SoftNexi

Windows · Privacy & Encryption

Proton Pass for Windows

Password manager from Proton (makers of Proton Mail and Proton VPN) with a genuinely usable free tier, end-to-end encryption, and built-in email-alias generation.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Proton Pass is a password manager from Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Drive. It offers a free tier covering unlimited password storage and one active email alias on the free plan, with a paid Pass Plus/Proton Unlimited tier adding unlimited hide-my-email aliases, additional 2FA storage, and other extras — check proton.me's own pricing page for current specifics.

A distinguishing feature is its integration with Proton's broader ecosystem: Proton Pass includes built-in email-alias generation (via SimpleLogin, which Proton also owns) so you can create masked email addresses for sign-ups directly from the password-save prompt, without a separate alias service subscription for basic use.

Proton is a Swiss company, which brings certain jurisdictional privacy considerations that some users specifically seek out, and the client is open source with published audits, which the company promotes as a differentiator from closed-source competitors like 1Password.

It suits people already using other Proton products who want a unified account, or anyone attracted to a free tier that includes real end-to-end encryption and alias generation without the subscription requirement of 1Password.

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted password storage with a genuinely usable free tier
  • Built-in email-alias generation (hide-my-email) via SimpleLogin integration
  • Open-source clients with published third-party security audits
  • Integrated with other Proton products (Mail, VPN, Drive) under one account
  • Browser extension and desktop/mobile apps for autofill and sync
  • Two-factor authentication code storage on paid tiers

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); browser extension also available
Account
A Proton account is required (free or paid)
Internet connection
Required for sync across devices

How to install Proton Pass

  1. 1. Create or sign in to a Proton account

    Use an existing Proton Mail/VPN account or create a new one at proton.me.

  2. 2. Download the app

    Get the Windows app or browser extension from proton.me/pass/download.

  3. 3. Set up account recovery

    Configure a recovery method in your Proton account settings before you need it.

  4. 4. Import existing passwords

    Use Proton Pass's import tool to migrate from a browser or another password manager.

How to use it

  1. 1. Use hide-my-email aliases for sign-ups

    Generate a masked email address directly from the save prompt for new accounts.

  2. 2. Enable the browser extension

    Add it to your browser for autofill on login forms.

  3. 3. Review your Proton account security

    Since your Proton account unlocks the vault, enable two-factor authentication on the account itself.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from proton.me/pass; verify you're using the official Proton domain given how often password-manager brands are impersonated.
  • Your Proton account password unlocks your vault, so protect it as carefully as you would any master password.
Bundled software
No third-party bundling in the official installer.
Privacy
Proton positions its products around end-to-end encryption and Swiss jurisdiction; review Proton's published privacy policy and audit reports for the specifics you care about before relying on them for sensitive data.

Known risks

  • Losing your Proton account password and recovery method can risk permanent vault loss, as with any end-to-end encrypted service — set up account recovery options.
  • Free-tier alias limits mean you may need Pass Plus for extensive alias use.

What's new

  • Current release

    Proton Pass updates continuously through its own auto-updater. Check Proton's release notes at proton.me for version-specific detail.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Genuinely usable free tier with real end-to-end encryption
  • Built-in email alias generation
  • Open source with published audits
  • Integrates with other Proton products under one account

Cons

  • Newer to the password-manager space than established competitors
  • Free-tier alias limits push heavier users toward a paid plan
  • Ecosystem lock-in appeal is strongest if you already use Proton
  • Fewer third-party integrations than some longer-established managers

Verdict

Proton Pass is a compelling choice if you want a free, end-to-end encrypted password manager with built-in email aliasing, especially if you already use other Proton products. It competes well against Bitwarden's free tier and offers more polish for users wanting a unified privacy-focused ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

Does Proton Pass support Windows 11?

Yes. Proton Pass's Windows app supports current 64-bit releases of Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a browser extension is also available.

Where should I download Proton Pass?

Download it only from proton.me/pass/download, and verify you're on the official Proton domain given how often password-manager brands are impersonated.

What does the free version of Proton Pass include?

The free tier includes unlimited password storage and one active hide-my-email alias; unlimited aliases and extra 2FA storage require the paid Pass Plus or Proton Unlimited plan.

Does Proton Pass track my data?

Proton Pass uses end-to-end encryption and Proton is a Swiss company; the clients are open source with published third-party audits you can review at proton.me.

What doesn't Proton Pass protect against if I lose my account access?

Losing your Proton account password and recovery method can risk permanent vault loss, as with any end-to-end encrypted service, so setting up account recovery in advance matters.