Forgetting a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward, but sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle—like, you think you’ve done it, but it still pops back up, or the “Forget” option is nowhere to be found. Maybe you’ve been messing around with your network lists trying to declutter or troubleshoot connection issues. Either way, knowing the exact way to get rid of a network that’s just not cooperating can save a lot of frustration. This isn’t about rebooting endlessly, but more about permanently clearing those stubborn entries, especially if they cause auto-connections or security concerns.
How to Forget a Network on Windows 11
Method 1: Using Settings to Remove a Network
The main reason this works is because Windows keeps a list of all remembered Wi-Fi networks in the background that you can manage. If a network keeps reconnecting or if you want to tidy up, this method clears it out. On some setups, this process is pretty reliable, but on others, you might need to do it a couple of times or restart your PC afterward. Basically, after doing this, Windows won’t automatically connect to that network anymore, and you’d have to manually reconnect by entering the password again. Not sure why, but on some machines, this looks like it worked perfectly on the first try, and on others, you have to do it twice or reboot.
Open Settings
- Hit the Start button and click on Settings.
- You can also press Windows + I to open it quick. Easier that way.
Inside Settings, this is where you’ll find most of your options, including network stuff. The gear icon is what to look for.
Navigate to Network & Internet
- Click on Network & Internet.
This section deals with your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs, and mobile data, so it’s where all the magic happens regarding network management.
Select Wi-Fi and Manage Known Networks
- Click on Wi-Fi on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down or find the link called Manage known networks.
This is the list of networks your machine remembers and tries to auto-connect to. If you want to forget one, you do it here.
Find and Forget the Network
- Scroll through the list, find that stubborn network you want gone.
- Click on it and hit Forget.
The network is then wiped from your saved list. Easy, right? Well, sometimes, it’s not so straightforward—like, if the network keeps showing up after you’ve tried to forget it, try restarting your PC. That can help Windows clear out the cache or whatever glitch is holding onto that connection.
Tips for Forgetting a Network on Windows 11
- Always disconnect from the network first if it’s still showing as connected—because Windows might think you want to stay connected even after hitting forget.
- If you’re dealing with a network that’s causing trouble, forget it completely—especially if it looks like it reconnects on its own or if it keeps popping back up.
- For networks that just won’t disappear, try turning airplane mode on and off or restarting your device. Sometimes Windows is just stubborn.
- Keep in mind, forgetting a network deletes the saved password, so if you reconnect later, you gotta re-enter it.
- Also, if you notice networks in your list that are no longer reachable—delete them; they clutter the list and can lead to confusion.
FAQs
What if I accidentally forget the wrong network?
Don’t worry too much—just reconnect by selecting the network again from your Wi-Fi list and re-enter the password. The only downside is losing saved credentials for that network.
Can I reconnect to a forgotten network?
Absolutely. Just locate it in your Wi-Fi list, select it, and re-enter the password. It’s like reconnecting after a break.
Does forgetting a network delete the password?
Yep, that’s the whole point. It removes that saved password from your device, so you’ll have to re-enter it when you reconnect.
Why can’t I see the “Forget” option?
This usually happens if the network isn’t in your “known networks” list or if you’re not selecting the right one. Make sure you tap on the network in the list under “Manage known networks” and then click “Forget.”
What if the network still shows up after forgetting it?
This can sometimes be a cache or a UI bug. Restart your computer, and it usually clears out the phantom networks. If it still persists, check for Windows updates—sometimes these bugs get patched.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Click on Manage known networks.
- Find and click Forget on the network you want gone.
Wrap-up
Forgetting networks on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it can be a little tricky if Windows decides to be stubborn. Usually, it’s just a matter of finding the right network in the list and hitting forget, but if it doesn’t seem to work at first, a quick reboot might do the trick. It’s useful when you’re troubleshooting or just decluttering your Wi-Fi list—less clutter, fewer surprises.
Just remember, this isn’t a magic fix for every Wi-Fi weirdness, but it’s a good step to clear out the old or problematic networks causing headaches. Fingers crossed this helps someone stop that persistent network from reconnecting without permission. Good luck!