How to Change a WiFi Password in Windows 10—or just delete unwanted networks

I recently had to return my laptop to default settings to fix a problem that hadn’t responded to anything else I’d tried. Restoring the default settings involved going back to the original Windows 8 software and losing everything I had ever uploaded onto the computer. It wasn’t a big deal, because I had my stuff backed up. It was still annoying because I would have to upload all my software again and set up my preferences and profiles anew.

After the reset I connected to my internet with no problems. But then several days later, when I was accessing the internet in the far reaches of the master bedroom, I had a super weak signal.

This is not a big deal, because I have a router extender that helps relay the signal to even these remote parts of the house. It was still annoying because I had to re-enter the Ridiculously Long and Complicated Password (or RLCP) that I have assigned to our network—which my husband curses me for, daily. I typed in my password and clicked the “Connect Automatically” box and then waited to connect.

It didn’t connect.

I was 99% sure that I had a typo in the RLCP. Typos happen. Unfortunately, every time I tried to connect again it never gave me the opportunity to re-enter the password… so I was kind of locked out of my own extender. Curses!

Windows 10 has changed things up a bit, so I figured I would spare you guys the learning curve I’ve gone through. First of all, you can find your PC settings in the new Windows 10 settings app.

• Hold down the windows key while you press “i”.
• Click “Network and Internet”.

You can also get to the Network settings just as quickly from the WiFi network list.

• Click on the WiFi Symbol on the right side of the windows toolbar. If you can’t see it, try clicking the ^ to see more options. 
• Look toward the bottom of the WiFi networks list and click on “Network Settings”.

A list of your remembered networks will automatically appear. If you would like to change a password to one of these networks the easiest way is:

• Scroll down to the end of the WiFi networks list.
• Click “Manage Wi-Fi settings”.
• Scroll down until you get to the “Manage known networks” section.
•  Click on the desired network.
•  Click “Forget”.

*Keep in mind: This is not how you change the security password for your network. Rather, this is the way you would change the password that your device has saved to access your network without making your re-enter the password every time.

You can now go back to the Windows toolbar to see the list of available WiFi connections.You will see that forgotten network listed again (if you are in range). Click on it, and when prompted to, enter the new password, or the correct password as the case may be.

That’s it. Now you may proceed to get on with your life.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.

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