SOLVED: Windows Keeps Forgetting Wi-Fi Password

If your Windows PC keeps forgetting your Wi-Fi password, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue affects many users, especially after system updates or network changes. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to fix it.

We will walk you through why it happens, how to fix it on Windows 10 and 11, and how to make sure it never happens again.

Why Does Windows Forget Wi-Fi Passwords?

Before jumping to solutions, it helps to understand what’s causing the problem. Here are the common reasons:

• Corrupted Wireless Profile

If your saved Wi-Fi network profile is corrupted, Windows might not retain the password after reboot or sleep.

• Outdated or Glitched Network Drivers

Old or buggy network drivers can prevent the proper storage of network credentials.

• Management Settings

Windows might disable network devices during sleep to save power, which can wipe out temporary settings.

• Network Configured as Guest or Public

When a Wi-Fi network is not set as “Private,” it may not save password settings persistently.

• Group Policy or Registry Settings (Mostly in Enterprise or Shared PCs)

Some policies can block users from saving network credentials.

How to Fix Windows Forgetting Wi-Fi Password (Windows 10 & 11)

Here are step-by-step fixes you can follow. Start from the top and work your way down.

Fix 1: Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Sometimes, starting fresh can resolve the problem. Resetting the network saves most of the troubleshooting steps.

Steps:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
2. Click Network & Internet settings.
3. Go to Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
4. Select your network and click Forget.
5. Reconnect to the network and re-enter the password.
6. Make sure the box Connect automatically is checked.

Fix 2: Update Network Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause credential-related bugs.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your wireless adapter > Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Reboot your PC.

Or go to the manufacturer’s website (Intel, Realtek, etc.) to manually download and install the latest version.

Fix 3: Adjust Power Management Settings

Prevent Windows from turning off your Wi-Fi adapter.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your wireless adapter > Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Click OK.

Fix 4: Set the Network as Private

Private networks are more secure and retain settings better.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your connected network.
3. Select Private under Network Profile.

Fix 5: Delete Corrupt Wi-Fi Profile via Command Prompt

Removing a broken profile can help start fresh.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type: netsh wlan show profiles
3. Identify the problematic network name.
4. Type: netsh wlan delete profile name=”YourNetworkName”
5. Reconnect and save the password.

Fix 6: Use Fortect to Repair Corrupted System Files

If the issue is tied to corrupted system files or a broken Wi-Fi network profile, manual fixes might not be enough. This is where a third-party repair tool like Fortect becomes highly valuable.

Fortect is an all-in-one PC repair tool that automatically scans your Windows system for malware, file corruption, crashed programs, and system inefficiencies. If your Wi-Fi password issue is related to a damaged network profile, missing system files, or registry problems, Fortect can fix it while optimizing your entire PC.

Benefits of Fortect:

• Detects and repairs corrupted Windows files.
• Fixes broken network profiles.
• Provides real-time malware protection.
• Optimizes your system performance.

Download and install Fortect to fix Wi-Fi password issues and improve your PC’s overall health.

Fix 7: Disable Group Policy Settings (Windows Pro)

Applicable if you’re on a managed PC or have set restrictions.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > WLAN Service > WLAN Settings.
3. Double-click Allow Windows to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks.
4. Set to Enabled.

Fix 8: Check Windows Credential Manager

Windows sometimes stores Wi-Fi credentials in the Credential Manager.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type Credential Manager, and open it.
2. Go to Windows Credentials.
3. Look for Wi-Fi-related entries.
4. If they look corrupted or outdated, remove them and reconnect manually.

How to Prevent Windows From Forgetting Wi-Fi Password Again

Once you’ve fixed the issue, it’s wise to apply some safeguards.

Enable Automatic Connection

Always check the Connect automatically box when connecting to Wi-Fi.

Keep Windows Updated

Microsoft patches these bugs over time.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install if available.

Restrict Other Users from Changing Network Settings

Useful for shared or family PCs.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc.
2. Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections.
3. Enable Prohibit access to properties of a LAN connection.

Final Thoughts

If your Windows PC keeps forgetting the Wi-Fi password, it’s usually due to a network profile glitch, power settings, or outdated drivers. By following the steps above, you should be able to fix the issue permanently.

If you want an automated and system-wide solution, Fortect is a reliable choice. It repairs corrupted files, restores network settings, and optimizes your PC in a single scan.

Remember, keeping your system updated and drivers fresh can save you from many networking headaches.