How to switch from LastPass to 1Password using Windows

By Cale Hunt
last updated

Keep your data safe and your blood pressure normal as you make the switch between LastPass and 1Password.

Are you a long-time LastPass user who wants to see if the grass is greener on the other side? Maybe you're bored with the current LastPass UI, or maybe you're upset over the 2015 buyout by LogMeIn. Whatever your reason we're here to help. AgileBits has an excellent password service called 1Password (opens in new tab) that many ex-LastPass users are signing up for. The problem? Your passwords are currently stored in LastPass.

Switching between the two services is relatively easy, although Windows requires extra steps along the way. MrC, a member of the AgileBits support forum, has designed an incredibly useful utility that allows Windows users to keep their LastPass data encrypted while transferring between services. We'll call keeping your data encrypted "The hard way". There is also a method using a CSV file that, while convenient, happens to decrypt your LastPass data. We'll call this "The easy way."

1Password explicitly recommends using a browser other than Chrome to export your LastPass data. For this process we used Firefox, as it is one of the recommended browsers to export data — the other is Safari. Without further ado, let's switch your LastPass data to 1Password.

The easy way:

The hard way:

1Password and LastPass condensed comparison

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Category1PasswordLastPass
Price$64.99 one-time purchaseFree (browser extension)
$12 per year (personal license)
$24 per year (enterprise license)
FlexibilityWindows and OSX
Mobile license sold separately		Cross-platform
Edge ExtensionNoComing soon
Extension for other browsersYesYes
Windows app in the Store?Yes (but discontinued)Yes
Windows Phone appYesYes
Windows Desktop appYes*Yes
StorageData is on your deviceData is in the cloud

*A new version is slated for an August release.

Export your LastPass data as a decrypted CSV file (the easy way)

The following steps will place all of your LastPass data into decrypted plain text format. If you're uncomfortable doing this, follow these steps to switch from LastPass to 1Password while keeping your data encrypted.

  1. Double-click on Firefox on your desktop.
  2. Click on the LastPass icon.

  1. If prompted, type in your master password.
  2. Click on the LastPass icon again.

  1. Click on More Options.
  2. Click on Advanced.

  1. Click on Export.
  2. Click on LastPass CSV File.

  1. Type in your master password.
  2. Choose where to save the CSV file. Note: CSV files are not encrypted. Save this file in a local folder rather than in a cloud service or shared folder. You'll want to delete the CSV file immediately following its import into 1Password. Steps for deleting the CSV file are found below.

  1. Type in a name for the CSV file.
  2. Click on Save.

Import a CSV file into 1Password

  1. Double-click on 1Password on your desktop.
  2. Click on File.

  1. Click on Import.
  2. Click on the folder where you saved the CSV file.

  1. Click on the CSV file.
  2. Click on Open.

  1. Type in parameters as you see fit.
  2. Click on OK.

  1. Click on Yes.
  2. Click on your import to see its contents.

Herein rests your password data, safe behind 1Password's walls. To ensure your privacy you must now delete the CSV file.

Delete your decrypted CSV file

Because CSV is unencrypted, you should delete the file immediately after importing it into 1Password.

  1. Open the folder containing the CSV file.
  2. Right-click on the CSV file.

  1. Click on Delete.
  2. Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

  1. Click on Empty Recycle Bin.
  2. If prompted, click Yes to permanently delete the CSV file. Note: Ensure there's nothing already in the Recycle Bin you want to save.

Your CSV file and password information are now gone for good.

Export your LastPass data as an encrypted XML file (the hard way)

Follow these steps if prefer to keep your LastPass data encrypted during your switch between services. As referred above, this is considered "The hard way." Although the process might seem like a trek, keeping your data encrypted at all times is never a bad idea.

  1. Double-click on Firefox on your desktop.
  2. Click on the LastPass icon.

  1. If prompted, type in your master password.
  2. Click on the LastPass icon again.

  1. Click on More Options.
  2. Click on Advanced.

  1. Click on Export.
  2. Click on LastPass Encrypted File.

  1. Type in your master password.
  2. Choose where to save the XML file.

  1. Type in a filename.
  2. Click Save.

The XML file now exists on your computer and awaits conversion using MrC's conversion utility.

Download and install MrC's conversion utility

MrC has created this incredibly useful utility on his own time and is offering it for free. Here's how to get it up and running.

  1. Visit the AgileBits support forum by following this link. Click on the Stable Bits link.
  2. Click on convert_to_1p4_1.xx.zip.

  1. Click on Download. A download will begin.
  2. Open your Downloads folder when the download is complete.

  1. Right-click on the convert_to_1p4_1.xx.zip folder.
  2. Click on Extract All…

  1. Click on Browse.
  2. Click on Desktop.

  1. Click on Select Folder.
  2. Click on Extract.

The converter's files are now in a folder on your Desktop.

Convert your XML file into a 1PIF file

Note that this method is currently experiencing some problems in Windows 10. Windows 7 and 8 users will be fine using this method and the steps will be the same. If you're not comfortable using Command Prompt, refer to either the Mac guide on switching LastPass to 1Password, or switch services using a CSV file.

  1. Double-click on your preferred web browser. Go to *Strawberry Perl**'s website.
  2. Click on the corresponding version compatible with your OS (64bit or 32bit). A download will begin.

  1. Right-click on the downloaded folder when the download is complete.
  2. Click on Extract All.

  1. Type c:\myperl into the Destination path.
  2. Click on Extract. Wait until extraction is complete before moving on to the next step.

  1. Click on the Start icon and type c:\myperl\portableshell.bat into Search the web and Windows.
  2. Click on Run command. Note: The following commands are case-sensitive. Copy each command exactly as shown here.

  1. Type cpan Text::CSV into the command prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard. Wait for a new prompt to appear.
  2. Type cpan Date::Calc into the command prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard. Wait for a new prompt to appear.

  1. Type cpan XML::XPath into the command prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard. Wait for a new prompt to appear.
  2. Type cd %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\convert_to_1p4 into the command prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard. Wait for a new prompt to appear.

  1. Type perl convert_to_1p4.pl lastpass -v ..\LastPass Export Encrypted.xml into the command prompt and hit Enter on your keyboard. Note: Where we typed "LastPass Export Encrypted" is where you type the exact name of your XML file currently saved on your desktop.
  2. Verify the 1PIF file is on your desktop. If errors occurred retry steps 9 to 13 ensuring the commands were entered correctly.

There should now be a 1PIF file on your desktop labeled the same as the exported LastPass file. This file is ready for import into 1Password.

Import a 1PIF file into 1Password

The 1PIF file you just created using MrC's conversion utility is ready to be imported into 1Password. Here's what you do to finish importing your data from LastPass:

  1. Double-click on 1Password on your desktop.
  2. Click on File.

  1. Click on Import.
  2. Click on Desktop.

  1. Click on the 1PIF file.
  2. Click on Open.

  1. Type in parameters as you see fit.
  2. Click on OK.

Sign up at 1Password (opens in new tab)

Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews

Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.

47 Comments
  • Hey. Why are people leaving lastpass? I would figure since the edge extension is coming that people would want to use it.
  • I would also want to know that. Did something happen? I was just recommending it ot a bunch of people yesterday.
  • Read my comment down below.
  • I would like to know the same. The only thing I think of is the cost.  $64 for one time payment of 1Password vs $12/yr for LastPass every year as long as you wish to use Premium.
  • Until a new version of 1password comes out and you have to pay again. Last pass forever.
  • Agreed. This article seems pointless without a justification (or proof) of why people are moving from A to B.
  • Agree, "Pointless"! This article is a waist of good ink.
  • I want to switch. I wanted this article written. End of story.
  • Sounds like a biased media to me..!
  • Technically all media is biased. Literally choosing to write on a topic or not is bias. Also, we are doing this "how to switch" for all brands.
  • As a big fan of this site and your writing, your decision affects and influences me. But why did you decide to switch? What does 1Password do different or better than Lastpass that led to your decision to switch? Will one work better with Windows 10 Mobile than the other? I'm also a LastPass user and don't think I'll switch, but if I understood why you wanted to, maybe I'd realize that's the right move for me too. It's probably good to re-evaluate the tools we use from time to time. In any case, glad to see both offering good support for Windows.
  • Yeah, weird article. Is it a sponsored one? Btw, happy LastPass user here.
  • I'm curious as well. I'm a premium customer of LastPass, and I've been quite happy with it, so do these people know something that I don't know?
  • Why are "many people" switching to 1Password? The Win10 app (the orginal UWP-only & now the "hybrid" one) is terrible. The Win 7/W32 era one is okay, but still not a patch on their OSX/iOS version. LastPass must be pretty bad if many people are switching from it?
  • I use LastPass, and I've had no issues with it.
  • Same here.
  • Don't forget that the owner of LastPass recently sold out to a known profiteering and adware company (LogMeIn) that knowingly sell their products to scammers.   Remember what they did to Hamachii...
  • What about RoboForm?
  • RoboForm is beta testing their Edge extension -- i.e. "SOON".
  • Yeah, I've used RoboForm for years and like it. And they say the Edge extension is coming soon. I don't really use Edge much, so that's not a big deal for me. But I know alot of people like Edge, so it's nice to hear that the extension is coming.
  • I use edge all the time. I haven't heard RoboForm was working on extension. Eager to check it out when it's released. Thanks.
  • That first sentance makes an assertion and then the rest of the tutorial just kind of ignores that any assertion was made. Cale will probably want to make an edit either backing the assertion up or dropping it out of the tutorial.
  • The "tutorial" came from Agilebits support - the makers of 1 password. This is a 2-dot picture folks, really it's one straight line to complete the puzzle.
  • Sort of.  But now that LogMeIn now owns LastPass you need to prepare yourself for it to get bad and fast.
  • Even though I will end up spending more to use Lastpass than 1Password, I will stick with Lastpass. In my book $12/year is reasonable.
  • "Many users are jumping ship from LastPass to AgileBits's 1Password." Source?
  • Anyone notice that for $65...you do not get upgrades?  (Look at the features box, 4 row...) https://www.windowscentral.com/e?link=https2F2Fcli...
  • Windows Central: You owe us an explanation. It's about your credibility. Fess up, please.
  • THIS.
  • Glad I'm not the only one wondering "why?". Not saying 1Password is bad per se, but I honestly see no reason for switching from lastpass.
  • Because of this: https://blog.lastpass.com/2015/10/lastpass-joins-logmein.html/ LogMeIn is a horrible company, people simply don't trust them.
  • Your statement also needs some explanation. Why is it that people don't trust LogMeIn?
  • Please explain. Facts please.
  • Enpass is the best.
    No monthly subscription.
    Many clouds supported (onedrive, dropbox, etc...)
    The company is not owning our datas...
  • Every 'cloud' increases the attack surface and all it takes is for any one of them to become compromised or have a stupid password leak and you're hosed.
  • Been using LP for a few years, was horrifying news when they sold to LogMeIn as they have a track record of buying services and extreme price raising as they are plain greedy.  I will stick with LP as its good (it was hacked in the past and the hackers ony got encrypted info) convenient and cheap (what price on staying secure?) having said that, the moment I smell im being fleeced by a greedy company is the moment I do the above, I will save this page for future reference, just in case :)
  • LastPass is very good but has 2 issues: database is stored at LP and the Windows application did not evolve since years and do not support Windows Hello. 1Password is also good but their W10 and W10M app is barebone and even does not support edit so useless. One of the best option is Enpass with : 1/ local storage or in the cloud of yours, 2/ Windows Hello, 3/ great extension. Also the support is top notch with a portable version and Edge extension normally coming this month. So a no brainer.          
  • Re: jlabelle,
    If all this is true, it is interesting. How does Enpass get paid? I don't want my data security bought and paid for though advertising. I want to pay for it.
  • The application has to be paid, like all competitor. But the data can be stored locally like 1Password or in many clouds (OneDrive, GoogleDrive, DropBox, Box...) whereas for 1Password it is DropBox or OneDrive. 1Password is very good...but useless for a Windows phone user and the Store app for W10 is also useless. LasPass still did not support Windows Hello on their Store app and has this potential security issue of the database being on their server (and by the way it has already been hacked in the past). Enpass is truly great and my finally is switching to them from 1Password and I switched from LastPass as 1Password was useless for Windows phone users. Last thing : The developer are very reactive and listen to their users.
  • Enpass is FREE in desktop mode. Work with Firefox, Opera etc... veru usefull. It is paid when you buy the application  for mobile /tablet (9,99 euros per platform : 9,99 eur for W10 /  W10M , 9,99 euro for android etc...) But no remote storage subscription, no datas keeped to any Enpass servers. That's the best solution for me.
  • yes, agree 100%
  • Another happy Lastpass user.  I've see the complaints from Logmein people, but (so far), Lastpass is updated, supported, easy to use, corss-platform.   I chose Lastpass amonth others because I can export a CSV.  I see that 1Password *imports* CSV files, does it also *export*?
  • This is true. But LastPass does not support Windows Hello which is a huge feature (imagine a password manager on iOS without TouchID support) and the model where the database is on their server is convenient (for sharing vault) but dangerous (and the 2 times they have been hacked have proven that).
  • So...why are people "jumping ship"?  Doesn't matter, I'll stick with the most excellent mSecure.  
  • Who is leaving LastPass? I've never heard of anyone jumping ship from LastPass and I've never heard any complaints from Lastpass users. I'm a happy long time Lastpass premium subscriber (includes Xmarks, browser favorites sync onto web and other browsers.) A key feature is that the data is stored encrypted on the computer and in the cloud synced.
    Another key feature is that I have access to my raw data through the CSV whenever I want and I can back it up.
  • Nothing unique to LastPass here. 1Password and Enpass allow the same.
  • Bad article writing is bad. Not sure I'll read many Cale Hunt articles in the future due to how this one was written. Need to give us the facts as to why you feel that people are jumping ship Cale.