To forget a saved Wi-Fi network in Windows 11, open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks and select Forget. This removes the saved profile on the PC; it does not delete or reset the router’s wireless network.
Before you remove the profile
Make sure you have the password or access details needed to reconnect. If you forget the network you are currently using, the PC may disconnect. A workplace or school network may need a certificate, account or IT-managed setup rather than a shared password.
Forget it through Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Choose Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Open Manage known networks.
- Find the exact network name and select Forget. Do not assume there will be another confirmation.
- To reconnect, select the available network and enter the required credentials.
Microsoft includes this procedure in its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide. Settings also lets you remove a saved profile when the network is currently out of range.
When forgetting a network is useful
| Situation | What forgetting can do |
|---|---|
| The network password or configuration changed | Let you create a fresh profile using the correct details. |
| You no longer want a public network saved | Remove its saved connection profile. |
| You only want to stop automatic reconnection | Consider turning off automatic connection instead of deleting the profile. |
| Every device has poor signal | Investigate the router, placement or connection; deleting one PC’s profile is not a signal-strength fix. |
Keeping many saved network names does not, by itself, establish a cause of slow Wi-Fi. The earlier article’s suggestion that Windows becomes slow because it stores dozens of profiles has been removed.
If the profile comes back or reconnecting fails
Check the network name, password and router connection. On a managed PC, policy can recreate profiles; ask IT before changing that setup. Forgetting a network is also different from Network reset, which is a broader change that can affect adapters and VPN software.
For compatible devices, our Windows Wi-Fi QR-code guide explains another connection route. For weak coverage across devices, check router placement and interference.
Images from the original guide
These illustrations were published with the earlier article. Software screens and products shown are historical examples, not current compatibility guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Forget change the router’s password?
No. It changes the saved connection profile on the PC.
Can I forget a network that is out of range?
Yes, if its profile appears under Manage known networks.
Will I need the password again?
Normally yes for a password-protected personal network. Managed networks can use other credentials or provisioning.
Will deleting old profiles automatically make Wi-Fi faster?
No general speed improvement is established by removing unused profiles alone.