Make Windows forget a network connection password?

Question

Is there a way to prevent Windows from remembering the network password after it connects? So that upon disconnecting Windows won't reconnect without re-entering password.

What if I want it to always delete it...not just by manual means. That is, I'm trying to restrict my usage of the Internet by giving someone else a password. I can only use the Internet if I get a password from them, but when I disconnect, my "session" is done. I don't want it so that I can simply reconnect without having to input the password.

Solution 1

Run "Credential Manager" (Start > type its name and choose in the filtered list ( for vista, 7)). Remove the corresponding credentials you need from the credentials list. Or Control Panel -> User Accounts -> Manage Your Credentials. Or Control Panel -> Credential Manager.

Solution 2

For XP and below see Wil's answer.

For Vista/Windows7;

Control Panel
Network and Sharing Centre
Manage Wireless Networks
<Delete network>

Solution 3

Yes, there are a few ways.

First, from an elevated (Windows Vista and 7) command prompt type:

Net use * /delete

Next, if the password is cached, go to Start > Run and type control userpasswords2, you should be able to click on the Advanced tab and then click on the Manage Passwords button to delete.

Alternatively you can use Nirsoft Network Password Recovery and delete any saved password from there.

EDIT

Seen you have said you want to delete wireless keys, not Windows network keys.

For Windows XP, simply go to "Network Connections" and right click your Wireless card, look for the middle tab Wireless Networks and under preferred networks, simply press delete on the correct one.

For Windows Vista and 7, BlueNovember wrote the correct way of doing it.

Also, Nirsoft again make a good tool the works on all Windows versions., Nirsoft Wireless Key View

Comments

[William Hilsum]

+1, don't know why I wrote that, I just assumed he was using XP :S... I won't add your answer to mine, but I will just edit to say XP only, and say that the Nirsoft program works with all.

[mrbofus]

"I won't add your answer to mine" ... now, that is very nice of you :)

[Pricey]

I know the other answerers are answering a different question, but this is the answer I came here looking for! Thankyou!

[tvt173]

I've found that you need to remove the old wireless keys from the registry. I've outlined it here: superuser.com/a/665877/7018