How to Forget a Public WiFi Network on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Forget a Public WiFi Network on Windows

Windows can save public WiFi profiles to make reconnecting easier, but that convenience can create privacy, security, and connection issues.

If you want to stop your PC from automatically joining a network you no longer trust, knowing how to forget public WiFi network on Windows is the fastest fix.

This guide explains where Windows stores WiFi profiles, how to remove them in a few different ways, and what to do if a network keeps coming back.

Why forget a public WiFi network?

Public hotspots in airports, cafés, hotels, libraries, and coworking spaces often use open or lightly secured access.

Windows remembers these connections unless you remove them manually.

• Privacy: Forgotten networks are less likely to reconnect without your approval.
• Security: Removing old public profiles helps reduce the risk of auto-joining a rogue access point with the same name.
• Stability: If a saved hotspot is misconfigured, forgetting it can resolve repeated connection failures.
• Control: You can choose when to connect instead of letting Windows decide.

How to forget public WiFi network on Windows from Settings

The Settings app is the easiest method on modern versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Click Wi-Fi.
4. Choose Manage known networks.
5. Select the public WiFi network you want to remove.
6. Click Forget.

On Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Choose Wi-Fi from the left panel.
4. Click Manage known networks.
5. Select the saved network.
6. Click Forget.

After that, Windows deletes the stored profile and stops reconnecting automatically.

How to remove a saved WiFi network from the taskbar

If you are already near the network, you can remove it directly from the WiFi menu.

1. Click the network icon in the taskbar.
2. Open the Wi-Fi panel.
3. Find the saved network name.
4. Right-click it or select its properties, depending on your Windows version.
5. Choose Forget.

This method is useful when you notice your device keeps trying to reconnect to a hotspot you used briefly.

How to forget a public WiFi network using Command Prompt

Advanced users and IT admins often prefer Command Prompt because it works quickly and is useful for troubleshooting multiple profiles.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter.
3. Find the exact name of the network profile.
4. Type netsh wlan delete profile name="WiFiName"
5. Replace WiFiName with the saved profile name, then press Enter.

If the profile is removed successfully, Windows will no longer treat it as a known network.

How to delete all saved WiFi profiles at once

Sometimes the better option is to clear every saved wireless network, especially on a shared device, a troubleshooting laptop, or a system being prepared for another user.

Use this command in an elevated Command Prompt:

netsh wlan delete profile name=* i=*

This removes all stored WiFi profiles from the computer.

Use it carefully, because you will need to reconnect to home, office, and hotspot networks manually afterward.

What happens after you forget a public WiFi network?

When you remove a profile, Windows forgets the saved password, security type, and auto-connect settings for that network.

If you return later, the device will treat it like a new connection.

• The network will not connect automatically.
• Windows may still display the network in the available list.
• You may need to re-enter credentials, a captive portal login, or a one-time code.
• If the hotspot is open, you can still connect manually whenever you choose.

How to prevent Windows from reconnecting to public WiFi

Forgetting the network removes the saved profile, but a few extra settings can reduce future auto-connections to public hotspots.

Turn off automatic connection

When connecting to a network, clear the option that says Connect automatically if it is available.

This is especially important for hotel and café WiFi.

Disable Wi-Fi when not needed

Turning off Wi-Fi in places you do not trust prevents accidental auto-joins and limits exposure to malicious access points.

Use metered connection settings carefully

Metered mode helps limit background activity on some networks, but it does not replace proper network forgetting.

It is a bandwidth control, not a security control.

Keep Wi-Fi auto-connect under control on managed devices

In enterprise environments, IT administrators can use Group Policy, Intune, or other device management tools to control saved WiFi profiles and connection behavior across Windows endpoints.

Why a public WiFi network may keep appearing

If a network still shows up after you forget it, the name may be reused by another access point, or your device may still detect it as an available broadcast.

That does not mean Windows saved it again.

Common reasons include:

• The hotspot uses the same SSID as another location.
• A companion app, VPN client, or device management tool is redeploying the profile.
• You have multiple user profiles on the same Windows machine.
• The connection was removed, but the router or access point is still broadcasting the same name nearby.

In those cases, verify the exact profile name in Settings or with the netsh command before removing it again.

Troubleshooting if the Forget option is missing

Sometimes the Forget button does not appear, especially on older builds or limited user accounts.

• Update Windows: Some WiFi management screens differ by version.
• Check permissions: Administrator rights may be required for certain profile changes.
• Use Command Prompt: The netsh wlan delete profile command bypasses some interface limitations.
• Restart Wi-Fi: Toggle the adapter off and on if the network list is not refreshing.

Best practices for using public WiFi on Windows

Public hotspots are convenient, but they deserve extra caution.

Removing old profiles is only one part of safer browsing on shared networks.

• Use HTTPS sites whenever possible.
• Avoid entering sensitive banking or work credentials on open networks unless you trust the connection.
• Keep Windows, Microsoft Defender, and your browser updated.
• Use a reputable VPN if your organization recommends it.
• Disable file sharing and network discovery on public networks.

If you regularly use cafés, airports, or hotels, routinely reviewing saved WiFi profiles can help keep your Windows device cleaner and less exposed to unwanted auto-connections.