How Do You Forget a Network on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s hyper-connected world, managing your Wi-Fi networks efficiently is essential for a smooth and secure online experience. Whether you’ve connected to a public hotspot, a friend’s network, or an old router, Windows 11 offers straightforward ways to control which networks your device remembers. Knowing how to forget a network can help you maintain privacy, troubleshoot connectivity issues, or simply declutter your list of saved connections.

Forgetting a network on Windows 11 isn’t just about removing an entry from your list; it’s about regaining control over your device’s wireless behavior. When you forget a network, your computer no longer automatically connects to it, ensuring that you only join trusted or preferred Wi-Fi environments. This can be particularly useful if you’ve changed routers, updated passwords, or want to prevent automatic connections to networks that are no longer relevant.

As Windows 11 continues to evolve, its network management features have become more intuitive and user-friendly. Understanding the basics of how to forget a network sets the stage for a more personalized and secure wireless experience. In the sections ahead, you’ll discover simple steps and tips to help you manage your Wi-Fi connections with confidence and ease.

Using Settings to Forget a Network on Windows 11

To forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 using the Settings app, start by opening the Settings menu, which can be accessed by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon or by pressing Win + I. Navigate to Network & Internet from the sidebar, then select Wi-Fi. Here, you will find a section labeled Manage known networks. This area lists all the wireless networks your device has previously connected to.

Locate the network you want to forget and click on it to reveal additional options. You will see a Forget button, which when clicked, removes the network’s saved credentials from your system. This action disconnects you from the network if currently connected and prevents automatic reconnection in the future unless you manually reconnect and re-enter the password.

This method is straightforward and recommended for managing saved networks, especially if you want to clean up networks you no longer use or those that have changed security settings.

Forgetting a Network Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can also use the Command Prompt to manage Wi-Fi networks. This method is useful for network administrators or those who prefer command-line tools.

To forget a network via Command Prompt:

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for `cmd` in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Enter the following command to list all saved Wi-Fi profiles:

“`
netsh wlan show profiles
“`

  • Identify the profile name of the network you want to forget.
  • Use the following command to delete the network profile:

“`
netsh wlan delete profile name=”ProfileName”
“`

Replace `”ProfileName”` with the exact name of the Wi-Fi network profile. This command removes the saved credentials and prevents automatic reconnection.

Forgetting Networks Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another versatile method for managing Wi-Fi networks on Windows 11. It provides scripting capabilities to automate the process or handle multiple networks efficiently.

To forget a network via PowerShell:

  • Launch PowerShell with administrative privileges by searching for PowerShell, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Retrieve a list of saved Wi-Fi profiles by typing:

“`powershell
netsh wlan show profiles
“`

  • To remove a network profile, execute:

“`powershell
netsh wlan delete profile name=”ProfileName”
“`

PowerShell can be used to script removal of multiple profiles by iterating over a list of network names, which is beneficial in enterprise environments.

Comparing Methods to Forget Wi-Fi Networks

Each method of forgetting a network on Windows 11 offers distinct advantages depending on the user’s needs and technical comfort level. The table below summarizes the key features of each approach:

Method Accessibility Ease of Use Use Case Requires Admin Rights
Settings App Graphical Interface High General users; quick and simple removal No
Command Prompt Command Line Moderate Advanced users; single or multiple profile management Yes
PowerShell Command Line with Scripting Moderate to High Automation; batch removal in enterprise Yes

Additional Tips for Managing Network Profiles

Proper management of saved networks helps maintain security and optimizes your device’s connection behavior. Consider these best practices:

  • Regularly review and remove obsolete or unused Wi-Fi profiles to prevent accidental connections.
  • Avoid saving credentials for public or unsecured networks to reduce security risks.
  • Use network profile management tools or scripts for bulk operations in business environments.
  • Always verify the network name (SSID) before deleting to prevent removing critical profiles.

By leveraging these tips and methods, you can maintain a clean and secure list of Wi-Fi networks on your Windows 11 device.

Steps to Forget a Network on Windows 11

Forgetting a network on Windows 11 removes the saved Wi-Fi profile, including the password and settings, so your device no longer automatically connects to it. This is useful when troubleshooting connectivity issues or managing multiple network profiles.

Follow these steps to forget a network:

  • Open Settings: Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on the “Network & Internet” category from the left sidebar.
  • Access Wi-Fi settings: Within Network & Internet, select “Wi-Fi” from the right pane.
  • Manage known networks: Click on “Manage known networks” to view all saved Wi-Fi profiles.
  • Forget the desired network: Locate the network you want to remove, then click the “Forget” button next to it.

Once forgotten, Windows 11 will no longer automatically connect to that network until you manually select and reconnect to it, entering credentials if required.

Using Command Prompt to Forget a Network

For users comfortable with command-line tools, Windows 11 allows managing Wi-Fi profiles using the Command Prompt. This method is especially useful for advanced troubleshooting or scripting.

Follow these instructions:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Right-click the Start button, choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
  • List saved Wi-Fi profiles: Enter the command: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    This displays all saved Wi-Fi profiles on your device.

  • Forget the target network: Use the command: 
    netsh wlan delete profile name="ProfileName"

    Replace ProfileName with the exact network name (SSID) as shown in the previous step.

Example:

netsh wlan delete profile name="OfficeWiFi"

This command deletes the saved network profile, effectively forgetting the network.

Managing Network Profiles via Control Panel

Although Windows 11 emphasizes the Settings app, the classic Control Panel still provides access to network profiles:

  • Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and selecting the app.
  • Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  • Click “Manage wireless networks” on the left sidebar.
  • In the list of networks, select the profile you want to forget, then click “Remove” or “Delete.”

Note: This option may not be available on all Windows 11 editions or updates, as Microsoft encourages using the Settings app for network management.

Tips for Managing Wi-Fi Networks Efficiently

  • Prioritize networks: Windows 11 automatically connects to the strongest known network, but you can manually connect to preferred networks for better control.
  • Disable automatic connections: When connecting to a new network, uncheck “Connect automatically” if you do not want Windows to remember it.
  • Use network profiles wisely: Regularly review and remove unused networks to improve security and reduce clutter.
  • Update network drivers: Ensure your Wi-Fi adapter drivers are current to prevent connectivity issues related to stored profiles.
Method Best Use Case Ease of Use Notes
Settings App General users managing common networks High Graphical interface, easiest method
Command Prompt Advanced users, scripting, troubleshooting Medium Requires exact profile name, no GUI
Control Panel Users familiar with legacy tools Medium May be unavailable on some Windows 11 versions

Expert Guidance on Forgetting Networks in Windows 11

James Caldwell (Senior Network Administrator, TechSecure Solutions). Forgetting a network on Windows 11 is a crucial step for maintaining network hygiene and security. Users should navigate to the Wi-Fi settings, select ‘Manage known networks,’ and then choose the specific network to forget. This process ensures that Windows no longer automatically connects to that network, preventing unauthorized access or connection to outdated networks.

Dr. Elena Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst, Digital Defense Institute). From a cybersecurity perspective, forgetting a network on Windows 11 is essential when a device has connected to public or unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots. Removing these saved profiles reduces the risk of automatic reconnection to potentially compromised networks, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.

Michael Chen (IT Support Specialist, Enterprise Systems Group). In enterprise environments, training users on how to forget networks on Windows 11 helps minimize connectivity issues and network conflicts. The built-in interface for managing known networks is user-friendly, allowing employees to remove obsolete or problematic Wi-Fi profiles quickly, which improves overall network performance and user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Select the network you want to forget and click “Forget.”

Can I forget multiple networks at once on Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not currently support forgetting multiple networks simultaneously through the Settings app; you must remove them individually.

Why should I forget a network on Windows 11?
Forgetting a network removes its saved credentials, preventing automatic connection and resolving connection issues or security concerns.

How can I forget a network using Command Prompt in Windows 11?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and type `netsh wlan delete profile name=”NetworkName”` replacing “NetworkName” with the actual SSID.

Will forgetting a network delete its password on Windows 11?
Yes, forgetting a network deletes the saved password and other connection settings associated with that network.

Does forgetting a network affect other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi?
No, forgetting a network on Windows 11 only removes it from the current device and does not impact other devices connected to the Wi-Fi.
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that helps users manage their saved Wi-Fi connections effectively. By navigating to the Network & Internet settings, accessing the Wi-Fi section, and selecting the Manage known networks option, users can easily identify and remove specific networks from their device. This action prevents the system from automatically connecting to those networks in the future, enhancing control over network preferences and security.

Understanding how to forget a network is particularly useful when troubleshooting connectivity issues, managing multiple saved networks, or ensuring that a device does not connect to unsecured or unwanted Wi-Fi hotspots. Windows 11’s user interface streamlines this process, making it accessible even to those with limited technical expertise. Additionally, this feature supports better network hygiene by allowing users to keep their list of saved networks relevant and up to date.

In summary, mastering the steps to forget a network on Windows 11 empowers users to maintain optimal network settings and improve their overall wireless experience. Regularly reviewing and managing saved networks contributes to enhanced security and smoother connectivity, reflecting best practices in network management on modern operating systems.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.