Fix Windows 10 Credential Manager Error 0x80070057

If you see error 0x80070057 when opening Credential Manager or saving a credential in Windows 10, the fix is usually to clear the corrupted credential cache, reset Windows Credential Manager via the command line, or repair the Vault service. This error is the “The parameter is incorrect” Windows error, and it almost always means one of the stored credential files is damaged or the Vault service is misconfigured. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve it, plus background on why it happens and how to avoid it in the future.

What Is Credential Manager and What Does This Error Mean?

Credential Manager is the built-in Windows vault that stores sign-in information for websites, apps, and network resources. It keeps two types of credentials: Windows credentials (for network shares, mapped drives, and domain logons) and web credentials (for Edge and Internet Explorer saved passwords). The error 0x80070057 is a generic “parameter is incorrect” error, which in this context usually means the vault database or one of its entries is corrupted, or the Credential Manager service (also called VaultSvc) is not running properly.

Before You Start: Backup Your Credentials

Resetting or deleting credentials is safe for most users, but if you have important saved passwords for network shares or remote desktop connections, you may want to back them up first. Windows does not have a built-in export for Credential Manager, but you can manually write down the critical ones or use the cmdkey /list command to view them. Note that cmdkey /list shows the target names, not the passwords, so you won’t be able to recover the actual secrets from a backup—only the entries themselves.

Fix 1: Restart the Vault Service

The Credential Manager depends on the Credential Manager service (VaultSvc). If it is stopped or hung, you will get errors when trying to open the vault. To restart it:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll to Credential Manager (or VaultSvc).
3. Right-click it and select Restart. If it is not running, select Start.
4. Set the startup type to Automatic if it is not already.
5. Close the window and try opening Credential Manager again.

If the service fails to start, check the Windows Event Log for more details, but the next fixes are more likely to resolve the issue.

Fix 2: Clear the Corrupted Vault Using Command Line

If the service is running but the error persists, the vault files themselves may be corrupted. You can delete the corrupted vault folder, and Windows will recreate it on the next sign-in. This does not delete your actual passwords—it resets the vault container, so you will need to re-enter saved credentials.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter to stop the Vault service:
   net stop vaultsvc
3. Now navigate to the vault folder. It is usually at:
   C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Vault
   If you don’t see it, enable hidden files in File Explorer.
4. Rename the folder to Vault_old (do not delete it yet).
5. Start the service again:
   net start vaultsvc
6. Open Credential Manager. Windows will create a fresh vault. If the error is gone, you can delete the old folder after confirming everything works.

Fix 3: Run System File Checker and DISM

Sometimes the error is caused by corrupted system files, not just the vault. Run the built-in system repair tools:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
3. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and wait for it to complete.
4. Restart your PC and try Credential Manager again.

These tools can take 10-20 minutes, but they are safe and often fix underlying file corruption.

Fix 4: Check for Group Policy or Registry Issues

If the error only occurs on a domain-joined PC, a Group Policy setting may be disabling Credential Manager. To check:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise only), and navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Credential User Interface
2. Ensure that “Enumerate administrator accounts on elevation” is set to Not Configured or Disabled.
3. Also check Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon for any setting that might affect the vault.

If you are on Windows 10 Home, Group Policy Editor is not available, but you can check the registry at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System for a key named AllowCredentialManager—if it exists, set it to 1 or delete it.

Fix 5: Create a New User Account

If none of the above works, the user profile itself may be corrupted. Creating a new local user account and migrating your files can resolve the issue. To do this:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC and create a new account.
3. Sign in to the new account and check if Credential Manager works.
4. If it does, copy your personal files from the old profile (Documents, Desktop, etc.) to the new one. You will need to reinstall apps or re-link them.

This is a last resort, but it is effective if the issue is profile-specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the vault delete my saved passwords?

Yes, clearing the vault will remove all saved credentials, so you will need to re-enter passwords for network shares, mapped drives, and websites. That is why it is a good idea to note down important ones before proceeding.

Why does error 0x80070057 appear only when I try to add a new credential?

This often happens when the vault file is corrupted or the service is not running. The error is triggered when Windows tries to write to the vault but cannot because the file is damaged. Restarting the service or clearing the vault usually fixes it.

Can I use a third-party tool to fix this?

There are third-party password managers that can replace Credential Manager entirely, but for fixing the error itself, you should stick to built-in tools. Third-party tools might not address the underlying service or file corruption.

Is this error caused by a Windows update?

Sometimes a Windows update can change permissions or service settings, which can lead to this error. If the error started after a recent update, you can try uninstalling that update or running the System File Checker as described above.

Does this error affect BitLocker or other encryption?

No, Credential Manager is separate from BitLocker and other encryption features. The error only affects saved credentials, not disk encryption.

What if I still get the error after trying all fixes?

If the error persists, it may indicate a deeper issue with Windows. Consider performing a repair install using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, which keeps your files and apps but replaces system files. Before doing that, make sure you have a backup of important data.

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