How to access the stored credentials (PasswordVault?) on Win7 and Win8?

Question

I just discovered that Win8 has a section on the Control Panel called User Accounts and Family Safely with Credential Manager. I'd like to access the credentials stored in there (not to retrieve the passwords but to use them as tokens for a login). So, basically, I'd like to get a piggy-back ride on already installed software.

The closest to a solution has been suggested in this discussion and it's not that close.

1. Where do I find the assembly for Windows.Security.Credentials.PasswordVault? I've been googling for two hours but I only get information on app development while I'll be targeting desktop.

2. Is there a way to resolve access to the pre-stored credentials for both Win7 and Win8? I fear a little bit that the vault facility has been drastically remodeled in Win8, making it impossible to target both platforms at once.

Answer 1

I came across the same issue and found out that there is no simple answer anywhere.

This is what I found:

1. You need to unload the project and add the TargetPlatformVersion as mentioned above.
2. Add the reference: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\8.1\References\CommonConfiguration\Neutral\Annotated\Windows.winmd
3. Also add the reference: C:\Program Files (x86)\Reference Assemblies\Microsoft\Framework\.NETCore\v4.5\System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime.dll

Answer 2

You can use wrapped Credential Management package. It's an open-source project. I checked it in Windows 7 and it works right.

In order to save your data use following code:

    Credential saved = new Credential("username", "password", "MyApp", CredentialType.Generic);
    saved.PersistanceType = PersistanceType.LocalComputer;
    saved.Save();

And to load your data use:

    Credential credential = new Credential { Target = "MyApp", Type = CredentialType.Generic };
    credential.Load();