✅ Fix: Windows Keeps Asking for Network Password (Windows 7 to 11)
If your Windows PC keeps asking for network credentials even after you select "Remember my credentials," you've found the right guide. This common issue affects all versions from Windows 7 to 11 and is usually caused by the Credential Manager service not running, corrupt credentials, or misconfigured sharing settings.
Windows Usage Statistics (July 2025)
Even in 2025, a wide variety of Windows versions are in use, and this issue can appear on any of them. Here's a look at the desktop market share:
| OS Version | Market Share (%) | Data From |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | 51.8% | Wikipedia |
| Windows 10 | 45.0% | Wikipedia |
| Windows 7 | 2.19% | Statcounter |
| Windows 8.1 | 0.28% | Statcounter |
| Windows 8 | 0.31% | Statcounter |
| Windows XP | 0.43% | Statcounter |
🔧 Step-by-Step Solutions
1. The Universal Fix: Configure Credential Manager (Especially for Windows 7)
This is the most common solution, particularly for Windows 7. This service must be running for Windows to remember passwords.
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - In the Services list, find and right-click on Credential Manager, then select Properties.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- If the service status is "Stopped," click the Start button.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your computer.
2. Adjust Settings for Windows 10 & 11
In newer Windows versions, the service is usually running, but sharing settings or corrupt credentials can cause the issue.
- Turn Off Password Protected Sharing: Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Expand the "All Networks" section and select Turn off password protected sharing.
- Clear Old Credentials: Search for and open Credential Manager from the Start Menu. Under "Windows Credentials," find and remove any saved credentials related to the network share.
- Ensure Network Discovery is On: In the same "Advanced sharing settings" window, make sure Turn on network discovery is selected for your current profile (Private).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why does this network password issue happen?
It's usually due to one of four things: The Credential Manager service is disabled, your saved credentials are corrupt, password-protected sharing is interfering, or a registry setting is misconfigured.
Q2: What else can I try if the fixes don't work?
Try these additional steps:
- Make sure both computers are in the same workgroup/domain.
- When prompted for credentials, use the format
COMPUTERNAME\username. - Try connecting using the host computer's IP address instead of its name (e.g.,
\\192.168.1.100). - For Wi-Fi issues that seem similar, go to Wi-Fi settings, "Forget" the network, and reconnect.
Q3: Is it safe to enable Credential Manager and turn off password sharing?
Yes, enabling Credential Manager is completely safe and is the standard Windows configuration. Turning off password-protected sharing is safe on a trusted private network (like your home), but you should leave it on for public networks.
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By configuring the Credential Manager and adjusting your sharing settings, you can permanently solve the recurring network password prompt on any Windows version. This saves you time and frustration, allowing for seamless access to your network resources.
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