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 it automatically. Windows stores these connection details as profiles inside the Settings app so you can get online quickly.
You need to clear these old profiles when a network password changes or when you stop using a specific router. Deleting unused networks 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?
This step clears out old connection profiles so your computer stops 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)
Use the main Settings app when you need to clean up a larger batch of saved connections at once. Navigate to Settings, then select ‘Network & internet’, followed by ‘WiFi ’, and click ‘Manage known networks’ to view your list.
- 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
For those comfortable with commands, you can forget WiFi networks on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then run `netsh wlan show profiles` to see every network your computer remembers.
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.
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 on Windows 11 is a practical way to keep your computer secure and organized, ensuring it only connects to trusted networks.
Why does 🪟 Windows 11 keep reconnecting to a forgotten network?
If Windows 11 keeps reconnecting, you may have multiple network profiles with similar names or a sync setting enabled. Ensure you have forgotten the network in the 'Manage known networks' list. If the issue persists, check if your device is syncing settings from another computer via your Microsoft account.
Can I forget a network using PowerShell?
Yes, you can use PowerShell to manage networks. Open PowerShell as an administrator and use the command 'netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"' to remove a specific saved network. This is an effective way to clear network profiles if the standard graphical interface is not responding correctly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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