This post shows students and new users steps to stop Windows from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network that was previously connected to. You can tell Windows not to automatically connect to certain Wi-Fi networks anytime.
When you do that, Windows 11 will still remember the password and other connection details, but will not automatically connect everytime you’re in range. A connection will only take place when you manually initiate it.
This might be useful if you’ve previously connected a public Wi-Fi network, but don’t always want to reconnect automatically when in range. Some public networks will display an authentication page where you’ll have to agree to the terms of use. If you automatically everytime, and not follow up with the second step to agree to its usage terms, access to the internet will not work.
You’ll have to either follow up with the follow up authentication steps or disconnect from the Wi-Fi to regain access to the internet.
Below we’ll show you how to tell Windows not to automatically reconnect to a Wi-Fi network when in range.
How to prevent Windows 11 from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network
As mentioned above, Windows will automatically connect to a previously connect Wi-Fi network everytime it’s in range. If you want to prevent that, the steps below should help you.
First, disconnect from the Wi-Fi network if you’re already connected to it. Click on the Quick Settings and expand the Wi-Fi connection settings, then select the Wi-Fi you’re connected to and click Disconnect.
Once disconnected, uncheck the box next to: Connect automatically for the Wi-Fi network you don’t want to automatically connect to.
That should do it!
How to disable automatic connection to Wi-Fi in Windows Settings
If you’re not in range of the network, you may not be able to see it on the Wi-Fi connection panel from the Quick Settings window. You will have to go to Windows Settings to edit the connection behavior.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + i shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet, and select Wi-Fi on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below.
On the Wi-Fi settings pane, select Manage known networks.
Next, select the Wi-Fi network you don’t want to connect to automatically, uncheck the box next to Connect automatically when in range as shown in the image below.
That should do it!
The Wi-Fi connect details are kept and will connect when you initial the connection. However, Windows will not automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network when you’re in range.
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to stop Windows from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network. If you find any error above have something to add, please use the comment form below.
