Introduction

In today’s world, we often find ourselves connecting to various Wi-Fi networks across different locations. While Windows 10 does a great job of managing these connections, there are instances when you might want to forget a network connection. Doing so can help you maintain better control over your device’s network settings, remove unwanted networks from auto-connecting, and ensure that you stay connected with appropriate networks.

This article discusses multiple methods to forget a network on Windows 10, troubleshooting steps when forgetting a network fails, preventing automatic connection to unwanted networks, and the importance of network management.

Methods to Forget a Network on Windows 10

Using the Network and Sharing Center

1. Opening Control Panel: Click the Start button, search for ‘Control Panel,’ and open it.

2. Accessing Network and Sharing Center: Click on ‘Network and Internet,’ then click on ‘Network and Sharing Center.’

3. Viewing network connections: In the Network and Sharing Center, click on ‘Change adapter settings’ in the left pane.

4. Forgetting the desired network: Locate the Wi-Fi connection you want to forget, right-click on it, select ‘Status,’ and then click on the ‘Wireless Properties’ button. Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab, uncheck ‘Connect automatically when this network is in range,’ and click ‘OK.’

Using the Wi-Fi Settings

1. Accessing the Settings app: Click the Start button, search for ‘Settings,’ and open it.

2. Navigating to Wi-Fi settings: Click on ‘Network & Internet,’ then click on ‘Wi-Fi.’

3. Managing known networks: Scroll down to find the ‘Manage known networks’ link and click on it.

4. Forgetting the desired network: Locate the network you wish to forget and click on it. A ‘Forget’ button will appear; click on it to forget the network on Windows 10.

Using Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell

1. Opening the command prompt or PowerShell: Right-click on the Start button and select ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’ or ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’ to open it with administrative privileges.

2. Using netsh wlan commands: In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command to see a list of saved networks: “`netsh wlan show profiles“`

3. Removing the desired network profile: Locate the network profile you wish to forget and type the following command, replacing ‘NetworkName’ with the actual network name: “`netsh wlan delete profile name=NetworkName“`

Utilizing Third-Party Applications

1. Overview of third-party applications: Several third-party applications, such as ‘Wi-Fi Network Manager’ and ‘Wi-Fi Profile Manager,’ can help you manage your Wi-Fi connections.

2. Pros and cons of using such applications: While these applications can offer additional features and simplify the process of forgetting a network on Windows 10, they might not be as secure or reliable as using built-in Windows tools.

Troubleshooting Steps if Forgetting a Network Fails

Restarting the Computer

If you cannot forget a network using the methods mentioned above, try restarting your computer and attempting the process again.

Refreshing the Network List

Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and click ‘Disconnect.’ Then, click on the Wi-Fi icon again to display the network list and refresh it.

Resetting Network Adapters

Open the ‘Settings’ app, click on ‘Network & Internet,’ then navigate to ‘Status.’ Click on ‘Network reset’ and follow the onscreen instructions to reset your network adapters, which might resolve issues with forgetting a network on Windows 10.

Updating Network Drivers

Outdated network drivers can also cause issues. Open ‘Device Manager’ by right-clicking the Start button, expand the ‘Network Adapters’ category, right-click on your Wi-Fi device, and select ‘Update driver.’

Preventing Automatic Connection to Unwanted Networks

Disabling Automatic Network Connection

Manage the known networks list in the Wi-Fi settings and click on the network you wish to prevent from connecting automatically. From the network properties, toggle off ‘Connect automatically when in range.’

Setting up Network Priority

Control the order in which your device connects to networks by adjusting their priority. You can do so using the ‘Network Connections’ window in the Control Panel or by utilizing third-party applications like ‘Wi-Fi Network Manager.’

Keeping the Wi-Fi Turned Off When Not Needed

Avoid connecting to unwanted networks by turning off your Wi-Fi when you’re not using it.

Conclusion

Forgetting a network on Windows 10 is essential for maintaining computer security and staying connected to appropriate networks. Several methods can help you forget a network, such as using the Network and Sharing Center, Wi-Fi settings, Command Prompt, and third-party applications. Moreover, taking preventative measures like disabling automatic network connections and keeping Wi-Fi turned off when not needed can also help.

FAQ

1. Is there a limit to the number of networks Windows 10 can remember?

There is no specific limit, but Windows 10 might automatically remove older, less frequently used networks if the list becomes too long.

2. Can I forget multiple networks at once?

Using the built-in Windows tools, you need to forget networks one at a time. Third-party applications might offer bulk network removal options.

3. How do I reconnect to a network after forgetting it?

Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, locate the network, click on it, and then click ‘Connect.’ You will need to re-enter the network’s password if it requires one.

4. Can I prevent other users from connecting to certain networks on a shared computer?

You can set up a standard user account, which restricts the ability to add or connect to new networks, protecting certain networks from unauthorized access.

5. Can I forget wired Ethernet networks on Windows 10?

Forgetting a wired network connection isn’t necessary because Windows 10 does not save and auto-connect to Ethernet networks as it does with Wi-Fi networks.

6. How can I forget a network on Windows 10 for all users of the computer?

Using the Command Prompt, type the following command, replacing ‘NetworkName’ with the actual network name: “`netsh wlan delete profile name=NetworkName keyMaterial=default“`

7. How do I ensure that my network connection is secure?

Ensure that your network is password-protected, and use modern encryption methods like WPA3 or WPA2. Regularly update your router firmware and network drivers to maintain a secure network connection.