Partition Recovery™
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Last updated: Sep 06, 2021

Windows Security asks to enter network credentials? Fix it now!

In this article you will find out:

  • how to deal with this issue
  • how to protect your data

Are you ready? Let's read!

About this issue

Local area network is used to exchange files between computers and Windows 10 uses network credentials to protect privacy.

However, some users reported problems when asked to enter network credentials in Windows 10. This prevents you from accessing your files.

Here are the messages you might receive:

  • Invalid Windows 10 network credentials.
  • Enter your network credentials, username or password is incorrect.
  • Enter your Windows 10, 8, or 7 network credentials.

In general, using a secure password manager will prevent such situations from occurring and protect your passwords and other confidential data from any outside threats. Otherwise, use the following methods to get rid of the “Windows 10 network credentials” error.

Windows Security asks to enter network credentials: fix


Examine IP preferences

On a local network, each computer is given a static IP address. However, sometimes, for specific reasons, your IP address may be set to automatic. Therefore, you need to set static IP addresses of your computers, for this you can always use the firmware of your router.

Do what system asks

You can use your Microsoft account not only to log into Windows 10, but also to access other network devices on your local network.

You just need to enter your Microsoft account username and password instead of your local account username and password.

On top of that, you can install a virtual private network tool to protect against bots, scripts and malware.

Try entering computer's name

Enter the name of the computer you are trying to access, then the username in the user input field - according to users, you can solve network credential problems this way.

Login to Windows

Often, you cannot connect to other computers on the network unless you use a password to log in to the system. This applies to those users who sign in to Windows 10 with a PIN. In this case, you should temporarily stop using your login PIN.

Work with Credentials Manager

You can add another PC's network credentials to Credential Manager to get rid of “windows security enter network credentials”. To do this, press Windows Key + S and enter your credentials. Then select Credential Manager and make sure Windows credentials are selected. Next, click Add Windows Credentials, enter the name of the computer you want to access, the username and password associated with that username, and click OK.

You can also change the advanced sharing settings in the following way:

Open Network & Internet Settings, click Sharing Options and find your network profile. Next, go to the Homegroup connections section and activate the Allow Windows to manage connections to the homegroup (recommended) option and save the changes.

Now open the Advanced Sharing Settings window, expand the All Networks section and in the Sharing section select Turn off password protected sharing. Save your changes, the problem should now be completely resolved.

Manage security

If the previous methods did not help you to cope with the problem,change the security policy.

  • Press Windows Key + R and type secpol.msc, press Enter and you will be taken to the "Local Security Policy" window.
  • In the left pane, go to Local Policies, open Security Options, and in the right pane, double-click Accounts: Restrict the use of blank passwords to a local logon-only account.
  • Click Disabled in the menu and save your changes.

The network credential issue should now be completely resolved.

Adjust services.msc

Disable some services:

  • Press Windows Key + R and type services.msc
  • When the Services window opens, find Credential Manager in the list and open it
  • In the window, properties set the Startup type to Disabled
  • Click the Stop button and save your changes.

Change connection preferences

Set up a private connection using a secure network. Your security is greatly reduced on a public network.

Go to "Network and Internet Settings" and select Change connection properties. Set the network profile to "Private" and save the changes.

Use new account

You can create a new user account and switch to it to check if the problem is there. If the new account is successful, transfer your data and continue to use your new account for work.

In the app Settings, go to Accounts, in the left pane, select Family & other people and click Add someone to this PC.

Now select “I do not have login information for this person,” then select “Add user without a Microsoft account” and enter the desired username. Click the "Next" button and very soon a new user account will appear on your computer.

Alternatively, you can change certain parameters of your account.

  • To do this, press Windows Key + R, type netplwiz and press Enter.
  • Deactivate the option Users must enter a username and password to use this computer and save the changes.
  • Restart your computer and repeat the above steps, only this time activate the option “Users must enter username and password and save changes”. After that, the error “Invalid Windows 10 network credentials” should no longer bother you.

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