Ever connected to a WiFi network once and now your computer keeps auto-connecting to it—even when you don’t want it to? That’s because Windows 11 remembers every wireless network you connect to. While it’s convenient, it can also be frustrating, especially if the network has changed its password, is no longer in range, or if you simply don’t use it anymore.
The good news is, you can forget a WiFi network on Windows 11 in just a few clicks. This guide will walk you through different methods to remove saved WiFi networks and keep your connections clean and organized.
Why Forget a WiFi Network in Windows 11?
You might want to forget a WiFi network for several reasons:
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The network password has changed, and you need to reconnect with the new one.
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You no longer use the network and don’t want clutter in your saved list.
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You want to prevent your PC from automatically connecting to an insecure network.
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You’re troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Method 1: Forget a WiFi Network from Quick Settings
The fastest way to forget a WiFi network is directly from the taskbar.
Steps
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Click the WiFi icon on the taskbar (bottom-right corner).
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A list of available networks will appear.
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Right-click (or tap and hold) on the network you want to forget.
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Select Forget.
✅ That’s it—the network will be removed from your saved list immediately.
Method 2: Forget a WiFi Network via Settings
If you want more control or want to manage multiple networks, use the Settings app.
Steps
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Network & Internet.
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Click Wi-Fi.
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Select Manage known networks.
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Find the network you want to remove and click Forget.
This is the best method if you want to clean up old or unused WiFi connections.
Method 3: Forget a WiFi Network Using Command Prompt
If you’re comfortable with commands, this method is quick and powerful.
Steps
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Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
This will display a list of all saved WiFi networks.
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To delete a specific network, type:
(Replace WiFi-Name with the actual network name.)
➡️ The selected network will be forgotten instantly.
Method 4: Forget a WiFi Network Using PowerShell
PowerShell provides another quick option.
Steps
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Open PowerShell as Administrator (search in Start menu > Run as administrator).
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To view saved WiFi networks, type:
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To remove a network, type:
✅ Works the same way as Command Prompt, just in a modern shell.
How to Prevent Windows 11 from Auto-Connecting to a Network
Instead of forgetting a network completely, you may want to keep it saved but stop auto-connect.
Steps
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
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Select the network.
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Toggle off Connect automatically when in range.
This way, the network remains saved, but you decide when to connect.
How to Reconnect to a Forgotten Network
If you accidentally forget a network, don’t worry—you can reconnect easily.
Steps
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Click the WiFi icon on the taskbar.
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Select the forgotten network from the list.
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Enter the WiFi password.
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Check the box for Connect automatically if you want it saved again.
Troubleshooting: When You Can’t Forget a WiFi Network
Sometimes the Forget button might not appear, or the network keeps reappearing.
Solutions
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Restart your PC and try again.
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Use the Command Prompt method to manually delete the network.
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Check if the network is being pushed by Group Policy (common in work/school PCs).
Security Benefits of Forgetting Old WiFi Networks
Forgetting unused networks isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about security.
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Prevents your PC from connecting to insecure or rogue hotspots.
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Ensures you only connect to trusted WiFi networks.
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Keeps your saved network list clean and private.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to forget a WiFi network on Windows 11 is simple and can save you from unnecessary frustration. Whether you use the Quick Settings shortcut, the Settings app, or the Command Prompt/PowerShell method, you have full control over your wireless connections.
So, the next time your PC insists on connecting to an old WiFi network, you’ll know exactly what to do.
FAQs
1. Can I recover a forgotten WiFi network without the password?
No. Once you forget a network, you’ll need the password to reconnect.
2. Why does Windows 11 keep connecting to old WiFi networks?
Because it saves and auto-connects to known networks unless you forget or disable auto-connect.
3. Can I forget multiple WiFi networks at once?
Not directly via Settings—but you can remove multiple profiles using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
4. Will forgetting a WiFi network affect other devices?
No. It only removes the network from your specific Windows 11 PC, not from your router or other devices.
5. Is it better to forget or just turn off auto-connect?
If you might use the network again, just disable auto-connect. If not, forgetting it keeps things cleaner.