How to Disconnect from a Wi-Fi Network in Windows 11

Windows 11 is designed to automatically keep you connected to the strongest available Wi-Fi network. However, there are times when you need to manually sever that connection. Perhaps the coffee shop Wi-Fi is too slow and you want to use your phone’s hotspot instead, or maybe you simply want to take your PC completely offline to focus on work without distractions. Disconnecting from your current network takes only a few clicks.

How to Disconnect via the Quick Settings Panel (The Fastest Way)

The Quick Settings panel is the easiest way to manage all your network connections without opening the full Windows Settings app.

1. Look at the bottom right corner of your screen (the system tray area on the taskbar).
2. Click on the cluster of icons that contains the Wi-Fi, Speaker, and Battery symbols. (Clicking any of these icons will open the same panel).
3. The Quick Settings panel will pop up. You will see the Wi-Fi icon in the top left corner of this panel, and it will be highlighted in blue to indicate it is turned on.
4. Click the small Right Arrow (>) located right next to the Wi-Fi icon. Do not click the Wi-Fi icon itself, as that will turn off the Wi-Fi antenna entirely.
5. A list of nearby Wi-Fi networks will appear. The network you are currently connected to will be at the very top of the list, labelled “Connected.”
6. Click the Disconnect button located directly underneath the name of your current network.
7. Your computer will immediately sever the connection to the router, and you will be offline.

How to Stop Windows from Reconnecting Automatically

When you manually disconnect using the method above, Windows will usually reconnect to that same network the next time you turn your computer on (or if you walk away and come back). If you want to temporarily disconnect and stay disconnected until you specifically choose to rejoin, follow these steps:

1. Open the Quick Settings Wi-Fi list (as described in steps 1-4 above).
2. Click on the network you are currently connected to.
3. You will see a checkbox labeled Connect automatically.
4. Uncheck that box.
5. Now, click the Disconnect button.

Your PC is now disconnected, and it will not attempt to rejoin that specific network in the future unless you manually click “Connect” again.

How to Completely Turn Off the Wi-Fi Antenna

If you don’t just want to disconnect from one specific network, but want to turn off your computer’s ability to see any wireless networks entirely (similar to “Airplane Mode” on a phone), you can turn off the Wi-Fi adapter.

1. Click the Wi-Fi/Speaker/Battery cluster on the taskbar to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Click directly on the blue Wi-Fi button icon (not the arrow next to it).
3. The button will turn grey. Your Wi-Fi antenna is now physically disabled, and your computer is completely isolated from all wireless networks. To get back online, simply click the grey icon to turn it blue again.