How to Forget a Network on Windows 10 and 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Managing network connections is an important aspect of maintaining a smooth and secure computing experience on both Windows 10 and 11. Whether you’re looking to declutter your list of saved networks or prioritize security, learning how to forget a network can be incredibly useful. Similar to our post on how to forget networks on a Mac, By removing networks that you no longer use or trust, you can reduce the risk of accidentally connecting to unsecured or potentially malicious networks. Additionally, forgetting networks can help improve network performance by preventing your device from automatically connecting to weak or unreliable networks. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to forget a network on Windows 10 and 11, empowering you to take control of your network connections and enhance your overall computing experience.

How to Forget a Network on Windows 10

Step 1: Access the Network & Internet Settings

To get started, click on the Start button and select the Settings cogwheel icon. In the Settings window, choose “Network & Internet.”

Step 2: Find the List of Available Networks

In the Network & Internet settings, navigate to the “Wi-Fi” tab on the left-hand side. Under the “Related settings” section, click on “Manage known networks.” This will display a list of all the networks you have connected to previously.

Step 3: Forget a Specific Network

Locate the network you want to forget from the list and click on it. This will reveal the network details. To forget the network, click on the “Forget” button. Windows will remove the network from your saved networks, ensuring it won’t automatically connect in the future.

How to Forget a Network on Windows 11

Step 1: Access the Settings Menu

Click on the Start button and select the gear icon to open the Settings menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Windows key + I” to open Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Network & Internet Settings

In the Settings window, choose “Network & Internet” from the left-hand side panel.

Step 3: Forget a Network in Windows 11

Under the “Advanced network settings” section, click on “Manage known networks.” This will display a list of all the networks you have connected to previously. Find the network you want to forget and click on it. Then, select the “Forget” option to remove the network from your saved networks.

Benefits of Forgetting Networks

Forgetting networks offers several benefits, including enhanced security and privacy. By removing networks you no longer use or trust, you reduce the risk of accidentally connecting to malicious or unsecured networks. Additionally, managing your saved networks can help improve network performance by preventing your device from attempting to connect to weak or unreliable networks automatically.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

If you encounter any issues while forgetting networks, such as a network reappearing or the inability to forget a network, try restarting your computer and repeating the process. If the problem persists, ensure your Windows operating system is up to date and consider updating your network drivers.

Additional Tips and Tricks

For more advanced network management, you can utilize third-party network management tools that offer additional features and customization options. These tools can help you organize and optimize your network connections efficiently.

Conclusion

Taking the time to forget networks on Windows 10 and 11 is a valuable practice that can greatly improve your network management capabilities. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily remove unwanted networks from your saved list, ensuring better security, privacy, and network performance. Regularly reviewing and forgetting networks that are no longer needed or trusted allows you to maintain a clean and organized list of network connections. Additionally, considering the benefits of enhanced security and optimized network performance, forgetting networks becomes an essential practice for any Windows user. Take control of your network connections, declutter your list of saved networks, and enjoy a smoother and more secure computing experience on Windows 10 and 11.