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This guide aims to show how to securely store connection credentials and API tokens in Windows applications using DPAPI.

July 29, 2026Open Access

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Storing Secrets in Windows Apps - Avoiding Plaintext Configuration with DPAPI (archived 2026-07-27)

GKGo KomuraFujikura (United States)

Key Points

This guide aims to show how to securely store connection credentials and API tokens in Windows applications using DPAPI.
Overview of DPAPI and its ProtectedData method.
Comparison of CurrentUser and LocalMachine modes.
Discussion on implementation challenges and considerations.
Provides a secure alternative to storing credentials in plaintext.
Highlights best practices for using DPAPI effectively.

Abstract

To avoid storing connection credentials and API tokens in plaintext configuration files in Windows apps, we walk through DPAPI / ProtectedData, the difference between CurrentUser and LocalMachine, and implementation caveats. Archived version of https://comcomponent.com/en/blog/2026/03/16/000-windows-app-secret-storage-best-practices-dpapi/, as published on 2026-07-27. The live article is maintained and may change after this date. First published 2026-03-16.

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Storing Secrets in Windows Apps - Avoiding Plaintext Configuration with DPAPI (archived 2026-07-27)

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