- Windows 11 allows you to manually manage when to connect to known Wi-Fi networks
- From the advanced settings you can prevent automatic connection to specific networks
- It is also possible to disable the wireless connection from the symbol of the system
- The 'Stop remembering' networks option prevents your computer from connecting to old networks
Your PC with Windows 11 connects only to older Wi-Fi networks? While this feature can be useful for keeping you online, it's often best to disable it to avoid accidentally connecting to unsafe, slow, or unused networks. Thereby, you'll be able to have greater control over your wireless connections and ensure your online security.
Let's review all the possible ways to manage and control known Wi-Fi networks, either from the system configuration, from more advanced tools such as the command prompt or even with small Tricks so that your computer doesn't memorize networks that you no longer need.
Basic options from the taskbar
One of the fastest ways to Disconnect Wi-Fi or prevent it from connecting automatically It's from the shortcut on the taskbar, next to the system clock. Clicking on the Wi-Fi icon displays a panel where you can see the available networks, those within range, and whether or not you're connected.
From this panel you can disable the wireless connection with a simple click. If your computer keeps automatically connecting to a saved network, you can click the arrow next to the network name and, if the option appears, uncheck the box that says 'Connect automatically.'
Advanced management from Windows Settings
For more complete control over your Wi-Fi network, it's best to go to Windows Settings. To access it, press Windows + I and then enter Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Alli you will be able to manage stored connections.
Here you'll see a complete list of all the wireless networks you've ever connected to. By clicking on any of them you have several options:
- 'Automatically connect when this network is within range': Disable it if you don't want it to connect on its own.
- 'Search for other wireless networks while connected to this network': Useful if you want to improve the signal by connecting to other networks automatically.
- 'Connect even if the network does not broadcast your name (SSID): It is advisable to disable it to avoid unwanted connections.
You can also use the 'Stop Remembering' button to completely delete the network. saved if you're not going to use it again. This will prevent any future automatic connections.
Prevent automatic connections with commands
If you prefer advanced tools, you can use the line of commands Windows to disable Wi-Fi more specifically. This is useful if you're having trouble with system icons or looking for quick fixes.
Open the Command Prompt as administrator and run the command:
netsh wlan disconnect
This command disconnects your computer from the network you are currently connected to., without completely disabling the Wi-Fi card. To prevent it from reconnecting to a specific network:
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"
This way, the profile is deleted and the device will not remember that connection. It's a good option to keep your list of networks organized and only with the ones you really use..
Completely disable the Wi-Fi card
Another more radical option is disable the wireless interface temporarily. This is done from the same command prompt:
netsh interface set interface name="Wi-Fi" admin=DISABLED
To re-enable it later, run:
netsh interface set interface name="Wi-Fi" admin=ENABLED
It's a quick way to ensure your PC doesn't use Wi-Fi until you decide to turn it back on.It's recommended in scenarios where you only want to use a wired connection or on unsecured public networks.
Configure the connection behavior of a known network
From section 'Manage known networks', clicking on any network will bring up an advanced menu where you can modify specific settings:
- Manual IP assignment: To configure a fixed IP address on that network.
- Custom DNS servers: To define different DNS servers, such as Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
The most important is uncheck the automatic connection optionThis allows you to keep the network saved (for easy connection in the future), but without it connecting automatically without your permission.
Delete old networks and avoid unnecessary connections
With There, your device may accumulate many memorized networks, many of which you don't use. This may result in failed connection attempts or access to unwanted networks..
From advanced settings or using commands, you can remove these obsolete networks. Simply click 'Stop reminding' or run:
netsh wlan delete profile name="ObsoleteNetworkName"
Disable network discovery
Another way to have more control is disabling network discovery, which prevents your device from seeing or being visible on other networks. This is configured from:
Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings
Useful commands for diagnostics and troubleshooting
Additionally, there are commands that can help you troubleshoot or detect incorrect settings:
- ipconfig / all: Displays the current complete network configuration.
- netsh wlan show profiles: Lists the memorized networks.
- ping www.example.com: Checks the connection to a server.
These commands are safe and useful for identifying and resolving Wi-Fi connection issues..
What to do if Wi-Fi doesn't appear or fails?
In some cases, the network icon is not displayed or no network is detected. This can be due to multiple causes: outdated drivers, malware, accidental disconnections or temporary system failures.
To solve these problems, you can try:
- Reboot the router and equipment.
- Update network drivers from the Device administrator.
- Run commands like netsh int ip reset or netsh winsock reset.
If the problem persists, you can disable and re-enable the Wi-Fi card from Control Panel > Network Center > Change adapter settings.
Controlling how and when your device connects to wireless networks is critical to ensuring your network security and stability. Avoiding automatic connections gives you greater control, security, and helps reduce data usage. Windows 11 offers a variety of tools and options for managing these connections, from the simplest to the most advanced, allowing you to keep your network secure and optimized.
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