If you’re tired of your computer automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network you no longer trust or just want to tidy up your list of saved networks, forgetting a network on Windows 11 is the way to go. It’s a simple process: go to your network settings, find the Wi-Fi network you want to forget, and click “Forget.” This removes the network from your saved list, stopping automatic connections to it in the future.
How to Forget Network on Windows 11
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 will ensure your computer no longer automatically connects to it. This is great for managing networks you don’t use anymore or if you suspect a security risk. Follow these steps to effortlessly remove a network from your system.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start button and select “Settings”.
The Start button is your gateway to the settings menu. Once you click it, you’ll see a gear icon labeled “Settings.” This will open up a new window where you’ll find everything you need to adjust your computer’s configurations.
Step 2: Navigate to Network & Internet
Go to the “Network & Internet” section on the left sidebar.
In the settings window, you’ll notice a list of options on the left-hand side. Locate “Network & Internet” and click on it. This section handles everything related to your computer’s connections, both wired and wireless.
Step 3: Access Wi-Fi Settings
Click on “Wi-Fi” to view your network settings.
Once you’re in the Network & Internet section, look for the “Wi-Fi” tab. Clicking it will bring up a list of available Wi-Fi networks and additional settings related to wireless connectivity.
Step 4: Manage Known Networks
Select “Manage known networks” to see a list of saved networks.
Here, you’ll find an option labeled “Manage known networks.” Clicking it will display all the Wi-Fi networks your computer has saved credentials for, allowing you to manage them individually.
Step 5: Forget the Network
Find the network you want to forget and click “Forget.”
In the list of known networks, locate the one you’d like to remove. Next to each network, you’ll see a “Forget” button. Clicking this will remove the network from your saved list, ensuring your computer no longer connects to it automatically.
After you complete these steps, the network will be removed from your list of saved networks. This means your computer will not reconnect to it automatically in the future, providing you with more control over your Wi-Fi connections.
Tips for Forgetting Network on Windows 11
- Regularly review your saved networks to ensure there are no unfamiliar connections.
- Use unique and strong passwords for each network to maintain security.
- Consider setting up a guest network for visitors to avoid sharing your main Wi-Fi password.
- If you ever need to reconnect to a forgotten network, you’ll have to know the password.
- Keeping your network list tidy can help your computer run more smoothly by avoiding unnecessary connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reconnect to a network I forgot on Windows 11?
To reconnect, you’ll need to select the network from the available Wi-Fi list and enter the password again.
Will forgetting a network affect other devices connected to it?
No, forgetting a network only affects the device you performed the action on.
Can I see a list of all networks I’ve connected to in the past?
Yes, under “Manage known networks” in the Wi-Fi settings, you can see all the networks you’ve connected to.
Is it possible to recover the password of a forgotten network?
Once you forget a network, you’ll need to re-enter the password, as it will no longer be saved on your device.
Why doesn’t my computer forget the network immediately?
If your computer is still connected to the network when you try to forget it, you may need to disconnect first.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Access Wi-Fi Settings.
- Manage Known Networks.
- Forget the Network.
Conclusion
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that helps you manage your Wi-Fi connections effectively. With just a few clicks, you can remove networks you no longer use or trust, making your computer more secure and less cluttered with unnecessary connections. This action is especially useful if you suspect that a network has become compromised or if you’ve recently changed your Wi-Fi password and need to ensure a fresh connection.
As technology continues to weave its way deeper into our lives, maintaining control over our digital environment becomes increasingly important. Forgetting networks you no longer use is akin to cleaning out your closet—shedding the unnecessary baggage that takes up space. So, take a moment to go through your saved networks and decide which ones truly deserve a spot in your digital life.
If you found this guide on how to forget network on Windows 11 helpful, consider exploring more about network security and device management. Keeping your digital spaces organized and secure ensures you enjoy a seamless and stress-free internet experience. Happy networking!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.