How to Set Up Bitwarden Password Manager
Whether you're setting it up for personal use or rolling it out across your business, here's how to get started with Bitwarden — the secure, open-source password manager trusted by professionals worldwide.
At Blackwood IT, we've seen firsthand how storing passwords in Excel files or plain text documents can expose organisations to serious risks. Bitwarden provides an encrypted vault that keeps your credentials safe — and it's free to get started.
Create your Bitwarden account
- Visit bitwarden.com and click Get Started
- Select Personal Account and choose the Free plan
- Use your work email address — this helps with recovery and ensures consistency across your organisation
- Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to your inbox
Tip: Use a passphrase (e.g. "PurpleTiger$DrinksTea@Sunset") for your master password — it's easier to remember and harder to crack.
Secure your account
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator
- Review security settings such as vault timeout and KDF iterations for added protection
Import your existing passwords
If you've been storing passwords in Excel files or browsers, Bitwarden makes it easy to import them:
- Export your passwords from your current manager or browser
- In Bitwarden, go to Tools > Import Data and select the appropriate format
- Upload your file and let Bitwarden do the rest
Install the browser extension
Install the Bitwarden extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This allows you to:
- Autofill login credentials on websites
- Generate strong passwords on the fly
- Save new logins automatically as you browse
Set up Bitwarden on mobile
Download the Bitwarden app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed:
- Log in with your master password
- Enable biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint) for convenience
- Use the app to autofill passwords in other apps and browsers
Bitwarden is set up
By switching from spreadsheets to an encrypted vault, you've taken a major step toward protecting your digital identity and your organisation's data.
Rolling out Bitwarden across your business?
We can help configure and deploy Bitwarden for your entire team, including admin controls, shared collections, and user onboarding. Submit a support ticket or contact us and we'll get it sorted.