How to Forget WiFi Networks on Windows 11
Forgetting a WiFi network on Windows 11 deletes its saved password and stops your computer from connecting to that wireless signal automatically. Windows keeps these connection details saved as profiles so you can get online quickly without typing the password every time.
You need to clear these saved profiles from the Settings app when a router password changes, when a connection acts up, or when you stop using a network. Deleting old profiles keeps your available connection list clean and makes sure your PC only joins trusted signals.
Click the WiFi icon in the Taskbar , select the network, right-click, and choose Forget. Alternatively, go to Settings Network & internet WiFi Manage known networks, find the network, and click Forget.
What happens when you forget a network?
Clearing an old profile stops your computer from trying to join dead or unwanted signals.
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Disconnecting | Stops the current session but keeps the password saved. |
| Forgetting | Deletes the password and removes the network profile entirely. |
Method 1Using the Taskbar (For nearby networks)
This is the quickest way to remove a network that is currently in range.
- Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your Taskbar .
- Click the arrow next to the WiFi icon to see available networks.
- Right-click the network you want to remove.
- Select Forget.
Method 2Using System Settings (For all saved networks)
To forget WiFi networks Windows 11 saves automatically, you can use the main Settings app to clean up multiple saved connections at once. Open Settings by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard, click Network & internet in the left menu, select WiFi on the right side of the screen, and then click Manage known networks to view and delete every network your computer remembers.
- Open Settings by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click on Network & internet in the left menu.
- Select WiFi on the right side of the screen.
- Click on Manage known networks.
- Find the network you want to remove in the list.
- Click the Forget button next to that network name.
Advanced Tip: Using Command Prompt
To forget WiFi networks Windows 11 has stored using the Command Prompt, you need to open the tool as an administrator and run specific text commands. First, type netsh wlan show profiles to see every network your computer remembers, and then use the delete profile command to remove any connection that is causing you trouble.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, type `netsh wlan show profiles`. This command lists all previously connected WiFi networks, a crucial first step before removal.
Replace `"NetworkName"` with the exact name of the WiFi network you wish to forget. This action prevents your Windows 11 computer from automatically reconnecting to that network in the future, helping manage your available connections.
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
If your PC continues to reconnect to a network you've forgotten, it could be a settings issue. A full network reset in Windows 11 often resolves persistent connection problems.
Summary
Forgetting WiFi networks keeps your computer secure and organized by ensuring it only connects to trusted networks.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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