Fix: Windows 10 Keeps Asking For Network Credentials

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey everyone! Having trouble with Windows 10 constantly prompting you for network credentials? It's a super annoying issue, but don't worry, you're not alone, and we're here to help! This guide will walk you through several proven solutions to get rid of those persistent credential requests and get your network humming smoothly again.

Why Does Windows 10 Keep Asking for Network Credentials?

Before we dive into the fixes, let's quickly understand why this might be happening. The "Enter Network Credentials" prompt usually pops up when your computer can't automatically authenticate with a network resource, like a shared folder, printer, or website. This can be due to several reasons:

  • Incorrectly Stored Credentials: Windows might have saved the wrong username or password for the network resource.
  • Credential Manager Issues: The Credential Manager, which stores your login information, might be corrupted or malfunctioning.
  • Network Protocol Problems: Issues with network protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) can prevent proper authentication.
  • Conflicting Security Policies: Security policies on your computer or the network might be interfering with the authentication process.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can sometimes cause authentication problems.

Understanding these potential causes will help you troubleshoot the problem more effectively. Now, let's get to the fixes!

Solutions to Fix Windows 10 Network Credential Prompts

1. Re-enter Your Network Credentials

Let's start with the simplest solution. Sometimes, the saved credentials are just plain wrong. Removing and re-entering them can often resolve the issue. This is often the quickest and easiest solution, so it’s a good place to start. To do this:

  1. Open Credential Manager: Type "Credential Manager" in the Windows search bar and select the best match.
  2. Go to Windows Credentials: Click on the "Windows Credentials" tab.
  3. Find the relevant network credential: Look for the credential associated with the network resource that's prompting you for credentials. It might be listed by the server name or IP address.
  4. Remove the credential: Click on the credential and select "Remove". Confirm the removal.
  5. Reconnect to the network resource: Try accessing the shared folder, printer, or website again. You'll be prompted to enter your username and password. Make sure you enter them correctly. Double-check for typos!
  6. Save your credentials: When prompted, check the box to remember your credentials. This should prevent future prompts.

Why this works: Sometimes the saved credentials get corrupted or are simply entered incorrectly the first time around. Forcing Windows to ask again and saving the correct details can clear up the issue. Ensure you're using the correct username and password. If you're unsure, contact your network administrator or the owner of the network resource.

2. Clear and Rebuild the Credential Manager

If re-entering your credentials didn't work, there might be a deeper issue with the Credential Manager itself. Clearing it out and starting fresh can resolve corruption issues. Here's how to do it using the command line:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
  2. Execute commands: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • cmdkey /list (This lists all stored credentials. You can skip this if you just want to clear everything.)
    • cmdkey /delete:ServerName (Replace "ServerName" with the name of the server or network resource giving you trouble. Repeat for each relevant server. If you want to clear all credentials, you can use the next command instead.)
    • cmdkey /delete: /ras (This clears all stored credentials. Be careful, as you'll need to re-enter all your saved passwords.)
  3. Restart your computer: This ensures the changes take effect.
  4. Reconnect to the network resource: After restarting, try accessing the network resource again. You'll be prompted to enter your credentials.

Important Considerations: Clearing the Credential Manager will remove all your saved passwords, not just the network credentials causing problems. Make sure you have a record of your important passwords before proceeding. After clearing the Credential Manager, closely monitor whether the issue persists. If it does, move to the next solution.

3. Modify Group Policy Settings

Sometimes, Group Policy settings can interfere with network authentication. Modifying these settings can help resolve the issue. This method is primarily useful for users on a domain network. If you're on a home network, you can skip this step.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Type "gpedit.msc" in the Windows search bar and press Enter. (Note: This is only available in Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.)
  2. Navigate to Network Security Settings: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
  3. Modify Network Security: LAN Manager Authentication Level: In the right pane, find the setting "Network security: LAN Manager authentication level" and double-click it.
  4. Change the setting: Change the setting to "Send LM & NTLM – use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated".
  5. Apply the changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK".
  6. Modify Minimum session security for NTLM SSP based (including secure RPC) clients: Locate and double-click on “Minimum session security for NTLM SSP based (including secure RPC) clients”.
  7. Uncheck the require encryption box: Ensure that “Require 128-bit encryption” is unchecked. If it is checked, uncheck it, click “Apply” then click “OK”.
  8. Restart your computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Important Considerations: Incorrectly configuring Group Policy settings can cause other issues. Make sure you understand the implications of each setting before modifying it. If you're unsure, consult with your network administrator. Modifying Group Policy settings might require administrative privileges. Double-check that the settings are correctly applied after restarting your computer.

4. Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

Older network devices and operating systems often rely on SMB 1.0 for file sharing. While it's generally recommended to use newer versions of SMB for security reasons, enabling SMB 1.0 might be necessary to connect to older devices. However, be aware of the security risks associated with enabling SMB 1.0 and only do so if absolutely necessary.

  1. Open Control Panel: Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and select the best match.
  2. Go to Programs and Features: Click on "Programs" and then "Turn Windows features on or off".
  3. Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support: In the Windows Features window, scroll down and find "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support". Check the box next to it.
  4. Restart your computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Security Warning: SMB 1.0 is an outdated protocol with known security vulnerabilities. Only enable it if absolutely necessary to connect to older devices. Consider upgrading your older devices to support newer SMB versions for improved security. After enabling SMB 1.0, monitor your network for any suspicious activity. If possible, explore alternative methods for connecting to older devices without enabling SMB 1.0.

5. Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause various network issues, including authentication problems. Updating your drivers to the latest version can often resolve these issues.

  1. Open Device Manager: Type "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar and select the best match.
  2. Expand Network adapters: In the Device Manager window, expand the "Network adapters" category.
  3. Update your network adapter driver: Right-click on your network adapter and select "Update driver".
  4. Search automatically for drivers: Select "Search automatically for updated driver software". Windows will search for and install the latest driver for your network adapter.
  5. If Windows can't find a driver: If Windows can't find a driver, you can try downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer's website. Visit the website of your network adapter manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom) and download the latest driver for your specific model.
  6. Install the downloaded driver: Once you've downloaded the driver, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  7. Restart your computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Driver Compatibility: Ensure that the driver you're installing is compatible with your version of Windows. Installing an incompatible driver can cause system instability. If you encounter issues after updating your driver, you can try rolling back to the previous version. Regularly check for driver updates to keep your network adapter performing optimally.

6. Disable IPv6

In some cases, IPv6 can interfere with network authentication, especially on networks that primarily use IPv4. Disabling IPv6 can sometimes resolve the issue.

  1. Open Network Connections: Type "ncpa.cpl" in the Windows search bar and press Enter. This will open the Network Connections window.
  2. Open Properties of your Network Adapter: Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties".
  3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6): In the properties window, uncheck the box next to "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)".
  4. Click OK: Click "OK" to save the changes.
  5. Restart your computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Potential Consequences: Disabling IPv6 might cause issues with certain websites and services that rely on IPv6. Only disable IPv6 if you're experiencing network authentication problems and you're primarily using IPv4. If you encounter issues after disabling IPv6, you can re-enable it by checking the box next to "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" in the network adapter properties.

7. Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes interfere with network authentication. Running a full system scan with your antivirus software can help identify and remove any malicious software that might be causing the issue.

  1. Update Your Antivirus Software: Before running a scan, make sure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest definitions. This will ensure that it can detect the latest threats.
  2. Run a Full System Scan: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software. This might take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive.
  3. Remove Any Detected Threats: If the scan detects any threats, follow the instructions provided by your antivirus software to remove them.
  4. Restart Your Computer: After removing any threats, restart your computer.

Prevention is Key: Regularly scan your computer for malware to prevent future infections. Be cautious when opening email attachments and downloading files from the internet. Consider using a reputable anti-malware program for real-time protection.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several solutions to tackle the annoying "Enter Network Credentials" prompt in Windows 10. By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the problem and get your network connection back on track. Remember to take your time, be patient, and carefully follow the instructions. Good luck, and happy networking!