FIX: Windows Not Remember Wireless Key. (Windows 10/8/7/Vista)

On a Windows 7-based computer, the following issue occurs: Windows does not remember the Wi-Fi password / key, and after restarting or shutting down the computer, the user is always prompted to type the wireless key to connect to the network, despite the fact that it chooses to connect automatically. The above issue is happened, because the Wireless networks, are managed from a third-party Wireless utility that belong to WiFi's adapter's manufacturer (e.g. Realtek, Intel, Netgear, etc.) and not from Windows.

In this tutorial you 'll find instructions to resolve the following issue in Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista: Windows "forgets" the WiFi password after restart or shutdown and always need to type the security key to connect to the Wireless Network,

How to FIX: Windows not remember WiFi password.

Method 1. Disable Wireless Utility.

The first method to resolve the "Windows not remember wireless password" issue, is to prevent the Wireless Adapter's utility, to manage the Wireless networks. To do that:

1. Press Windows   + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration utility.

3. At Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
4. Then at the services listed, look for a service that belongs to your Wireless Adapter manufacturer (e.g. Realtek, NETGEAR, Intel.
5. When you locate the service, uncheck the checkbox next to it's name and click OK to disable the service. *
6. Then click the Startup tab.
7. Find out the startup program, that belongs to your Wireless adapter and uncheck the box next to the startup program. (e.g. Realtek Wireless Utility, Intel PROSet WIFI Manager, etc.)
8. Click OK and restart your computer.
9. Disconnect and re-connect to your Wireless network and then restart your computer.
10. After restart, Windows should remember the Wireless password. **

* If after restart, the Wireless networks are not listed, then re-enable the disabled service.
** If after restart, Windows still asking the Wireless password, then proceed at the next method.

Method 2. Remove the Saved Wireless Network and add it again.

The next method to resolve the "Windows not remember the Wireless Password" issue, is to delete the saved Wireless Network profile (Forget Wireless Network) and then to re-connect to your Wireless network again.

To Forget a Wireless Network in Windows 7/Vista:

1. Right-click the network icon on the taskbar, and select Open Networking and Sharing Center.
2. Select Manage Wireless Networks aτ the left pane
3. Highlight the wireless network you wish to remove and then click the Remove button above.

4. After network removal, reconnect to the Wireless network again.

To Forget a Wireless Network in Windows 10:

1.Click the Wireless icon on Taskbar and then select Network settings.
2. At Wi-Fi options, click Manage known networks.
3. Select the Wi-Fi network that you want to remove and click Forget.

Method 3. Uninstall & Re-Install Wireless Adapter.

The final method to resolve the "Windows Not Remembering Wi-Fi Password" issue, is to uninstall and reinstall the Wireless adapter. To do that:

1.  Press Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type: devmgmt.msc & click OK.
3. In Device Manager expand Network Adapters.
4. Right click at the Wireless Adapter and select Uninstall device.

5. At the Uninstall Device – Warning window, click Uninstall.
6. Restart your computer and connect to your wireless network.

That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Repairwin.com. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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