Are you tired of seeing a long list of Wi-Fi networks on your Windows 11 device, making it difficult to connect to the one you want? Do you want to remove unnecessary Wi-Fi connections and start fresh? Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 is a straightforward process, and in this article, we’ll take you through it step by step.
Why Forget a Wi-Fi Network?
Before we dive into the process, let’s quickly discuss why forgetting a Wi-Fi network is important. Here are a few reasons:
- Cluttered Wi-Fi list: When you connect to multiple Wi-Fi networks, they get stored on your device. Over time, this can lead to a cluttered list, making it hard to find the network you want to connect to.
- Security risks: If you’ve connected to a public Wi-Fi network or a network that’s no longer in use, forgetting it can help prevent potential security risks.
- Improved performance: Forgetting unused Wi-Fi networks can also improve your device’s performance by reducing the number of networks it has to search for.
Forget Wi-Fi Network on Windows 11: The Steps
Now that we’ve covered the importance of forgetting a Wi-Fi network, let’s move on to the steps to do so on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Settings
To forget a Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to access the Settings app on your Windows 11 device. You can do this in two ways:
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
- Click on the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings
Once you’re in the Settings app, click on Network & Internet from the left menu. This will take you to the Wi-Fi settings page.
Step 3: Click on Wi-Fi
On the Wi-Fi settings page, click on Wi-Fi from the right menu.
Step 4: Manage Known Networks
In the Wi-Fi settings page, click on Manage known networks.
Step 5: Find the Network You Want to Forget
In the Manage known networks page, you’ll see a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past. Find the network you want to forget and click on it.
Step 6: Forget the Network
Click on the Forget button to remove the network from your device’s memory.
Alternative Method: Forget Wi-Fi Network from the Wi-Fi Icon
If you want to forget a Wi-Fi network quickly, you can do so from the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
Step 1: Click on the Wi-Fi Icon
Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray to open the Wi-Fi menu.
Step 2: Click on the Network You Want to Forget
In the Wi-Fi menu, click on the network you want to forget.
Step 3: Click Forget
Click on the Forget button to remove the network from your device’s memory.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network is usually a straightforward process, but you may encounter some issues. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Issue 1: Can’t Find the Network You Want to Forget
If you can’t find the network you want to forget in the Manage known networks page, try the following:
- Make sure you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to forget.
- Restart your device and try again.
- Check if the network is hidden or not broadcasting its SSID.
Issue 2: Forget Button is Greyed Out
If the Forget button is greyed out, it may be because the network is currently in use or connected to your device. Try the following:
- Disconnect from the network and try again.
- Restart your device and try again.
Best Practices for Managing Wi-Fi Networks
Forgetting Wi-Fi networks is an essential part of managing your connections. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Practice 1: Regularly Review Your Wi-Fi Networks
Regularly review the list of Wi-Fi networks on your device to remove any unnecessary or unused connections.
Practice 2: Use a Wi-Fi Manager App
Consider using a Wi-Fi manager app to help you manage your Wi-Fi connections. These apps can help you detect and remove unused or duplicate connections.
Practice 3: Keep Your Device’s Wi-Fi Driver Up to Date
Make sure to keep your device’s Wi-Fi driver up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Conclusion
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 is a simple process that can help declutter your device’s Wi-Fi list and improve performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily forget a Wi-Fi network and start fresh. Remember to regularly review your Wi-Fi networks and follow best practices to keep your device’s connections organized and secure.
Why do I need to forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11?
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 can be necessary in various situations. For instance, if you’ve changed your router or internet service provider, you may need to forget the old network to connect to the new one. Additionally, forgetting a Wi-Fi network can also help resolve connectivity issues or conflicts with other networks.
By forgetting a Wi-Fi network, you’ll remove its profile from your device, allowing you to start fresh and connect to the network again from scratch. This can be particularly useful if you’re experiencing problems with the network, such as frequent disconnections or slow speeds. Moreover, forgetting a Wi-Fi network can also help improve your device’s overall Wi-Fi performance and reduce clutter.
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network delete my saved passwords?
No, forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 will not delete your saved passwords. Your saved passwords are stored separately from your Wi-Fi network profiles, so forgetting a network will not affect them. You can still access your saved passwords through the Credential Manager in Windows 11.
However, if you’ve saved your Wi-Fi password using the Wi-Fi Sense feature, forgetting the network might delete the saved password. But don’t worry, you can always reconnect to the network and re-enter your password to save it again. Additionally, you can also use third-party password managers to store your Wi-Fi passwords securely.
Can I forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt?
Yes, you can forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. You’ll need to use the netsh wlan command to delete the network profile. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “netsh wlan delete profile name=
However, using the Command Prompt can be a bit more technical and may require some knowledge of command-line interfaces. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable using the Command Prompt, you may accidentally delete other network profiles or configurations. Therefore, it’s recommended to use the built-in Settings app to forget a Wi-Fi network, as it’s a more user-friendly and straightforward process.
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network affect my other devices?
No, forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 will not affect your other devices. The network profile is stored locally on your device, so forgetting it will only remove the profile from that specific device. Your other devices, including smartphones, laptops, or tablets, will not be affected, and they will still be able to connect to the network as usual.
However, if you’re using a shared network profile or configuration across multiple devices, forgetting the network on one device may affect the others. In such cases, you may need to reconfigure the network settings on each device individually. But for most users, forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 will only affect the local device.
Can I forget multiple Wi-Fi networks at once on Windows 11?
Yes, you can forget multiple Wi-Fi networks at once on Windows 11. To do this, you can use the Manage known networks section in the Settings app. From there, you can select multiple networks and click the “Forget” button to remove them all at once.
However, be careful when forgetting multiple networks, as you may accidentally remove networks you still want to connect to. Make sure to review the list of networks carefully before clicking the “Forget” button. Additionally, if you’ve forgotten a network by mistake, you can always reconnect to it again from the Wi-Fi settings.
Will forgetting a Wi-Fi network improve my device’s performance?
Forgetting a Wi-Fi network can potentially improve your device’s performance, especially if you have a large number of saved networks. When you forget a Wi-Fi network, you’re removing its profile from your device, which can help reduce clutter and improve your device’s overall Wi-Fi performance.
Additionally, forgetting a Wi-Fi network can also help resolve connectivity issues or conflicts with other networks. By forgetting a network, you’re giving your device a fresh start, allowing it to connect to the network again from scratch. This can help improve your device’s Wi-Fi connectivity and reduce issues like frequent disconnections or slow speeds.
Is there a way to automatically forget Wi-Fi networks on Windows 11?
No, there is no built-in feature in Windows 11 to automatically forget Wi-Fi networks. However, you can use third-party software or scripts to automate the process. For example, you can use a batch script to delete network profiles periodically or use a software utility to manage your Wi-Fi networks.
However, be cautious when using automated tools to forget Wi-Fi networks, as they may delete networks you still want to connect to. It’s essential to review the settings and configurations carefully before automating the process. Additionally, you can also use Windows 11’s built-in features, such as the Wi-Fi Sense feature, to manage your Wi-Fi networks and reduce clutter.