How to Delete, Hide, or Forget WiFi Network Name in Windows Laptop/PC (Windows 10 & 11 Guide)

If your Windows laptop keeps showing a long list of old WiFi networks you no longer use, it’s time to clean things up. Whether you want to delete, hide, or forget WiFi networks completely, Windows gives you full control — both through normal settings and using simple CMD commands. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to do it in a clean, safe, and efficient way.

Forget or Delete a Saved WiFi Network

The easiest way to remove a saved WiFi connection is through Windows settings.

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage Known Networks.

2. Find the WiFi name you want to remove.

3. Click Forget.

That’s it! Your PC won’t connect to that WiFi automatically anymore. But for more advanced users, the Command Prompt (CMD) method gives deeper control — especially for hiding specific or all WiFi names.

Hide or Delete a Specific WiFi Network

If you want to block a specific WiFi name from appearing in your list, use this command in Command Prompt (Admin mode):

netsh wlan add filter permission=block ssid="YOURWIFINAME" networktype=infrastructure

Just replace YOURWIFINAME with the network name (SSID). Once you hit Enter, that WiFi will disappear from your list — hidden and blocked from view.

Bring Back a Hidden WiFi Network

Changed your mind? You can easily bring that WiFi network back using this simple command:

netsh wlan delete filter permission=block ssid="YOURWIFINAME" networktype=infrastructure

This removes the block filter, and the WiFi name will reappear in your available networks. Just replace YOURWIFINAME with the network name (SSID).

Not Sure About the WiFi Name?

If you’re unsure which WiFi networks are being filtered or hidden, check them all by typing:

netsh wlan show filters

This shows every filter currently applied to your system, helping you manage and clean them up as needed.

Hide All WiFi Networks (Block Every SSID)

Want to completely hide all available WiFi networks on your computer? This is especially useful for offices, schools, or shared PCs where you don’t want users connecting to random networks. Just type:

netsh wlan add filter permission=denyall networktype=infrastructure

Now your laptop will stop showing any WiFi networks at all.

Bring Back All Hidden WiFi Networks

If you want to make all networks visible again, simply delete the restriction with this command:

netsh wlan delete filter permission=denyall networktype=infrastructure

This restores full WiFi visibility and allows your system to detect all nearby networks again.

Why Use These Commands?

Using these netsh wlan commands gives you more control over your wireless environment. They help you:

• Improve security by hiding your SSID from others.

• Clean up unnecessary or outdated WiFi names.

• Avoid confusion with multiple similar network names.

• Limit access on shared or public computers.

And the best part? You don’t need to install any third-party apps — just use Windows’ built-in tools.

Final Thoughts

Managing WiFi networks in Windows doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple commands, you can delete, hide, or forget WiFi network names and even block all WiFi connections if needed. Whether you’re troubleshooting, improving privacy, or just tidying up your system, these commands make it quick and effective.