Ever connected to a Wi-Fi network and later wished you hadn’t? Maybe it’s your neighbor’s network, a public hotspot, or just one you no longer use. Whatever the reason, Windows 11 makes it super simple to remove that network from your list. Forgetting a network ensures your device won’t automatically connect to it in the future. So, how do you do it? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Would You Want to Forget a Network?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s tackle the “why.”
-
Privacy concerns – You don’t want your PC to connect to insecure public networks automatically.
-
Too many saved networks – Over time, they clutter your system.
-
Switching routers or ISPs – Old networks become irrelevant.
-
Troubleshooting connectivity issues – Sometimes forgetting and reconnecting fixes glitches.
Think of it like cleaning up your phone’s contact list—you don’t need every number forever, right?
Methods to Forget a Network in Windows 11
There’s more than one way to get this done. Let’s explore each method so you can choose the one that’s easiest for you.
Method 1 – Using Quick Settings Menu
This is the fastest route if you’re already connected or near the network you want to forget.
Steps:
-
Click the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar (bottom-right corner).
-
A list of available networks will pop up.
-
Find the network you want to forget.
-
Right-click on it and select “Forget.”
Boom! It’s gone. Quick and painless.
Method 2 – Through Windows Settings
This method is more reliable, especially for networks not currently in range.
Steps:
-
Press Win + I to open Settings.
-
Go to Network & Internet.
-
Click on Wi-Fi.
-
Select Manage known networks.
-
Find the network you want to remove and click “Forget.”
Method 3 – Using Control Panel (Old-School Way)
Yes, Control Panel still exists in Windows 11.
Steps:
-
Search for “Control Panel” in the Start Menu.
-
Click Network and Sharing Center.
-
Select Manage wireless networks (if available).
-
Right-click on the network and choose “Remove network.”
Method 4 – Using Command Prompt
For the tech-savvy, Command Prompt is fast and powerful.
Steps:
-
Open Command Prompt (search “cmd” and run as Administrator).
-
Type:
Press Enter to see all saved networks.
-
Type:
Replace NETWORK_NAME with the one you want to forget.
-
Hit Enter.
What Happens When You Forget a Network?
Once forgotten, your PC erases all saved credentials—passwords, SSID, and preferences. The next time you want to connect, you’ll need to re-enter the password. It’s like hitting the reset button for that network.
Can You Recover a Forgotten Network?
Technically, no—you can’t just “un-forget” it. But if you know the password, you can reconnect anytime. Think of it as deleting a contact; you can always add it back if you remember the number.
Troubleshooting – What if the “Forget” Option Isn’t Showing?
Sometimes, Windows 11 acts stubborn. Here’s what to try:
-
Restart your PC.
-
Update your network drivers.
-
Run the Network Troubleshooter.
How to Stop Windows 11 from Auto-Connecting to Unwanted Networks
Forgetting isn’t always the only fix. Sometimes you just want to stop auto-connect.
Steps:
-
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
-
Click the network name.
-
Toggle off Connect automatically when in range.
How Often Should You Clean Up Saved Networks?
Think of it like spring cleaning for your Wi-Fi. Once every few months is a good habit—especially if you frequently connect to public hotspots.
The Security Angle – Why Forgetting Public Networks is Smart
Public Wi-Fi can be risky. Forgetting them ensures your PC won’t reconnect automatically and expose your data to potential snoopers.
Does Forgetting a Network Affect Internet Speed?
Nope! Forgetting a network has zero impact on your actual internet speed. It only removes saved login info.
Can You Forget Ethernet Networks?
No, this trick only applies to wireless networks. Ethernet connections don’t save the same way.
Summary of the Steps
-
Open Quick Settings, Settings, or Command Prompt.
-
Locate the network.
-
Hit “Forget.”
Conclusion
Forgetting a network in Windows 11 isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about control, privacy, and sometimes fixing pesky connectivity problems. Whether you use the quick method or dig into Command Prompt, the process is simple once you know where to look. So next time your PC insists on connecting to that coffee shop Wi-Fi you barely trust, you’ll know exactly what to do!
FAQs
1. Will forgetting a network delete my Wi-Fi password permanently?
Yes, it removes the saved password. You’ll need to re-enter it to reconnect.
2. Can I forget multiple networks at once?
Yes, via Command Prompt, you can delete multiple profiles quickly.
3. Does forgetting a network affect other devices on my network?
No, it only applies to your current device.
4. Why can’t I find the “Forget” button?
Your network drivers may be outdated, or the network is currently in use.
5. Can I automate forgetting old networks?
Not natively, but you can use PowerShell scripts or third-party tools to manage them.