How to Stop Windows 11 from Automatically Reconnecting to a Wi-Fi Network

The Problem with Automatic Connections

Windows 11 is designed to make your life as frictionless as possible. When you connect to a new Wi-Fi network and successfully enter the password, Windows checks a small box by default that says "Connect automatically." This means that whenever your laptop is within range of that specific router in the future, it will instantly join the network without asking for your permission.

While this is perfect for your home or office network, it can become a serious security risk and a massive annoyance when travelling. If you connect to an insecure public Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop or airport, you probably do not want your laptop silently reconnecting to it every time you walk past. Furthermore, if you live in an apartment building and occasionally use a neighbour’s slow Wi-Fi network as a backup, you do not want Windows constantly jumping off your fast connection just because the neighbour’s signal temporarily appears stronger.

To fix this, you need to tell Windows 11 to remember the password, but stop connecting automatically.

Method 1: Stop Automatic Reconnection from the Taskbar

If you are currently in range of the network you want to stop connecting to, the fastest way to change the setting is directly from the taskbar.

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of your Windows 11 taskbar (next to the battery and volume icons).
2. Click the small right-facing arrow (>) next to the Wi-Fi symbol to open the list of available networks.
3. Find the network you want to modify in the list. It will likely say "Connected" beneath it.
4. Right-click on the network name.
5. From the small pop-up menu, select Properties. This will open the Windows Settings app.
6. Look for the toggle switch labeled Connect automatically when in range.
7. Click the toggle switch to turn it Off.

Your computer is still connected to the network right now, but the next time you leave the area and come back, you will have to manually click "Connect" to join it.

Method 2: Stop Automatic Reconnection from the Settings App

If you are not currently in range of the network (for example, you are at home but want to change the settings for an airport Wi-Fi network you used yesterday), you cannot use the taskbar method. You must use the "Manage known networks" menu instead.

1. Click the Start button and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Network & internet.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Wi-Fi.
4. Click on Manage known networks. You will now see a list of every single Wi-Fi network your laptop has ever connected to.
5. Scroll through the list and find the network you want to modify.
6. Click on the network name to open its properties page.
7. Find the Connect automatically when in range setting.
8. Uncheck the box or toggle the switch to the Off position.

Should You Just \”Forget\” the Network Instead?

While on the "Manage known networks" page, you might notice a button labeled Forget next to each network. It is important to understand the difference between turning off automatic connections and forgetting a network entirely.

• Turn off automatic connection: Windows remembers the password. When you click the network in the future, it connects instantly. This is best for a neighbour’s network or a secure cafe network you visit occasionally.
• Forget: Windows deletes the password and all knowledge of the network entirely. The next time you want to connect, you will have to type the password from scratch. This is the recommended action for insecure, open public networks (like airports or hotels) that you do not plan on using regularly.

By actively managing which networks your computer connects to, you maintain better control over your internet speeds and your digital security.