner where needed. Check whether a service, network share or approved application relies on it before removal.
Reference: Microsoft: Credential Manager in Windows.
Remove and retest
Coordinate deletion of confirmed obsolete entries and use the approved credential rotation process if compromise is suspected. Test legitimate sign-in or network access using a dedicated account. Review identity-provider and application sessions separately; removing a local entry does not necessarily revoke active sessions.
Investigate an obsolete network entry
A saved credential may reference a file share that has been retired. Confirm the share and business owner before deleting the entry, then test any affected workflow with an authorized account. If compromise is suspected, coordinate credential rotation and separate session revocation; do not reveal or copy a password to prove an entry exists.
Assessment limits
Credential Manager is not a complete inventory of secrets stored by every application or browser. An entry's presence does not prove the credential is active or compromised.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting a local credential revoke all sessions?
No. Applications and identity providers may maintain separate sessions that require their own revocation process.
Should passwords be captured as evidence?
No. Record the purpose and restricted evidence reference without exposing secrets.
Does Credential Manager list every application secret?
No. Applications can use other storage and authentication mechanisms.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.