How to install a Credential Provider in Windows 8.1

Question

I am currently trying to implement a custom credential provider on Windows 8.1 and have been looking at various blogs, articles and the samples from the Windows 8.1 SDK.

The implementation of the credential provider is okay and I believe I have a grasp of the concept required to implement the custom provider.

However, the issue I have is that I am unsure how to "install" the credential provider itself. The sample provided in the Windows 8.1 SDK compiles a .dll. This DLL does not register with REGSVR32, so I am unsure how to make the system aware of this provider.

Does anyone know how I install the credential provider? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

To install a credential provider, you have to follow two easy steps :

• copy your DLL in the System32 folder (located in C:\Windows\System32).
• create some keys in the registry. If you used the sample from microsoft, you should have a register.reg file included. You just have to execute it, and the right keys will be written.

If you want to unregister your credential provider, just run the "unregister.reg" file.

There is now a proper documentation for credential providers, which anyone who wants to work with them should read.

Answer 2

RegisterCP.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\Credential Providers\{GUID}] @="CP_Name"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{GUID}] @="CP_Name"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{GUID}\InprocServer32] @="CP_Name.dll" "ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

UnregisterCP.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\Credential Providers\{GUID}]