If you’ve ever connected to a shared folder, printer, or another computer on your network, Windows 11 may have saved your login credentials for convenience. While this is helpful, sometimes you need to remove network credentials — maybe you changed your password, shared access with the wrong person, or just want to reset everything.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove network credentials in Windows 11, step by step, using multiple methods so you can pick the one that works best for you.
What Are Network Credentials in Windows 11?
Network credentials are the username and password combinations that Windows stores so you can access shared resources (like files, printers, or remote desktops) without entering them every time.
Think of them as “saved passwords” for your local network.
Why You Might Need to Remove Network Credentials
There are several good reasons to clear stored credentials:
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Password changed – Your saved login no longer works.
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Security concerns – You don’t want others with access to your PC to connect automatically.
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Troubleshooting – You’re having issues connecting to a shared resource.
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Switching accounts – You want to log in with a different user profile.
Step 1: Open Windows Credential Manager
The easiest way to manage stored network credentials is through the Credential Manager.
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Press Windows + S to open Search.
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Type Credential Manager and hit Enter.
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Select Windows Credentials from the menu.
Here you’ll see all saved logins for websites, apps, and network resources.
Step 2: Find the Saved Network Credential
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Scroll down until you see entries starting with
\\or network-related addresses.-
Example:
\\DESKTOP-12345\SharedFolder
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Click the drop-down arrow to expand details.
Step 3: Remove the Credential
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Click Remove under the selected credential.
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Confirm the action when prompted.
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The credential will disappear from the list.
Step 4: Restart or Reconnect
Once removed, try reconnecting to the network resource:
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You’ll now be prompted to enter username and password again.
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If you want Windows to save them, check Remember my credentials before clicking OK.
Step 5: Use Control Panel (Alternative Method)
You can also access Credential Manager through Control Panel:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and press Enter. -
Go to User Accounts > Credential Manager.
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Select Windows Credentials and remove the network login you no longer need.
Step 6: Clear Cached Network Credentials with Command Prompt (Advanced)
If Credential Manager doesn’t work, you can flush stored credentials via Command Prompt:
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Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Type this command and press Enter:
This will display all saved credentials.
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To delete a specific credential, type:
Replace targetname with the name shown in the list (e.g., \\ServerName).
Step 7: Disable Automatic Logon for Shared Resources (Optional)
If you want Windows to always ask for credentials:
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Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
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Click Advanced sharing settings on the left.
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Expand All Networks.
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Scroll to Password-protected sharing and select Turn on password-protected sharing.
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Save changes.
This ensures credentials aren’t saved automatically in the future.
Step 8: Remove Mapped Drives That Use Old Credentials
Sometimes credentials are tied to mapped drives:
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Open File Explorer.
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Right-click the mapped network drive and select Disconnect.
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Reconnect it manually with the correct credentials.
Step 9: Clear Cached Credentials for Remote Desktop (Optional)
If you use RDP and want to clear its saved logins:
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Open Run (Windows + R).
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Type
mstscand hit Enter. -
Click Show Options > Delete Credentials.
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Connect again and enter new credentials when prompted.
Common Problems & Quick Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Still auto-logging in with old credentials | Check Task Scheduler for saved scripts or reconnect mapped drives manually |
| Credential Manager won’t open | Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to repair system files |
| Can’t delete credentials via GUI | Use cmdkey /delete in Command Prompt |
Tips for Better Security
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Use strong passwords for all network accounts.
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Avoid saving credentials on shared or public PCs.
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Periodically review saved credentials in Credential Manager.
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Enable password-protected sharing to prevent unauthorized access.
Final Thoughts
Removing network credentials in Windows 11 is quick and easy once you know where to look. Whether you use Credential Manager, Command Prompt, or simply disconnect mapped drives, this process helps keep your system secure and ensures you always connect with the correct login details.
FAQs
1. Will removing credentials disconnect me from the network immediately?
Yes, you’ll lose access until you reconnect and enter valid credentials again.
2. Can I remove multiple credentials at once?
Yes, you can delete them one by one in Credential Manager or use Command Prompt for batch deletion.
3. Do I need admin rights to remove credentials?
Usually no, but if they were saved under an admin account, you’ll need admin access.
4. Will removing credentials affect my Microsoft account login?
No, this only affects stored network logins, not your Windows sign-in.
5. How do I stop Windows from saving network credentials in the future?
Turn on password-protected sharing and avoid selecting Remember my credentials when logging in.