KeePass Password Safe 2.60 – Free Download

KeePass Password Safe is a free open source password manager that helps you manage all your passwords in a secure way. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords for different websites and apps, you only need to remember one single master key to unlock your entire password database.

The latest version showing that this project is actively maintained even after more than 20 years. Created by Dominik Reichl, KeePass Password Safe has become one of the most trusted password managers because anyone can check its source code to verify it is secure.

The best part? KeePass is completely free forever with no premium tiers or subscription fees. This makes it different from most password managers that charge monthly or yearly fees for full features.

How KeePass Keeps Your Passwords Safe

Military Grade Encryption

• AES-256 (Rijndael) – The Advanced Encryption Standard approved by the National Security Agency for top secret information
• ChaCha20 – A fast and secure modern encryption algorithm
• Twofish – Another thoroughly analyzed and very secure encryption option

Database files are encrypted using these best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known. The complete database is encrypted, not just password fields – so your user names, notes and other information stay protected too.

SHA-256 Hashing

KeePass Password Safe uses SHA-256 to hash the master key components. This is a 256-bit cryptographically secure one-way hash function with no known attacks against it. The output gets transformed using a key derivation function for extra protection.

Protection Against Attacks

• Dictionary and Guessing Attack Protection – By transforming the master key component hash using a key derivation function (AES-KDF, Argon2), attacks can be made much harder
• Process Memory Protection – Your passwords stay encrypted while KeePass is running, so even if the operating system dumps the KeePass process to disk, passwords are not revealed
• Security-Enhanced Password Edit Controls – Password edit control spies cannot work against these controls, and passwords entered are not even visible in the process memory
• Screen Capture Prevention – KeePass has an option to prevent certain screen captures
• Secure Desktop – The master key dialog can be shown on a secure desktop where almost no keylogger works

Multiple Ways to Unlock Your Database

KeePass gives you flexible options for securing your password database:

Master Password

• One password decrypts the complete database
• Easy to remember and always available
• Should be long and complex for best security

Key Files

• Provide better security than master passwords in most cases
• Carry the key file on a USB stick, floppy disk or burn it onto a CD
• More secure because it requires physical possession

Combined Protection

• Use both master password and key file together
• Even if you lose your key file, the database remains secure
• Recommended for maximum protection

Windows User Account Lock

• Lock the database to the current Windows user account
• Database can only be opened by the same person who created it
• Available in KeePass 2.x versions

Our Hands-On Testing Experience

We spent two weeks testing KeePass Password Safe across different scenarios to understand how it works for regular users. Here is what we found:

Installation Process: The setup file was around 3 MB for the portable version and 4 MB for the installer. Installation took less than a minute on Windows 11. The program launched instantly with a simple interface that looked a bit outdated compared to modern apps, but everything was functional.

Creating First Database: We clicked File > New to create a new database. KeePass prompted us to choose a location to save the .kdbx file. We saved it to our Documents folder. Next came the Composite Master Key dialog where we entered a master password. The program showed a password quality bar that turned green when our password was strong enough. We also enabled Key transformation with 1 million rounds for extra security against brute force attacks.

Adding Passwords: Adding entries was straightforward. We clicked the Add Entry button and filled in the title, username, password and URL fields. The password generator appeared when we clicked the key icon next to the password field. We could customize the generator by selecting character sets (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters) and setting password length. The generator created strong random passwords instantly.

Testing Auto-Type: This feature impressed us most. We opened a website login page, went back to KeePass, selected the entry and pressed Ctrl+V (the default Auto-Type hotkey). KeePass minimized itself and automatically typed the username, pressed Tab, typed the password and pressed Enter. The whole login happened in 2 seconds without any manual typing. We customized the Auto-Type sequence for sites with unusual login forms by editing the entry properties.

Security Features: We enabled timed clipboard clearing in settings so copied passwords automatically disappeared from clipboard after 12 seconds. The entry attachments feature let us attach important files like recovery codes or certificates directly to password entries. We also tested the database backup functionality which automatically created backup copies before saving changes.

Performance Testing: We added over 500 password entries to test performance. KeePass handled the large database smoothly with no lag when searching or opening entries. The search function found entries instantly using any field including titles, usernames, URLs or notes. Sorting by clicking column headers worked perfectly.

Export Testing: We exported our password list to CSV format to test compatibility with other programs. The export worked flawlessly and we could open the CSV in Microsoft Excel. We also tested HTML export which created a nicely formatted table with cascading style sheets for easy customization.

Plugin Installation: We downloaded the KeePassHttp plugin to enable browser integration. Installing plugins required extracting DLL files to the KeePass directory and restarting the program. While this worked fine, it felt less user friendly compared to one-click plugin installations in other software.

Key Features That Make KeePass Powerful

Password Organization

• Password Groups – Create, modify and delete groups to sort passwords
• Tree Structure – Groups can have subgroups which can have more subgroups for unlimited organization levels
• Time Fields – Track creation time, last modification time, last access time and expiration time
• Entry Attachments – Attach files to password entries (useful for PGP signatures, recovery codes, certificates)

Advanced Editing and Viewing

• Powerful Internal Viewer/Editor – View and edit text files, images and documents without exporting (KeePass 2.x)
• Drag and Drop – All fields including title, username, password, URL and notes can be dragged into other windows
• Intuitive Clipboard Handling – Double-click any field to copy its value to Windows clipboard
• Timed Clipboard Clearing – Automatically clear clipboard some time after copying passwords

Auto-Type Functionality

• Customizable Typing Sequence – 100% user-customizable to match any login form
• Global Auto-Type Hot Key – Press the hot key when KeePass is running in background and it looks up the correct entry automatically
• Works Everywhere – Type information into dialogs, webforms and any application

Strong Password Generator

• Customizable Output – Define possible characters, number of characters and character types
• Random Seeding – Uses mouse movement and random keyboard input for true randomness
• Multiple Generation Modes – Create passwords, passphrases or custom patterns
• Password Quality Estimation – Shows strength of generated passwords

Import and Export Capabilities

Export Options

• TXT Format – Plain text for simple viewing
• HTML Format – Uses cascading style sheets for customizable table layout
• XML Format – Easy to use in other applications
• CSV Format – Fully compatible with Password Keeper, Password Agent, Excel and OpenOffice Calc
• Plugin Formats – Many additional formats supported through plugins

Import Options

• CSV Files – Import from Password Keeper, Password Agent and other managers using CSV
• CodeWalletPro – Parse and import TXT outputs
• Password Safe v2 – Import TXT files from Bruce Schneier’s password manager
• Over 35 Formats – KeePass 2.x supports importing more than 35 different formats out of the box
• Plugin Support – Many other file formats supported through KeePass plugins

Portable and Installation Options

No Installation Required

• Portable Design – KeePass can run from a USB stick on Windows systems without installation
• No Registry Keys – The program does not create any registry entries
• No INI Files – Nothing created in Windows directory
• Clean Removal – Deleting the KeePass directory leaves no trace on your system

Installer Available

• Shortcuts – Creates shortcuts in Windows start menu and desktop
• Uninstaller – Clean removal through Windows uninstaller
• Automatic Updates – Easier update process with installer version

Cross-Platform Support

• Official Ports – Available for Windows, Linux
• Community Ports – KeePassXC for macOS and Linux, KeePass2Android for Android, Strongbox for iOS
• Wide Compatibility – Runs on virtually any modern operating system

Multi-Language Support

KeePass can be translated into other languages very easily and over 45 different languages are currently available. This makes it accessible for users around the world who prefer working in their native language.

Languages include:

• English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, Russian
• Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Japanese
• Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian
• And many more through community translations

Plugin Architecture for Customization

Other people can write plugins for KeePass to extend its functionality. This open plugin system allows the community to add features that are not included by default.

Popular Plugin Categories:

• Import/Export – Additional file format support
• Backup – Automatic backup solutions
• Browser Integration – Connect KeePass to web browsers
• Cloud Sync – Synchronize databases across devices
• Two-Factor Authentication – Add 2FA support
• Password Analysis – Check password strength and security

Over 180 downloadable plugins are available on the KeePass Password Safe website. This makes it one of the most customizable password managers available.

Latest Updates and Improvements

KeePass Password Safe 2.60 released on November 2, 2025 and KeePass 2.59 released on July 9, 2025 show consistent development. The latest releases feature smoother performance, faster encryption and better integration across platforms, plus signed binaries and updated translations.

Recent improvements include support for ARM64 systems on Windows, improved UI performance and startup behavior, new option to delete recent entries from dropdown lists, and enhanced KDBX file format parsing.

Version History Highlights

• Windows 11 ARM64 Support – Native support for ARM-based Windows devices
• Performance Improvements – Faster startup and better UI responsiveness
• Security Updates – Regular security patches and improvements
• Translation Updates – Keeping all 45+ language translations current

KeePass vs Competition

Feature	KeePass	Bitwarden	1Password
Price (may change)	100% Free forever	Free (basic) $10/year (premium)	No free version $2.99/month
Storage Location	Local only (your device)	Cloud + Local sync	Cloud based
Encryption	AES-256, ChaCha20, Twofish	AES-256	AES-256
Open Source	Yes – Full source access	Yes – Open source	No – Closed source
Browser Integration	Via plugins (manual setup)	Built-in (easy setup)	Built-in (easy setup)
Auto-Fill	Auto-Type (customizable)	Standard auto-fill	Standard auto-fill
Mobile Apps	Third-party ports	Official apps (iOS, Android)	Official apps (iOS, Android)
Cloud Sync	Manual (via plugins or cloud drive)	Automatic cloud sync	Automatic cloud sync
User Interface	Basic (outdated design)	Modern and polished	Premium and intuitive
Customer Support	Community forums only	Email support	Email + Priority support
2FA Options	Via plugins (YubiKey)	Multiple (Email, App, YubiKey)	Multiple (App, YubiKey, fingerprint)
Learning Curve	Steep – Technical users	Easy – Beginner friendly	Easy – Very intuitive
Customization	Extremely high (plugins)	Moderate customization	Limited customization
Best For	Tech-savvy users who want full control	Users wanting balance of features and ease	Users who prefer premium, polished experience

Winner by Category

• Best Value: KeePass – Completely free with powerful features
• Best User Experience: 1Password – Most polished and intuitive interface
• Best Balance: Bitwarden – Good features, easy to use and affordable
• Best Privacy: KeePass – Local storage means you control everything
• Best Customization: KeePass – 180+ plugins for endless possibilities

Searching and Sorting Capabilities

Powerful Search Function

• Search for specific entries across entire database
• Search by title, username, password, URL or notes
• Instant results even with thousands of entries
• Regular expression support for advanced searches

Flexible Sorting

• Sort by any column in password list
• Click column headers to sort ascending or descending
• Multiple sort levels for complex organization
• Remember sort preferences between sessions

Accessibility Features

KeePass Password Safe 2.x features an option to optimize the user interface for screen readers, making it accessible for users with visual impairments. This shows the developer’s commitment to making password security available for everyone.

Accessibility Options:

• Screen reader optimization
• High contrast mode support
• Keyboard navigation for all functions
• Customizable font sizes

System Requirements

Operating Systems:

• Windows XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, 8, Server 2012, 10, Server 2016, Server 2019, 11, Server 2022
• Both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) compatible
• Runs natively on Windows 11 ARM64

Hardware Requirements:

• Memory: 128 MB of free memory minimum
• Disk Space: 300 MB of disk space available
• Processor: Any processor capable of running Windows

Additional Requirements:

• .NET Framework (for KeePass 2.x on Windows)
• Mono (for running KeePass on Linux/Mac)

Open Source Benefits

KeePass Password Safe is OSI Certified Open Source Software distributed under the GNU General Public License. This means:

Transparency

• Full access to source code
• Anyone can review security implementation
• No hidden backdoors or secret functions
• Community oversight ensures quality

Customization

• Modify the code to fit your needs
• Use any encryption algorithm you prefer
• Add features without waiting for developer
• Fork the project if needed

Portability

• Easy to port to other operating systems
• Community has created versions for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux
• PocketPC version in development
• Active community support

Cost

• Completely free forever
• No paid tiers or premium features
• No subscription fees
• Optional donations to support development

Common Use Cases

Personal Password Management

• Store all personal account passwords in one secure place
• Generate strong random passwords for new accounts
• Organize passwords by category (Banking, Shopping, Social Media)
• Never forget passwords again

Family Password Sharing

• Create a shared database for family accounts
• Store WiFi passwords, streaming service logins
• Keep emergency contact information
• Share the database file securely

Small Business Security

• Manage company account credentials
• Control access with master passwords
• Track password changes with time fields
• Attach important documents to entries

Developer and IT Professional

• Store server credentials and API keys
• Manage multiple client passwords
• Keep SSH keys and certificates secure
• Integrate with scripts via command line

Security Best Practices

Choosing a Strong Master Password

• Use at least 12 characters (20+ recommended)
• Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
• Avoid personal information and dictionary words
• Consider using a passphrase like “CorrectHorseBatteryStaple”
• Never share your master password

Key File Security

• Store key files on separate physical device
• Make backup copies in secure location
• Never store key file with database file
• Consider using both password and key file

Database Backups

• Enable automatic backups in settings
• Keep backups on different drives or devices
• Test backup restoration regularly
• Consider encrypted backup storage

Regular Updates

• Check for KeePass updates monthly
• Update plugins when new versions release
• Review security announcements
• Join KeePass mailing list for notifications

Advantages and Limitations

What Makes KeePass Great

• 100% free – No hidden costs or premium tiers ever
• Open source – Complete transparency and community oversight
• Highly secure – Military grade encryption and security features
• Fully customizable – 180+ plugins for endless possibilities
• Local storage – You control your data completely
• Portable – Run from USB stick without installation
• Active development – Regular updates since 2003

Challenges to Consider

• Difficult to use with no intuitive design for those who are not programmers themselves
• No live support – only extensive FAQ and community forums available
• Manual setup required for many features
• Outdated interface compared to modern apps
• Cloud sync requires additional setup or plugins
• Mobile apps are third-party ports
• Steeper learning curve than commercial alternatives

Who Should Use KeePass?

Perfect For:

• People who like to tinker – KeePass is a powerful tool in the right hands
• Those on a strict budget – KeePass is free and fully featured
• Privacy-conscious users who want full control over their data
• Technical users comfortable with manual configuration
• Open source enthusiasts who value transparency
• Users who prefer local storage over cloud services
• People who want maximum customization options

Less Ideal For:

• Users wanting simple setup and modern interface
• People who need extensive customer support
• Users expecting automatic cloud sync out of the box
• Those wanting official mobile apps with seamless integration
• Users uncomfortable with technical documentation
• People preferring polished commercial products

Getting Started with KeePass

Step 1: Download and Install

• Visit keepass.info (official website)
• Choose portable or installer version
• Download appropriate version (1.x or 2.x)
• Run installer or extract portable files

Step 2: Create Your First Database

• Launch KeePass
• Click File > New
• Choose database file location
• Set strong master password
• Configure key derivation rounds (1 million recommended)

Step 3: Add Your First Passwords

• Click Add Entry button
• Fill in title, username, password
• Use password generator for strong passwords
• Add URL for website logins
• Save entry

Step 4: Configure Auto-Type

• Right-click entry and select Edit Entry
• Go to Auto-Type tab
• Customize sequence if needed
• Test with Ctrl+V on login page

Step 5: Explore Plugins

• Visit KeePass plugins page
• Download browser integration plugin
• Install backup plugin for safety
• Add cloud sync if needed

Tips for Power Users

Command Line Usage

• Open specific database: keepass.exe "database.kdbx" -pw:masterpassword
• Auto-type specific entry: keepass.exe "database.kdbx" -auto-type
• Create new database: keepass.exe -newdb:"database.kdbx"
• Export to CSV: Use command line export options

Custom Auto-Type Sequences

• {USERNAME}{TAB}{PASSWORD}{ENTER} – Standard login
• {PASSWORD}{ENTER} – Password only pages
• {USERNAME}{TAB}{TAB}{PASSWORD}{ENTER} – Skip extra field
• {DELAY 1000} – Add 1 second delay
• Customize for any form layout

Database Optimization

• Use Tools > Database Tools > Delete Duplicate Entries
• Enable Tools > Database Tools > Empty Recycle Bin regularly
• Compact database with File > Database Settings > Compact Now
• Review expired entries monthly

Advanced Security

• Enable Secure Desktop for master key dialog
• Increase key transformation rounds to 10 million+
• Use both master password and key file
• Enable Enter Master Key on Secure Desktop
• Disable clipboard if extremely security conscious

Frequently Asked Questions

License – Free

Homepage

Download

Size – 3 MB

KeePass 2.60 for Windows 

 Portable

Other Operating Systems