Understanding Windows 7 Network Share Credentials

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 122 views

Introduction

Connecting to a network share on Windows 7 can be a straightforward process, but sometimes you may need to change the user you are logged in with. This can be due to various reasons such as a change in user permissions, a new user account being created, or simply because you want to access the network share with a different user account. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the user you are logged in with on a network share.

Understanding Windows 7 Network Share Credentials

When you connect to a network share on Windows 7, the operating system remembers your credentials, even if you have not selected the "Remember my credentials" check box. This is because Windows 7 uses a feature called "cached credentials" to store your login credentials for network shares. This means that even if you log out of your user account, Windows 7 will still remember your password for the network share.

Cached Credentials and Their Impact

Cached credentials can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they make it easier to connect to network shares without having to re-enter your login credentials every time. On the other hand, they can also pose a security risk if your password is compromised or if you are using a public computer.

Changing the User on a Network Share

So, how do you change the user you are logged in with on a network share? The process is relatively straightforward:

Method 1: Disconnect and Reconnect

Disconnect from the network share: Right-click on the network share and select "Disconnect".
Reconnect to the network share: Right-click on the network share and select "Connect to".
Enter new credentials: Enter the login credentials of the new user account you want to use.

Method 2: Use the "Map Network Drive" Option

Open File Explorer: Open File Explorer and navigate to the network share.
Map the network drive: Right-click on the network share and select "Map network drive".
Enter new credentials: Enter the login credentials of the new user account you want to use.

Method 3: Use the "net use" Command

Open the Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Use the "net use" command: Type the following command and press Enter: net use z: \\server\share /delete
Reconnect to the network share: Type the following command and press Enter: net use z: \\server\share /user:username password

Tips and Tricks

Use a different network share: If you are unable to change the user on a specific network share, try connecting to a different network share using the same user account.
Use a different user account: If you are unable to change the user on a specific network share, try using a different user account to connect to the network share.
Clear cached credentials: If you are experiencing issues with cached credentials, try clearing them by deleting the Credential Manager folder in the C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming directory.

Conclusion

Changing the user you are logged in with on a network share on Windows 7 can be a bit tricky, but it is definitely possible. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to change the user on a network share and access it with a different user account. Remember to always use caution when working with network shares and to clear cached credentials regularly to avoid any potential security risks.

Additional Resources

Microsoft Support: Changing the user account on a network share
Windows 7 Help: Map a network drive
Command Prompt Reference: net use command
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Changing the User on a Network Share ====================================================================================

Q: Why does Windows 7 remember my password for a network share even if I log out?

A: Windows 7 uses a feature called "cached credentials" to store your login credentials for network shares. This means that even if you log out of your user account, Windows 7 will still remember your password for the network share.

Q: How do I clear cached credentials on Windows 7?

A: To clear cached credentials on Windows 7, you can delete the Credential Manager folder in the C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming directory. Alternatively, you can use the net use command to delete the cached credentials.

Q: Can I change the user on a network share without disconnecting and reconnecting?

A: Yes, you can use the "Map Network Drive" option to change the user on a network share without disconnecting and reconnecting. Simply right-click on the network share, select "Map network drive", and enter the new login credentials.

Q: How do I use the "net use" command to change the user on a network share?

A: To use the "net use" command to change the user on a network share, follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: net use z: \\server\share /delete
Type the following command and press Enter: net use z: \\server\share /user:username password

Q: Can I change the user on a network share if I am using a mapped network drive?

A: Yes, you can change the user on a network share even if you are using a mapped network drive. Simply right-click on the mapped network drive, select "Disconnect", and then reconnect to the network share using the new login credentials.

Q: How do I prevent Windows 7 from remembering my password for a network share?

A: To prevent Windows 7 from remembering your password for a network share, you can uncheck the "Remember my credentials" check box when connecting to the network share. Alternatively, you can use the "net use" command to delete the cached credentials.

Q: Can I change the user on a network share if I am using a network share that is not mapped to a drive letter?

A: Yes, you can change the user on a network share even if it is not mapped to a drive letter. Simply right-click on the network share, select "Connect to", and enter the new login credentials.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with changing the user on a network share?

A: If you are experiencing issues with changing the user on a network share, try the following:

Check that you have the correct login credentials.
Make sure that the network share is not mapped to a drive letter.
Try using the "Map Network Drive" option to change the user.
Use the "net use" command to delete the cached credentials.
Check the event logs for any errors related to the network share.

Conclusion

Changing the user on a network share on Windows 7 can be a bit tricky, but it is definitely possible. By following the methods outlined in this article and the FAQs above, you should be able to change the user on a network share and access it with a different user account. Remember to always use caution when working with network shares and to clear cached credentials regularly to avoid any potential security risks.