How To Forget A Network On Windows 11
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 can be a useful skill to have, especially when you want to remove unnecessary clutter from your network list. But did you know that forgetting a network can also improve your device's security? By disconnecting from a network and forgetting it, you can prevent your device from automatically connecting to potentially malicious networks, safeguarding your information and privacy.
To forget a network on Windows 11, you just need to follow a few simple steps. First, open the Network & Internet settings by clicking on the network icon in the taskbar. Then, select "Network & Internet settings" and click on "Wi-Fi" in the left sidebar. Next, click on "Manage known networks" and you'll see a list of all the networks you have connected to in the past. Finally, select the network you want to forget, click on "Forget", and voila! The network will be removed from your device's memory.
To forget a network on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" gear icon.
- In the Settings window, click on "Network & Internet."
- Under the "Wi-Fi" section, click on "Manage known networks."
- Find the network you want to forget and click on it.
- Click on the "Forget" button to remove the network.
Why Should You Forget a Network on Windows 11?
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 can be necessary for various reasons. One common scenario is when you have connected to a network that you no longer want to use or trust. By forgetting the network, you remove all traces of it from your device, ensuring that Windows 11 doesn't automatically connect to it in the future. Forgetting a network can also resolve connectivity issues, such as when a network's password has been changed, or when you want to clear cached network settings. Whatever the reason, learning how to forget a network on Windows 11 is a valuable skill for managing your network connections effectively.
Method 1: Using the Network & Internet Settings
The first method to forget a network on Windows 11 involves using the Network & Internet Settings. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Network & Internet Settings
To access the Network & Internet Settings, you can click on the network icon in the taskbar and then select "Network & Internet Settings" from the pop-up menu. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app and navigate to "Network & Internet" from the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Go to the Wi-Fi Settings
Once you are in the Network & Internet Settings, click on "Wi-Fi" from the left-hand menu. This will display the Wi-Fi settings on the right-hand side of the window.
Step 3: Manage Known Networks
Scroll down to the "Manage known networks" section and click on it. This will show a list of all the Wi-Fi networks that your device has connected to in the past.
Step 4: Forget the Network
Locate the network that you want to forget and click on it. This will bring up a new window with more options. Click on the "Forget" button to remove the selected network from your device.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the command line interface, you can also forget a network on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. Here's how:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt
Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu, and then select "Command Prompt" or "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the list.
Step 2: List Available Networks
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profiles
This command will list all the Wi-Fi profiles that are stored on your device.
Step 3: Forget the Network
To forget a specific network, type the following command and press Enter, replacing "NetworkName" with the name of the network:
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"
After running this command, the selected network will be forgotten.
Method 3: Using the Control Panel
Another way to forget a network on Windows 11 is through the Control Panel. Here's how:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Open the Start menu, search for "Control Panel," and click on the corresponding result to open it.
Step 2: Go to Network and Internet
In the Control Panel window, select "Network and Internet." This will display additional networking options.
Step 3: Open Network and Sharing Center
Under the "Network and Internet" section, click on "Network and Sharing Center." This will open the Network and Sharing Center window.
Step 4: Manage Wireless Networks
In the Network and Sharing Center window, click on "Manage wireless networks" in the left-hand menu. This will display a list of all the wireless networks that your device has connected to.
Step 5: Forget the Network
Locate the network that you want to forget, right-click on it, and select "Remove network." Confirm the action when prompted, and the network will be forgotten.
Other Considerations
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 is a simple process, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- When you forget a network, all associated settings, including the network's password and proxy settings, will be removed.
- After forgetting a network, you will need to manually reconnect to it if you decide to use it again in the future.
- If you forget a network by mistake, you can reestablish the connection by reconnecting to it and selecting the "Connect automatically" option.
- If you're having trouble forgetting a network or experiencing persistent connectivity issues, restarting your computer or router can sometimes resolve the problem.
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily forget a network on Windows 11 and manage your network connections more effectively. Whether you need to remove a network that you no longer trust or want to troubleshoot connectivity problems, the steps provided will guide you through the process. Remember to exercise caution when modifying network settings, and always ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to your device.
Forgetting a Network on Windows 11
Forgetting a network on Windows 11 can be helpful when you no longer want your device to connect automatically to a specific Wi-Fi network or when you need to troubleshoot network connection issues. Here are two methods to forget a network on Windows 11:
Method 1: Using the Settings App
To forget a network through the Settings app, follow these steps:
Step 1 | Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings" or by pressing Windows key + I. |
Step 2 | Click on "Network & internet" and then select "Wi-Fi" from the left-hand menu. |
Step 3 | Under "Known networks," click on the network you want to forget. |
Step 4 | Click on "Forget." |
The network will be removed from your list of known networks, and your device will no longer automatically connect to it.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
Step 1 | Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and choosing "Run as administrator." |