If you’ve ever needed to forget a Wi-Fi network on your Windows 10 device, you’re in luck—it’s a pretty straightforward process. In just a few clicks, you can remove any saved network and ensure your device doesn’t automatically reconnect to it. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can forget any Wi-Fi network with ease.
How to Forget Wi-Fi Network Windows 10
In the steps below, we’ll show you how to navigate through Windows 10 settings to forget a Wi-Fi network. This will prevent your device from automatically reconnecting to that network in the future.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
In the Start menu, the Settings icon looks like a small gear. It’s your gateway to all the system settings in Windows 10.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
In the Settings window, choose "Network & Internet."
This section handles everything related to your internet connections, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and even airplane mode.
Step 3: Click on Wi-Fi
In the left-hand menu, click on “Wi-Fi.”
Here, you’ll find all the settings related to your wireless connections. It’s your one-stop-shop for managing your Wi-Fi networks.
Step 4: Manage Known Networks
Under the Wi-Fi settings, select "Manage known networks."
This option will show you a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past.
Step 5: Select the Network to Forget
Find the network you want to forget, click on it, and then select "Forget."
Once you do this, your device will no longer remember or automatically reconnect to this network in the future.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 device will no longer remember the selected Wi-Fi network. You’ll have to re-enter the password if you want to reconnect to that network in the future.
Tips for How to Forget Wi-Fi Network Windows 10
- Label Your Networks: Before forgetting a network, make sure it’s the correct one by double-checking the SSID (network name).
- Use for Troubleshooting: Forgetting a network can help resolve connectivity issues if a network isn’t working properly.
- Reconnecting: To reconnect to a forgotten network, you’ll need to re-enter the network password.
- Clear Unused Networks Regularly: Keeping your known networks list clean can enhance your device’s security.
- Backup Important Networks: Make a note of passwords for important networks before forgetting them to avoid hassles later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reconnect to a forgotten Wi-Fi network?
Simply select the network from the available Wi-Fi list and enter the password again.
Why should I forget a Wi-Fi network?
Forgetting a network can help resolve connectivity issues, improve security, and clean up your list of saved networks.
Can I forget a Wi-Fi network from the command prompt?
Yes, you can use the command prompt to forget a network. The command is netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName".
Does forgetting a network delete its password?
Yes, when you forget a network, the saved password is deleted. You’ll need to re-enter it to reconnect.
Is forgetting a Wi-Fi network permanent?
No, you can always reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password again.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet
- Click on Wi-Fi
- Manage known networks
- Select the network to forget
Conclusion
And there you have it! That’s all you need to know about how to forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 10. Whether you’re doing this to troubleshoot connectivity issues or to clean up your saved networks, the process is quick and painless.
In just a few clicks, you can remove any unwanted networks and ensure your device stays connected to the right ones. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more of our tutorials to make the most out of your Windows 10 experience. Happy surfing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.