Fix Enter Network Credentials Error Windows 10

The “Enter network credentials� error in Windows 10 appears when you try to access a shared folder or drive on another computer, and Windows asks for a username and password even though you’ve already supplied them or the share is set to “Everyone.� This guide explains why the prompt appears, how to fix it on both the computer you’re connecting from and the one hosting the share, and what to do if the usual fixes don’t work.

Why Windows 10 Asks for Network Credentials

Windows 10 uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol to access shared folders on other PCs, NAS devices, or network drives. When you connect to a share, Windows sends your current user account credentials. If those credentials don’t match an account on the remote computer, or if the remote computer’s security policy requires a specific login, Windows shows the “Enter network credentials� dialog.

Common triggers include:

• The remote PC is using a Microsoft account, not a local account, and you’re trying to log in with a different email or password.
• The remote PC has “Password protected sharingâ€� turned on.
• The share permissions or NTFS permissions don’t include your user account.
• Windows Credential Manager has stored outdated or incorrect credentials.
• The network profile is set to “Publicâ€� instead of “Private,â€� which blocks file sharing.

Fix 1: Check the Network Profile (Set to Private)

Windows 10 treats networks as either “Private� or “Public.� File sharing is disabled by default on Public networks. If the network is labeled “Public,� Windows may still prompt for credentials even if the share is open.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Click Properties under your active connection (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet).
3. Under “Network profile,� select Private.
4. Try connecting to the share again.

If you’re on a domain or a work network, make sure the profile isn’t set to “Public� by group policy.

Fix 2: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

On the computer that hosts the shared folder, ensure that network discovery and file and printer sharing are turned on.

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings.
2. Under “Private� (or “All Networks�), select Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
3. Under “All Networks,� choose Turn off password protected sharing if you want to allow access without a password (only recommended on trusted networks).
4. Save changes and try again.

If you turn off password protected sharing, Windows will stop asking for credentials on that network. However, if the remote PC still requires a login, you’ll need to provide valid credentials.

Fix 3: Use the Correct Credentials (Microsoft Account vs. Local Account)

Windows 10 often expects the Microsoft account email and password, not the local account name. If the remote PC uses a Microsoft account, try entering the full email address and its password. If it uses a local account, enter the local username (not “MicrosoftAccount\user�) and the local password.

If you’re not sure, check on the remote PC: go to Settings → Accounts → Your info. If it says “Local account,� use that username. If it shows an email, use that email.

Also, make sure the username is correct. Sometimes Windows prepends “.\â€� or the computer name. You can type COMPUTERNAME\username to force a specific account.

Fix 4: Clear Windows Credential Manager

Windows stores network credentials in Credential Manager. If the stored credentials are outdated, they can cause the prompt to appear repeatedly.

1. Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Credential Manager.
2. Click Windows Credentials.
3. Look for any entry under “Generic Credentials� that mentions the remote computer’s name or IP address. Remove it.
4. Also remove any entry under “Windows Credentialsâ€� that starts with MicrosoftAccount or TERMSRV if it’s not needed.
5. Restart your PC and try connecting again.

If you don’t see any relevant entries, you can also use the command prompt to clear cached credentials with cmdkey /list and cmdkey /delete:targetname.

Fix 5: Modify Local Security Policy (Pro/Enterprise Only)

On Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can adjust the security policy that controls how Windows handles network logons.

1. Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
2. Go to Local Policies → Security Options.
3. Find Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. Set it to Disabled if you’re using a blank password (not recommended).
4. Find Network security: LAN Manager authentication level. Set it to Send LM & NTLM – use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated (or higher).
5. Reboot.

This fix is less common but can help if the remote computer is using an older SMB version.

Fix 6: Enable SMB 1.0 (Not Recommended)

Some older devices (like old NAS drives) require SMB 1.0, which Windows 10 disables by default. Enabling it can cause the credential prompt to disappear, but it’s a security risk because SMB 1.0 has known vulnerabilities.

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Check SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
3. Restart.

Only do this if you’re sure the device requires it and you trust the network. After connecting, consider disabling it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows 10 keep asking for network credentials even after I enter them?

This usually means the credentials you’re entering are not accepted by the remote computer. Check that you’re using the correct account type (Microsoft vs. local), and verify that the remote computer’s sharing settings allow your user account. Also, clear Credential Manager and restart.

How do I connect to a network drive without being asked for credentials?

You can disable password protected sharing on the remote computer (Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings → All Networks → Turn off password protected sharing). This lets anyone on the network access the share without a password. Alternatively, map the drive with the “Connect using different credentials� option and check “Remember my credentials.�

What is the default username for a Windows 10 network share?

There is no universal default. It’s the username of an account on the remote computer. If the remote PC uses a Microsoft account, the username is the full email address. If it uses a local account, it’s the local username (e.g., “John� or “Admin�).

Can I use the same password for a Microsoft account and a local account?

Yes, but they are separate. If you changed your Microsoft account password online, the local account password (if any) remains unchanged. When connecting to a share, you need the password for the account type that the remote computer uses.

Why does the “Enter network credentials� error appear when I try to access my own shared folder?

This can happen if your user account on the local machine doesn’t have permission to access the share, or if the network profile is set to Public. Check that your account is listed in the share permissions and that the network is set to Private.

Is it safe to disable password protected sharing?

Only on a trusted, private network. Disabling it means anyone on the network can access your shared folders without a password. On public or untrusted networks, keep it enabled.

Related

• Outlook Remove Stuck Email: 7 Fixes That Work
• Fix Graphics Card Not Detected in Windows 11
• Ways to get user id in linux