Why has my PC fail to automatically log on to the Wi-fi

Michael Cornwell 20 Reputation points
2026-01-18T16:42:45.9133333+00:00

Recently my desktop (working on Windows 11) ceased to remember my wi-fi log in for my modem. I now have to physically type the password in every time I turn the PC on. What has caused the malfunction and how do I remedy it.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. DaveM121 837.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-19T09:54:08.2066667+00:00

    That is great news, I am glad you found the problem, great troubleshooting.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-18T16:42:54.87+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    There could be several reasons why your PC is failing to automatically log on to your Wi-Fi network. Here are some common causes and potential remedies:

    1. Network Profile Settings: Sometimes, the network profile settings can change, causing the PC to forget the Wi-Fi password. You can check the settings under Network & internet in the Settings app to ensure that your Wi-Fi network is set to connect automatically.
    2. Wi-Fi Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers can lead to connectivity issues. Make sure your Wi-Fi drivers are up to date. You can check for updates in the Device Manager.
    3. Windows Updates: Occasionally, Windows updates can affect network settings. If you suspect this might be the case, check if there are any recent updates that could have caused the issue and consider rolling them back if necessary.
    4. Forget and Re-add the Network: You can try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and then re-adding it. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select your network, and choose Forget. After that, reconnect by entering the password again and ensure to check the option to connect automatically.
    5. Power Management Settings: Sometimes, power management settings can affect network adapters. Check the properties of your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager and ensure that the option to allow the computer to turn off the device to save power is unchecked.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, further troubleshooting may be required to identify any underlying problems with your network settings or hardware.


    References:


  2. DaveM121 837.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-18T17:16:17.4933333+00:00

    Click your Start Button, type cmd and choose Command Prompt

    Run this command and hit Enter:

    ipconfig /flushdns

    Run this command and hit Enter:

    ipconfig /registerdns

    Run this command and hit Enter:

    netsh winsock reset

    Run this command and hit Enter:

    netsh int ip reset

    Close Command Prompt

    Open the Settings App

    Go to Network and Internet

    Click the Network Reset button

    Wait for your PC to automatically restart after 5 minutes, do not manually restart your PC.

    Then log into your WiFi network and ensure you have clicked the 'Automatically Connect' option.

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