Forgot my network credentials password

CRAIG JEPPESEN 0 Reputation points
2026-08-06T17:37:03.12+00:00

I have forgotten my network credentials password and don't know how to get it, or set-up a new password.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Clary-N 14,360 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-07T00:35:05.1333333+00:00

    Hi CRAIG JEPPESEN,

    I can see that the AI Answer has already provided some common causes and solutions for network credential prompts. Please give those suggestions a try first and see if they help in your situation.

    As an additional check, you may want to review any saved credentials on your PC:

    1. Open Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
    2. Look for any entries related to the computer, shared folder or network device you're trying to access.
    3. If you find an outdated or incorrect entry, try removing it and then reconnecting so Windows can prompt you to enter the credentials again.

    If the issue persists afterward, let me know what you're trying to access (another PC, a shared folder, a NAS device, a network drive, or a printer) and share the exact error message you're seeing. With those details, I can help narrow down the cause and suggest more targeted troubleshooting steps.

    I look forward to your update.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-06T17:37:16.9066667+00:00

    For Windows network credentials, the password is typically the password for the account on the PC being accessed, not the PIN.

    Try this:

    1. Identify which account is used on the target PC.
      • If it is a Microsoft account, use that account password.
      • If it is a local account, use that local account password.
    2. If the password is forgotten, set or change it on the Windows PC:
      • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
      • Under Password, choose Change if a password already exists, or Add to create one.
    3. If the account is a work or school account and the current password is known:
      • Sign in to the My sign-ins dashboard and select Password.
      • Enter and confirm the new password, then select Submit.
    4. If the issue is only for file sharing on a home network and password prompts are not wanted:
      • Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
      • Under All Networks, turn off Password-protected sharing.
      • Also make sure Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned on under the Private profile.

    Important:

    • A Windows PIN is not the same as the account password and usually will not work for network credential prompts.
    • Turning off password-protected sharing reduces security on the local network.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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