How To Clear Saved Networks on Windows 11: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Forget a Network on Windows 11

So, you’re trying to get rid of a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11, huh? Sounds easy, but believe it or not, it can save a lot of headaches—especially when your device keeps trying to latch onto a ghost network or just makes your saved Wi-Fi list look like a junk drawer. Forgetting a network is basically telling Windows, “Don’t even think about connecting to this one anymore.” Kind of subtle but really necessary.

Let’s cut to the chase: it’s not super complicated, but it’s hidden behind a few clicks here and there. Here’s the rundown to help keep your Wi-Fi connections nice and tidy.

First off, jump into the Settings app. You can do this by smashing that Windows icon on the taskbar—the one that looks like a flag—and then click on the gear icon that appears. Alternatively, hit Windows + I if shortcuts are your thing. Another way? Just type “Settings” in the Start menu search bar, and boom, you’re there.

Now, on the left sidebar of the Settings menu—where it sometimes feels like you’re wandering through a maze—find and click on “Network & Internet.” This is kind of the hub for all internet-related settings. If you want to go the quick route, right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and select “Network & Internet settings,” or type ms-settings:network in the Run dialog (Windows + R).

In the Network & Internet section, click on “Wi-Fi.” Here’s where it gets a little more interesting. You’ll see options to toggle your Wi-Fi on or off, and manage what networks are saved. To find the gold mine of known networks, look for a link that says “Manage known networks.” It’s often at the bottom of the Wi-Fi settings—don’t skip it.

When you click that, you’ll see everything your device has ever connected to—probably a crowded list of networks, right? Time to do a little spring cleaning. Just click on the network you want to forget, and you should see a “Forget” button show up. Another option is to right-click the network name and select “Forget.” Simple enough.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a command-line route to manage your networks. Open PowerShell as an admin and run netsh wlan show profiles to see all saved Wi-Fi networks. Then, to erase one, run:

netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"

(You’d replace "NetworkName" with whatever SSID you’re trying to forget.) Once you’re done, your computer will stop trying to connect to that network, which is kinda relief when you’re juggling multiple connections.

In practice, this process can take a couple of tries to nail down—especially if you’re not familiar with Windows 11’s quirks. But trust that it’s worth it. Just a heads up, double-check the network name before forgetting it, or you might accidentally wipe one you still need. Keeping your list manageable not only looks better but also keeps your device a bit more secure against random connections that could cause issues.

And if you ever want to reconnect to a network you’ve forgotten? Just find it among the available networks and enter the password—easy peasy. If the password’s out of your head, remember you can retrieve it with:

netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear

Keep an eye out for Key Content to find the password.

A quick maintenance tip: regularly tidying up known networks helps with both security and connection stability—things can get weird after updates, and sometimes just forgetting and reconnecting can clear up those pesky bugs that come out of nowhere.

Have Questions? You’re Not Alone

Okay, so here are some FAQs you might have:

Why forget a network at all?

Well, keeping a messy list means your device can try to connect to untrustworthy Wi-Fi spots. This a) fixes connection issues and b) makes your device a bit safer. Cleaner network management is just smart.

Can a forgotten network be reconnected?

Yep, no problem there. Just find it again in the available list, pick it, and enter the password. If you lost that password, check your saved passwords or remember that command above for retrieval.

Does forgetting a network affect my other devices?

Nope! Forgetting a network on one device is like cutting ties only for that device. Your phone or tablet stays connected unless you do the same on those as well.

Can I forget multiple networks at once?