How to Forget a Saved Wi-Fi Network on Windows 11
Sometimes when troubleshooting a Wi-Fi connection in Windows 11, it can be helpful to clear or delete stored Wi-Fi network settings and start fresh. Or sometimes you just don't want your PC to connect to a certain hotspot anymore. Fortunately, it's easy to "forget" a Wi-Fi network with just a few clicks. Here's how.
How to Forget a Known Network in Quick Settings
It's easy to forget a Wi-Fi network using the Quick Settings menu, if that network is nearby. First, click on the Quick Settings button located in the right corner of the Windows taskbar. It's a hidden button above the Wi-Fi and sound volume icons.
When the Quick Settings menu appears, locate the Wi-Fi control button and click the side-facing arrow inside. (If you don't see the Wi-Fi control button, you can click the pencil icon and add it to the Quick Settings menu.)
The Quick Settings menu will show a list of Wi-Fi hotspots, including the one you're currently connected to (if any) at the top of the list.
Warning: Before you forget a Wi-Fi network, make sure you know the network's Wi-Fi password if you plan to reconnect in the future. Forgetting will erase your stored Wi-Fi password for that network.
Locate the Wi-Fi access point whose profile you want to delete and right-click on it. Select “Forget” from the small menu that appears.
Windows 11 will forget about the Wi-Fi network, erasing its stored settings for that particular access point. If it was previously the default Wi-Fi hotspot, your PC will no longer attempt to connect to it automatically.
If you want to reconnect to the network you just forgot, click the "Connect" button under the Wi-Fi network name in the list, enter the password, and you'll be online again.
How to Forget a Known Network in Settings
You can also forget saved Wi-Fi networks in the Windows 11 Settings app. This will allow you to forget a Wi-Fi network even if you are not in range of it at the moment.
To do this, open Settings (press Windows + i), then go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and click "Manage known networks".
Warning: Before you forget a Wi-Fi network, make sure you know the network's Wi-Fi password if you plan to reconnect in the future. Forgetting will erase your stored Wi-Fi password for that network.
In the "Manage Known Networks" menu, locate the Wi-Fi network you want to remove and click the "Forget" button next to it.
Windows will remove the network and you are good to go. Close Settings and you can continue to use your PC as usual. Good luck!
RELATED: How the new "Quick Settings" menu in Windows 11 works
