Managing WiFi networks on your Windows computer helps keep your connections organized and secure. Over time, your device may remember many WiFi networks, some of which you no longer use or have forgotten. Removing these networks can improve your system’s performance and prevent automatic connections to unwanted networks.
This guide will walk you through simple steps to delete forgotten or unused WiFi networks on both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Each step is explained clearly to ensure even beginners can follow along with ease.
Whether you want to remove old networks to free up space or avoid automatic connections, this article covers everything you need to know. Let’s get started with the basics.
By the end, you’ll have a cleaner network list and better control over your WiFi connections.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your computer is turned on and you are logged in with an administrator account. Some changes require admin rights.
- Check your current WiFi connection to avoid disconnecting from the network you are actively using during the process.
- Backing up your network profiles is optional but helpful if you want to reconnect later without re-entering passwords.
- These instructions apply to Windows 8.1 and Windows 10; the interface may vary slightly between versions.
Deleting WiFi Networks in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 does not provide a straightforward graphical interface to delete stored WiFi networks, so you will use the Command Prompt for this task.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Administrator Rights
Click on the Start button, type cmd in the search bar, then right-click on Command Prompt from the results and choose Run as administrator. This ensures you have the necessary permissions to delete network profiles.
Step 2: View Your Saved WiFi Networks
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profilesThis command lists all the WiFi profiles saved on your computer. You will see the names of networks under “User profiles.”
Step 3: Delete the Desired WiFi Network
To remove a network, type the following command, replacing NetworkName with the name of the WiFi you want to delete:
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"Press Enter, and you should see a confirmation message that the profile has been deleted.
Step 4: Confirm Deletion
Run the netsh wlan show profiles command again to check that the network no longer appears in the list.
Deleting WiFi Networks in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers a simpler way to manage WiFi networks through the Settings app.
Step 1: Open WiFi Settings
Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon). Then go to Network & Internet and click on Wi-Fi from the left sidebar.
Step 2: Access Manage Known Networks
Under the Wi-Fi section, click on Manage known networks. This opens a list of all the WiFi networks your PC remembers.
Step 3: Select and Forget the Network
Scroll through the list and click on the network you want to delete. Then click the Forget button. This removes the network profile and prevents your PC from connecting automatically in the future.
Why Forgetting Networks Is Important
Forgetting unused or forgotten networks helps protect your privacy and security. It also avoids confusion when multiple saved networks share similar names. Additionally, it can speed up your computer’s WiFi connection process by reducing the number of profiles it searches through.
Alternative Method: Using PowerShell (Windows 10)
If you prefer using PowerShell, it can also manage WiFi profiles efficiently.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click the Start button, select Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open it with administrator privileges.
Step 2: List WiFi Profiles
Enter the following command to see saved networks:
netsh wlan show profilesStep 3: Remove the Profile
Delete a profile by typing:
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"Replace NetworkName with the actual network name.
FAQs
Can I delete the network I am currently connected to?
No, Windows does not allow deleting the profile of the network you are actively connected to. You must disconnect first or switch to another network.
Will deleting a WiFi network remove its password as well?
Yes, deleting the network profile removes all saved credentials. You will need to enter the password again if you want to reconnect later.
What happens if I accidentally delete a network?
You can reconnect by selecting the network again from the available WiFi list and entering the password.
Is there a way to bulk delete multiple networks?
Using Command Prompt or PowerShell scripts, you can batch delete profiles, but this is recommended only for advanced users.
Why can’t I see the “Manage known networks” option in Windows 10?
This option is available starting with Windows 10 version 1607. If your version is older, consider updating your system or use Command Prompt methods.
When Nothing Works
If you encounter problems deleting WiFi networks, try restarting your computer and repeating the steps. Sometimes updates or system restrictions can interfere temporarily.
As a last resort, you can reset your network settings entirely. This will remove all network profiles, reset adapters, and restore default settings:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status
- Scroll down and click Network reset
- Follow the prompts and restart your PC
For official help, visit the Microsoft Support website.
Conclusion
Deleting forgotten or unused WiFi networks on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 is a straightforward process that improves your system’s security and connection efficiency. Windows 10 users benefit from a simple graphical interface, while Windows 8.1 users can use Command Prompt commands.
Remember to delete only networks you no longer need, and always double-check the network names before deleting. This guide has provided detailed, step-by-step instructions and alternatives to suit different user preferences.
With these tips, you can keep your saved WiFi networks tidy and enjoy smoother wireless connectivity.