Please Help! I entered the wrong password during setup, and it won’t let me change it

Troubleshooting Network Connection Issues During Windows Setup: How to Reset Your Password When You Enter the Wrong Credentials

If you’ve recently attempted to set up a new Windows device and encountered issues connecting to your network due to incorrect password entry, you’re not alone. Many users face similar challenges, especially when setting up devices that have been unused for a while or are being reconfigured after being borrowed or gifted.

Scenario Overview

Suppose you received a second-hand laptop—perhaps a gift from a family member—that has been sitting unused for months. When you attempt to set it up, you reach the stage where Windows prompts you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. If you accidentally enter the wrong password, the setup process can become stuck, often resulting in a persistent “Let’s connect you to a network” screen with no prompt to re-enter credentials.

This issue can prevent the device from completing the setup process, leaving you with a blank background and no clear options to retry or troubleshoot.

Understanding the Problem

The core challenge here is that after a failed attempt to connect to a Wi-Fi network due to incorrect credentials, Windows does not automatically prompt you to re-enter the password. Instead, the setup process stalls, and the user is left with an unresponsive screen.

How to Resolve the Issue

Below are some step-by-step solutions to help you regain control and successfully connect your device to your network:

1. Restart the Setup Process

Step 1: Turn off the device completely by holding down the power button until it shuts down.
Step 2: Turn it back on and restart the setup process.
Tip: Sometimes, simply restarting can reset the network prompt and allow you to re-enter the correct password.

2. Use the On-Screen Keyboard to Re-Enter Password

If the password prompt is missing:

Step 1: Look for an option to forget the network or restart the connection attempt.
Step 2: During setup, if you see the network selection screen, choose your network and see if an input box appears. Sometimes, pressing certain keys or clicking on the field will bring up the keyboard and allow you to re-enter the password.