How to Remove Network Credentials in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever connected your Windows 11 PC to a shared network, only to realize later that you don’t want it remembering your login details? That’s where network credentials come into play.

Windows 11 stores your saved usernames and passwords for Wi-Fi networks, shared folders, and remote desktops. While this makes logging in easier, it can also become a hassle if you’ve entered the wrong details, changed your password, or simply don’t want Windows to remember old credentials.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to remove network credentials in Windows 11, so you stay in full control of your connections.

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What Are Network Credentials in Windows 11?

Network credentials are basically your username and password stored by Windows to access:

• Shared folders on other PCs.

• Network-attached storage (NAS).

• Remote desktop connections.

• Secured Wi-Fi networks.

While they’re useful for auto-login, they can cause issues if the saved credentials are outdated or incorrect.

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Why Remove Network Credentials?

Here are some common reasons why you might want to remove them:

• You changed your password, but Windows still tries using the old one.

• You no longer want auto-login to a shared PC.

• You’re troubleshooting network access problems.

• You want to clear saved Wi-Fi credentials before giving away your PC.

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Methods to Remove Network Credentials in Windows 11

There are several ways to do this—let’s go step by step.

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Method 1: Use Windows Credential Manager

The Credential Manager is the go-to tool for managing saved credentials.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S and type Credential Manager, then open it.

2. Select Windows Credentials.

3. Look for the saved network credentials (like \\ComputerName or NetworkAddress).

4. Click the dropdown arrow → Select Remove.

5. Restart your PC (optional, but recommended).

Next time you connect, Windows will ask for fresh login details.

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Method 2: Remove Saved Wi-Fi Network Credentials

If you want to forget a saved Wi-Fi network:

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

3. Click Manage known networks.

4. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to forget.

5. Click Forget.

This removes the stored Wi-Fi password.

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Method 3: Use Control Panel (for Shared Folders)

Some credentials are stored in the old Control Panel.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter.

2. Go to User Accounts → Credential Manager.

3. Under Windows Credentials, remove the unwanted ones.

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Method 4: Delete Credentials Using Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable with commands, you can quickly remove credentials.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type the following command:

   cmdkey /list


   (This shows all saved credentials.)

3. To delete a credential, type:

   cmdkey /delete:TargetName


   Replace TargetName with the name shown in the list (e.g., MicrosoftAccount:user@domain.com).

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Method 5: Use PowerShell

PowerShell gives you another way to manage credentials.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

2. Type:

   Get-StoredCredential


   (Requires CredentialManager module).

3. To remove one, type:

   Remove-StoredCredential -Target "NetworkAddress"


This method is for advanced users who prefer scripting.

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Method 6: Clear Remote Desktop Credentials

If you’ve saved credentials for Remote Desktop:

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).

2. Click Show Options.

3. Under General tab → Delete saved credentials.

4. Connect again, and it will ask for fresh login details.

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How to Remove All Saved Credentials at Once

If you want a fresh start:

1. Open Credential Manager.

2. Remove all stored Windows credentials manually.

3. Alternatively, use Command Prompt:

   cmdkey /list


   Then run delete commands for each saved credential.

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Troubleshooting Issues After Removing Credentials

Sometimes, removing credentials can cause new issues. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Windows Keeps Asking for Credentials

• Make sure you’ve removed the correct entry from Credential Manager.

• Re-enter credentials and check Remember me.

2. Can’t Access Shared Folder After Removing Credentials

• Ensure you’re using the right username and password.

• Try connecting with ComputerName\Username format.

3. Wi-Fi Won’t Connect After Forgetting Credentials

• Reconnect manually by entering the correct password.

• Restart the router if issues persist.

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Tips for Managing Network Credentials Safely

• Only save credentials on trusted PCs.

• Use strong passwords for network shares.

• Periodically clear old credentials.

• Consider using a password manager instead of storing sensitive credentials in Windows.

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Final Thoughts

Removing network credentials in Windows 11 is simple and helps keep your system clean, secure, and free of login errors. Whether you use Credential Manager, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Wi-Fi settings, the process is quick and effective.

Think of it like cleaning your keychain—if you’re carrying too many old keys, it’s better to remove the ones you no longer use. That way, you avoid confusion and keep only what’s necessary.

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FAQs

1. Where are Windows 11 network credentials stored?
They’re stored in the Credential Manager under Windows Credentials.

2. Will removing credentials delete my Wi-Fi password?
Yes, if you forget a Wi-Fi network, Windows deletes the stored password.

3. How do I stop Windows from asking for credentials every time?
Save the correct credentials and check Remember me when entering them.

4. Can I remove only one specific network credential?
Yes, you can remove individual entries from Credential Manager or via cmdkey.

5. Is it safe to delete old credentials?
Absolutely. Removing unused or outdated credentials improves security.

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