8 Solutions to Resolve Wi-Fi Password Issues on Windows PC

Step 1: Check Your Basic Settings

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, ensure these basic issues are taken care of:

• Ensure caps lock is off; some devices may not show an indicator light.
• Copy the Wi-Fi password from a reliable source to avoid any typos.
• Confirm with the network admin if the password has recently changed.
• Test the Wi-Fi connection with a different device to rule out network issues.
• Ask the admin whether any device limits are in place on the Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Launch the Network Troubleshooting Tool

Windows has built-in troubleshooters to automatically fix common network problems:

1. Press Windows key + I to access Settings.
2. Search for and select Find and fix network problems.
3. In the pop-up, select Advanced, ensuring Apply repairs automatically is checked, then click Next.
4. Follow the prompts and see if this resolves the connection issue.

Step 3: Change or Confirm the Wi-Fi Password

If the Wi-Fi password isn’t working, you can change it from a connected device:

1. Enter the router’s IP address, typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, in a web browser.
2. Log in with the credentials, often admin/admin.
3. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings to either view or change the password. Don’t forget to reboot the router once done.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated drivers can often cause connectivity issues. Here’s how to resolve it:

1. Open the Start menu, type Device Manager to find and launch it.
2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your Wi-Fi adapter to select Update.
3. If the issue persists, go back and select Properties to either update or rollback the driver.

Step 5: Forget the Wi-Fi Network

Sometimes, resetting the network credentials can help:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, select Network & internet.
2. Choose Wi-Fi followed by Manage Known Networks.
3. Next to the problematic Wi-Fi, click Forget.
4. Now restart your router and try reconnecting using the password.

Step 6: Perform a Network Reset

This option will revert all network configurations to their default state:

1. Open the Settings menu again (Windows + I), go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Click on Network reset and then hit Reset now.
3. Follow the prompts to finalize your reset.

Step 7: Flush DNS and Reset Firewall

The firewall can sometimes inadvertently block connections. To reset it:

1. Search for CMD in the Start menu, right-click and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute the following commands one at a time:

• netsh int ip reset
• netsh advfirewall reset
• netsh winsock reset
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew

Step 8: Check the MAC Address

If connecting to a secure network (like those in hostels), the network admin may need your MAC address:

1. To find your MAC address, open CMD as the administrator and enter the command: ipconfig /all
2. Locate your device’s physical address (MAC address) in the results.
3. Provide this address to the network administrator so they can register it on the network.

What to do if none of these steps work?