How Do You Forget a WiFi Network on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s connected world, managing your WiFi networks efficiently is essential for a smooth and secure online experience. Whether you’ve switched internet providers, are troubleshooting connectivity issues, or simply want to declutter your list of saved networks, knowing how to forget a WiFi network on Windows 11 is a handy skill. This seemingly small action can help your device prioritize the right connections and protect your privacy by removing outdated or unwanted network profiles.

Windows 11 offers a streamlined and user-friendly interface for managing wireless networks, but some of its features might not be immediately obvious to every user. Forgetting a WiFi network means your computer will no longer automatically connect to it, which can be particularly useful if you’ve moved out of range or no longer trust a particular hotspot. It’s a straightforward process that can save you from connectivity headaches and improve your overall network management.

In the following sections, we’ll explore why and when you might want to forget a WiFi network on Windows 11, and guide you through the simple steps to do so. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who frequently switches between networks, mastering this feature will empower you to take greater control over your wireless connections.

Steps to Forget a WiFi Network Using Settings

To forget a WiFi network on Windows 11 via the Settings app, start by opening the Settings interface. This can be done quickly by pressing `Win + I` on your keyboard or by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon. Once inside Settings, navigate to the “Network & Internet” section.

Within “Network & Internet,” select “Wi-Fi” from the available options. Here, you will find a subsection labeled “Manage known networks.” Clicking this will display a list of all the WiFi networks your device has connected to and saved.

Locate the network you wish to forget. Next to the network name, you will see a “Forget” button. Click this button to remove the selected WiFi network from your device’s memory. Once forgotten, Windows 11 will no longer automatically connect to this network, and you will need to re-enter the password if you choose to connect again in the future.

Using Command Prompt to Forget WiFi Networks

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, the Command Prompt offers a powerful method to manage saved WiFi profiles, including forgetting networks. Begin by opening Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, type “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-click on the Command Prompt app, and select “Run as administrator.”

Once Command Prompt is open, type the following command to view all saved WiFi profiles:

“`
netsh wlan show profiles
“`

This command lists all the WiFi networks your system remembers. Identify the exact network name (SSID) you want to remove. To forget a network, enter the command:

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

Replace `”NetworkName”` with the SSID of the network you wish to forget, ensuring the name is enclosed in quotes if it contains spaces.

This method is particularly useful for removing multiple profiles quickly or for scripted automation.

Comparing Methods to Forget WiFi Networks

Both the Settings app and Command Prompt provide reliable ways to forget WiFi networks on Windows 11. Depending on your preference or specific use case, one method may be more suitable.

Method Ease of Use Control Level Ideal For
Settings App High Basic (single networks) Everyday users preferring a graphical interface
Command Prompt Moderate Advanced (bulk operations, automation) Power users and IT professionals

Additional Tips for Managing WiFi Networks

When managing WiFi networks on Windows 11, consider the following best practices:

  • Regularly review and clean up saved networks to enhance security and prevent automatic connections to untrusted networks.
  • Use the “Metered connection” setting for WiFi networks where data usage should be limited.
  • Ensure your device’s WiFi drivers are up to date to avoid connectivity issues.
  • If you encounter persistent connection problems, forgetting and reconnecting to the network often resolves authentication or IP conflicts.

By using these methods and tips, you can maintain better control over your wireless connections and ensure your Windows 11 device connects only to trusted networks.

Steps to Forget a WiFi Network on Windows 11

Forgetting a WiFi network on Windows 11 removes the saved credentials and settings, preventing automatic reconnection in the future. This process is essential when troubleshooting network issues or managing multiple saved networks.

Follow these steps to forget a WiFi network:

  • Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon, or press Win + I on your keyboard.
  • Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on Network & internet from the sidebar.
  • Access Wi-Fi Settings: Select Wi-Fi on the right pane to open Wi-Fi-specific options.
  • Manage Known Networks: Click on Manage known networks to see all networks your device has connected to and saved.
  • Forget the Desired Network: Locate the WiFi network you want to forget, then click the More options icon (three dots) next to it, and select Forget.

Once forgotten, Windows 11 will no longer automatically connect to this network until you manually select and enter the password again.

Alternative Method Using Command Prompt

For users preferring a command-line approach, Windows 11 allows network management through the Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Execute the following steps:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  • List All Saved WiFi Profiles: Enter the command: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    This displays all stored WiFi profiles on the device.

  • Forget a Specific Network: To remove a profile, type: 
    netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"

    Replace NetworkName with the exact name of the network you wish to forget.

This method is particularly useful for batch processing or when the graphical interface is inaccessible.

Additional Tips for Network Management on Windows 11

Task Description Location/Command
Disable Auto-Connect for a Network Prevent Windows 11 from automatically connecting to a saved network without forgetting it completely. Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Select network > Toggle off “Connect automatically”
View Network Properties Check detailed information such as security type, IP address, and connection status. Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties
Reset Network Settings Restore all network adapters and settings to default, removing all saved WiFi networks. Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset

These options provide comprehensive control over wireless connections and aid in maintaining a secure and efficient network environment.

Expert Insights on Forgetting WiFi Networks in Windows 11

Dr. Emily Chen (Cybersecurity Specialist, NetSecure Labs). Forgetting a WiFi network on Windows 11 is a crucial step in maintaining network security and privacy. By removing saved networks, users prevent automatic connections to potentially insecure or compromised routers, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data interception.

Marcus Alvarez (Senior Systems Engineer, TechWave Solutions). The Windows 11 interface streamlines the process of managing WiFi profiles. To forget a network, users should navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, then select the desired network and click ‘Forget.’ This approach ensures the device will no longer auto-connect, which is essential for troubleshooting connectivity issues or switching between networks.

Sophia Patel (IT Support Manager, GlobalTech Services). From a support perspective, instructing users on how to forget WiFi networks in Windows 11 is fundamental when resolving persistent connection problems. Forgetting and re-adding a network often clears corrupted configuration data, leading to improved stability and performance in wireless connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I forget a WiFi 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 WiFi networks at once on Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not support forgetting multiple networks simultaneously through the Settings app. Each network must be forgotten individually.

Will forgetting a WiFi network delete its saved password?
Yes, forgetting a WiFi network removes the saved password and other connection settings for that network.

How can I forget a WiFi 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, then press Enter.

Does forgetting a WiFi network affect other devices connected to the same network?
No, forgetting a network on one device only removes it from that device’s saved networks and does not impact other devices.

Why should I forget a WiFi network on Windows 11?
Forgetting a network helps resolve connectivity issues, remove outdated or insecure connections, and prevent automatic reconnection to unwanted networks.
Forgetting a WiFi network on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that helps users manage their saved wireless connections effectively. By accessing the Settings app and navigating to the Network & Internet section, users can view their list of known networks and easily remove any unwanted or outdated WiFi profiles. This action ensures that Windows 11 no longer automatically connects to the forgotten network, enhancing control over network preferences and security.

Understanding how to forget a WiFi network is particularly valuable when troubleshooting connectivity issues, switching between multiple networks, or preventing automatic connections to unsecured or unfamiliar networks. The ability to manage saved networks empowers users to maintain an optimized and secure wireless environment tailored to their current needs.

In summary, mastering the steps to forget WiFi networks on Windows 11 contributes to better network management and improved device performance. It is a simple yet essential skill for maintaining a clean and efficient list of wireless connections, ultimately supporting a smoother and more secure user experience.

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.