KeyLock Password Manager PRO

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Getting Started Guide

Version: v2.0.0

Why KeyLock Password Manager PRO?

The "Local-First" Advantage

If you’re trying to decide on a Password Manager, ask yourself a critical question: Do you truly trust your most sensitive information—banking, brokerage accounts, insurance records, Social Security numbers, and private notes—to a large private commercial password manager that’s just waiting to be hacked?

Traditional password managers store millions of user vaults in centralized "honeypots." These companies are under constant, sophisticated attacks because a single breach offers a massive financial windfall for hackers.

KeyLock Password Manager PRO changes the game:

  • The Needle in the Haystack: By storing your data locally or in a public cloud of your choice (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.), your vault is just one anonymous encrypted file among billions.

  • Zero Knowledge: Because we don’t hold your data, we cannot see your passwords—and neither can hackers.

  • True Sovereignty: Your data stays where you put it. To an outside observer, your database in a public cloud appears as an unrecognizable, encrypted file with contents unbeknownst to anyone.

System Requirements & Installation

Operating System Support

KeyLock Password Manager PRO is optimized for modern 64-bit environments to ensure maximum performance of the AES-256 encryption engine.

  • Windows 11 (64-bit)

  • Windows 10 (64-bit, version 1809 or later)

Note
 Legacy systems such as Windows 7 or 8.1 are not officially supported. For your security, KeyLock Password Manager PRO should only be run on operating systems currently receiving active security patches from Microsoft.

Hardware Requirements

The application is lightweight and designed to run efficiently in the background without impacting system performance.

  • Memory (RAM): 100 MB of available RAM (Minimum); 256 MB (Recommended).

  • Disk Space: Application:** ~50 MB for the initial installation.

    • Database: Variable. Individual database files are extremely small; even a vault with thousands of entries typically requires less than 5 MB of space.

Permissions & Access

To maintain the "Local-First" integrity of your data, the following permissions are required:

  • File System Access: KeyLock Password Manager PRO requires read/write permissions for its installation directory and whichever directory you choose for your database files.

  • Installer Privileges: The Standard Installer requires Administrative Privileges to create the necessary directories in C:\Program Files and to register the application with Windows.

  • Standalone Permissions: The Standalone version can be run with Standard User permissions, provided it is placed in a directory where the user already has write access (e.g., a folder on the Desktop or a personal Documents folder).

Initial Download Options

  • Standard Installer: Recommended for most users. The installer handles all directory creation, system shortcuts, and registry entries for a smooth Windows experience.

  • Standalone Executable: Designed for the experienced user who demands total control over where the program resides. This version does not use a formal installation process; you simply place the executable in your preferred directory.

Installation Options

When running the installer, you will be prompted for:

  • Installation Path: The default is C:\Program Files\KeyLock, but you can specify any local directory.

  • Startup Option: Check this box to have KeyLock Password Manager PRO launch automatically when you sign into Windows.

  • Desktop Icon: Creates a KeyLock Password Manager PRO shortcut for quick access.

Caution

Windows Security Warning: During installation, you may see a "Windows Protected Your PC" or a Blue Screen SmartScreen warning. This is a standard security measure for independent software. Click "More Info" and then "Run Anyway" to proceed.

Directory Architecture

  • Program Files: Stores the executable and necessary system assets.

  • App Data: Stores user configuration settings and local logs.

  • Default Database Folder: Your database is a .db file that is typically created in your Documents\KeyLock Databases folder. This folder is the default location where your databases, backups and exports are stored for a local-first solution.

Database Setup

Creating Your First Database

Upon first launch, you will be prompted to create a new vault.

  1. Select Location: You can accept the default local Documents\KeyLock Databases folder or choose a custom path.

  2. Storage Choice: You can choose to store your database locally on your machine for maximum privacy, or in a Public Cloud directory (like your local Google Drive or Dropbox folder) for your own remote access.

    If you intend to use KeyLock Password Manager PRO on your mobile device later, you should consider saving your desktop database into a cloud directory (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) rather than a local-only PC folder. This will save you from having to migrate your database tracking paths later.

    Important

    Understanding Cloud Synchronization & File Locking

    Because KeyLock Password Manager PRO is a local-first application, it writes directly to your database file using your chosen directory. If you sync your database across multiple computers using a public cloud provider (like Dropbox or Google Drive), avoid keeping the database actively open and unlocked on two machines at the exact same moment. If changes are saved from two separate computers simultaneously, your cloud provider will safeguard your data by creating a "Conflicted Copy" file in your directory rather than merging them. If this occurs, additions made on one machine may not instantly show up on the other until you manually resolve the conflict within your Windows File Explorer. To keep synchronization perfectly clean, simply close or lock your vault on one computer when switching over to use another.

  3. Master Password: Choose a strong, memorable password.

    Warning

    Losing your Master Password is permanent.

    • There is no "Forgot Password" link.

    • Our support team cannot reset it.

    • Your Master Password is the only way back in.

    • Write it down and store it somewhere safe.

Migration: Importing Data

If you are moving from a cloud-based manager, KeyLock Password Manager PRO makes the transition seamless.

The Migration Process

  1. Export: Log into your current password manager and export your vault as a .csv file.

  2. Import: In KeyLock Password Manager PRO, go to File > Import > CSV.

  3. Auto-Mapping: KeyLock Password Manager PRO features an Auto-Mapping engine that recognizes headers from major password managers. It will attempt to automatically match your existing "Username," "Password," and "URL" fields to the KeyLock Password Manager PRO database structure.

  4. Secure Cleanup: Once the import is successful, permanently delete the plain-text CSV file from your computer.

Uninstall

If you need to uninstall KeyLock Password Manager PRO from your system, use the Windows Add or Remove Programs utility.

Note
 Uninstalling the program does not delete your encrypted database files. This ensures your data remains safe and available should you choose to reinstall in the future.