Forum Discussion

OakleyCruz's avatar
OakleyCruz
Iron Contributor
Oct 22, 2026

Win11 Forget this network option missing for saved Wi-Fi networks in Settings

In Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, the Forget button does not appear when selecting certain saved networks.

This option is visible for some networks but is missing for others, particularly those added via a QR code or imported from another device.

The button still does not appear after reconnecting or restarting the computer.

 

deployment
Update management

2 Replies

  • CameronTaylor1998's avatar
    CameronTaylor1998
    Iron Contributor
    Oct 22, 2026

    You can remove a saved Wi-Fi profile through the command line even when Settings doesn’t show the button.

    Open Terminal as administrator and list the saved profiles:

    netsh wlan show profiles

    Then delete the specific profile, using its exact name from that list:

    netsh wlan delete profile name="Your Wi-Fi name"

    This removes its saved connection details, so you’ll need the password or QR code to reconnect. If you’re currently using that network, expect the connection to drop.

    If the profile is listed under Group Policy profiles, or it returns after deletion, it may be managed by your organisation. In that case, IT needs to change the policy. Being added through a QR code alone doesn’t establish why the Forget button is missing.

  • WinEndpointOps's avatar
    WinEndpointOps
    Brass Contributor
    Oct 22, 2026

    The Forget button is hidden when Windows treats a saved profile as one it should not let you remove from Settings, which usually means it was created for all users, pushed by policy, or created in a way that Settings does not own. The command line can still remove it. Open Terminal as administrator and try:

     

    • List the saved profiles with netsh wlan show profiles and note the exact name of the one you want gone.
    • Delete it with netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName" (put the real name in the quotes). If the same name exists for several interfaces, add interface="Wi-Fi" to target the right adapter.
    • If it comes back after a restart, something is recreating it. Check whether the PC is managed by a work or school account (Settings > Accounts > Access work or school), and whether a Wi-Fi profile is deployed through Group Policy or a device management tool, because a managed profile will be put back every time it syncs.
    • Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks again and confirm it is gone.

    A network added by QR code or imported from another device is also saved in a different way from one you connect to by hand, so seeing the missing button on just those networks fits this. If the delete command says the profile cannot be found, run netsh wlan show profiles again and make sure the name matches exactly, including spaces and capital letters.