If you’re trying to tidy up your WiFi list on Windows 11 or troubleshooting a dodgy connection, knowing how to forget a network can save you a fair bit of hassle. Sometimes, your device keeps trying to connect to old, unreliable networks, or maybe you’ve just moved on from certain hotspots. Removing those saved networks clears out the clutter, makes things more secure, and can even sort out connection issues. Honestly, it’s dead easy — once you’ve had a crack at it, you’ll be doing it in seconds whenever needed.
How to Forget a WiFi Network on Windows 11
Follow these steps to forget a WiFi network on Windows 11. Basically, you’re telling your device to forget all the info — like the network name and password — so it acts like it’s never seen that network before. Next time you connect, you’ll need to punch in the password again, no dramas.
Open Settings from the Start Menu
- Click the Start button or tap the Windows key.
- Select Settings (it looks like a gear icon).
This is your control tower for the PC’s options, so you’ll be hopping in here quite a bit to tweak things.
Go to Network & Internet
- In Settings, click on Network & Internet.
Found on the left sidebar or in the main panel, it’s your main hub for all things connection-related — WiFi, Ethernet, VPN, you name it. Handy for managing how your PC chats with the wider world.
Choose WiFi and manage known networks
- Click on WiFi.
- Then hit Manage known networks.
This shows a list of every WiFi network Windows remembers. It’s like your device’s memory of all the networks you’ve connected to. Sometimes, this list gets cluttered or outdated, which can cause connection dramas.
Find the network you want to forget and get rid of it
- Scroll through the list, find the network you no longer want to keep.
- Click on it, then tap Forget.
When you do that, Windows wipes the saved info about that network. It won’t connect automatically anymore, and it’ll disappear from your list. Sometimes, you might need to reboot or toggle WiFi off and on to make it stick — a bit of a rookie move, but it works. After that, the network’s gone for good unless you add it back later on.
Once you’ve done this, your PC gets the message — that network’s history is wiped clean. When you want to connect again, you’ll need to re-enter the password, just like when you first set it up.
Tips for Forgetting a WiFi Network on Windows 11
- Double-check the network name: Make sure you’re forgetting the right one, especially if there are similar names floating around. No worries if you accidentally forget the wrong one, but it can get confusing.
- Use this trick for troubleshooting: If your WiFi keeps dropping out or acting up, forgetting and reconnecting might do the trick.
- Clean up old networks regularly: Keeps your list tidy and might even boost your connection speed since Windows won’t waste time trying to auto-connect to dead networks.
- Rejoin if needed: Changed your mind? Just click on the network again, enter the password, and you’re sorted.
- Be careful with public networks: If you don’t use certain public WiFis anymore, forgetting them is a good move for security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reconnect to a forgotten WiFi network?
Sure can. Just find it in the WiFi list again, click Connect, and punch in the password. Easy as.
Will forgetting a network delete my saved password?
Yeah, once you hit forget, Windows also deletes the stored password. You’ll need to re-enter it next time.
Is forgetting a network like deleting it?
Exactly — it’s like erasing all memory of that network from your device.
Can I forget multiple networks at once?
Nah, you’ll need to do it one by one. It can be a bit of a pain if you’ve got heaps to clear out.
Why bother forgetting unused networks?
Besides decluttering, it’s better for your security and keeps your list relevant. Old networks hanging around can cause confusion or even pose a security risk.
Summary
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Select WiFi.
- Click Manage known networks.
- Pick the network, then hit Forget.
Wrap-up
Honestly, forgetting a WiFi network on Windows 11 is dead simple once you know where to look. It can fix connection hiccups, help keep your list tidy, and make things more secure. Just remember, if you want to reconnect later, you’ll have to re-enter the password, and sometimes a quick restart can help seal the deal. Once you’ve got it down, it’s a handy little trick to keep your system running smoothly. Sometimes, the first attempt might not stick — you might need to toggle WiFi or reboot — but overall, it’s straightforward once you’ve had a go a few times.
Hopefully, this helps save someone a bit of time. Good luck, and hope your WiFi stays solid as!