Forget a Saved Wi-Fi Network in Windows 11

Forgetting a saved Wi-Fi network in Windows 11 removes the password and connection details from your PC, so it won’t auto-connect again. This is useful when you’re troubleshooting a flaky connection, changing passwords, or simply don’t want your laptop joining a public hotspot automatically. You only need a few clicks in the Settings app—no admin rights required.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 11 (any recent update)
• An administrator account (standard users can view networks but may be prompted for admin credentials)
• The name of the Wi-Fi network you want to forget

Step-by-Step

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar, then select Settings (the gear icon). Alternatively, press Win + I.
2. In the Settings window, click Network & internet in the left sidebar.
3. Click Wi-Fi (not the toggle switch—click the text itself).
4. Click Manage known networks. This opens a list of every Wi-Fi network your PC has ever connected to and saved.
5. Scroll through the list or use the search box at the top to find the network you want to remove.
6. Click the circle with the “i� icon (information icon) to the right of the network name, or click the network name itself.
7. Click the Forget button. A confirmation popup may appear—click Forget again to confirm.
8. The network is now removed from the list. To reconnect later, you’ll need to re-enter the password (or use WPS if available).

Common Mistakes

• Clicking the Wi-Fi toggle instead of the text – The toggle turns Wi-Fi on/off; it doesn’t show the known networks list.
• Forgetting the wrong network – If you have multiple similar names (e.g., “Home� and “Home 5G�), double-check before clicking Forget.
• Expecting the network to disappear from the list immediately – Sometimes it takes a few seconds to refresh; if it still shows, close Settings and reopen.
• Assuming “Forget� also disconnects you from a currently connected network – It does, but if you’re in range, Windows may ask if you want to reconnect. The saved password is gone, so it won’t auto-join.

Tips

• To prevent a network from auto-connecting without forgetting it, you can change the network profile to Manual instead. Go to the network’s properties (same info icon) and toggle “Connect automatically� off.
• If you’re troubleshooting, forget the network, then reconnect by selecting it from the Wi-Fi list and entering the password fresh. This often fixes “can’t connect� or “no internet� issues.
• For public networks (like coffee shops), consider forgetting them after use so your device doesn’t join them every time you pass by.
• You can also forget networks via the classic Control Panel: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage wireless networks, but the Settings method is faster and more reliable in Windows 11.
• If you have multiple user accounts on the same PC, each account has its own saved networks—forgetting on one account won’t affect others.

Troubleshooting

“Manage known networks� is grayed out or missing. This usually means your Wi-Fi adapter is disabled. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and make sure the toggle is on. If it’s already on, try restarting your PC or updating your Wi-Fi driver via Device Manager.

The network won’t forget. If the Forget button does nothing, try restarting your PC and repeating the steps. If that fails, open Command Prompt as administrator and run: netsh wlan show profiles to list networks, then netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName" to delete it. Replace “NetworkName� with the exact network name.

The network reappears after forgetting. This can happen if your PC is connected to a hotspot created by your phone or if a group policy forces the network. Check if the network is provided by a mobile hotspot—if so, forget it on the device that’s sharing it. For policy-managed networks (common on work/school PCs), contact your IT admin.

After forgetting, you can’t reconnect. Make sure you have the correct password. If you don’t, check the router’s label or ask the network owner. Also verify that the network is broadcasting (SSID visible). If it’s hidden, you’ll need to manually add it via Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Add a new network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does forgetting a Wi-Fi network delete the password permanently?

Yes, Windows removes the saved password and all connection settings for that network. You’ll need to re-enter the password to connect again.

Will forgetting a network affect other devices on my account?

No, it only affects the current Windows 11 PC. Other devices (phones, tablets) keep their own saved networks.

Can I forget a network I’m currently connected to?

Yes, you can. Windows will disconnect you immediately, and the network is removed from your saved list.

How do I add a network back after forgetting it?

Simply click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, select the network, enter the password, and click Connect. It will be saved again.

Why can’t I see the “Forget� button?

The Forget button only appears when you click the info icon next to a network in the “Manage known networks� list. If you’re looking at the Wi-Fi list in the taskbar, you won’t see it there.

Does forgetting a network remove it from other user accounts on the same PC?

No, each Windows user account stores its own Wi-Fi profiles. You’ll need to forget it separately for each account.

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