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WilliamsGreen's avatar
WilliamsGreen
Iron Contributor
Sep 17, 2026

Why does Windows 11 keep forgetting my Wi-Fi password after every restart?

Why does my Windows 11 PC make me re-enter my Wi-Fi password every time I restart, even though I check "Connect automatically" and "Remember this network"? Why does it forget the password after a reboot but not after a normal sleep or wake?

Is this a bug with the network profile, a credential manager issue, or something specific to my adapter? And is there a fix that keeps the password saved permanently?

 

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1 Reply

  • LauraBennett's avatar
    LauraBennett
    Brass Contributor
    Sep 17, 2026

    Windows should retain the Wi-Fi password across restarts. For a normal home Wi-Fi network, the password is stored with the wireless network profile, so Credential Manager is usually not the place to fix this.

    First check whether the profile is disappearing or simply failing to connect:

    1. While connected, open Terminal or Command Prompt and run: netsh wlan show profiles
      Restart and run it again before entering the password. If your network disappears from the list, something is removing or failing to save its profile. If it remains, Windows has retained the profile, although its saved settings or authentication may still be faulty.
    2. Recreate just that connection: go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select your network and choose Forget. Reconnect, enter the password and enable Connect automatically, then restart to test.
    3. If the profile disappears again, check for third-party Wi-Fi managers, cleanup tools or software that restores settings at startup. On a work-managed PC, ask IT to check wireless policies.
    4. If the profile remains but the password prompt returns, install the Wi-Fi driver recommended for your exact PC model by its manufacturer. If the issue began immediately after a driver update, use Device Manager > Network adapters > your adapter > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, if available.

    If none of that helps, Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset is a last resort. It removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings; you will need to reconnect afterward and may need to reconfigure VPN software.

    Sleep often preserves the existing connection state, whereas restarting reloads the profile and driver. That difference helps explain the pattern, but does not by itself prove the adapter is faulty.