How do I Stop Windows 11 from Automatically Connecting to Wi-Fi?

Windows 11 comes with specific features that allow you to connect to a Wi-Fi network automatically. If you need, you can stop this behavior so that your Windows will not connect automatically to certain Wi-Fi networks. In this gearupwindows article, we will guide you with complete steps to prevent Windows 11 from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network that was previously connected.

Once you configure the particular Wi-Fi network not to connect automatically, Windows will still remember your Wi-Fi password, but it will not connect automatically when your computer is in range. Your PC will be connected to that Wi-Fi network only when you manually initiate it. This feature is handy if you’ve previously connected to a public Wi-Fi network but don’t want to reconnect automatically next time when in range.

How to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network Using Quick Settings?

As said above, Windows 11 automatically connects to a previously joined Wi-Fi network every time it’s in range. However, if you need, you can prevent it.

Step 1. First, disconnect the particular Wi-Fi network if you’re already connected to it.

To do that, click on the Quick Settings area on the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi you’re connected to, and then click the Disconnect button.

Step 2. After disconnecting the Wi-Fi, uncheck the checkbox beside Connect automatically.

That’s it. Select and click the Connect button whenever you want to connect to that Wi-Fi network again.

How to Disable Automatic Connection to Wi-Fi in Windows 11 using Settings App?

The procedure mentioned above works well, but when you’re not in the range of a specific network, you will be unable to see that on the Wi-Fi connection panel in the Quick Settings menu. Hence, you will need to go through the Settings app to edit the connection behavior.

Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys from the keyboard.

Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, select Network & internet from the left sidebar.

Step 3. Then, click the Wi-Fi header on the right-side pane.

Step 4. After that, click on Manage known networks.

Step 5. That’s it. Here, you’ll see all the Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to in the past. Find the Wi-Fi network and click on that you don’t want to join automatically.

Step 6. Finally, uncheck the box beside Connect automatically when in range.

That’s it. You can close the Settings app if you don’t have any other job to perform. Changes will be saved automatically.

Next time when that Wi-Fi network is in range, it will not connect automatically. However, if you wish, you can connect them manually.

How to Stop Automatic Wi-Fi Connection using Control Panel in Windows 11?

To prevent or stop Windows 11 from connecting to the wireless access point automatically, use these steps:-

Step 1. First, open the Control Panel on your computer.

Step 2. Then, click on Network and Internet.

Step 3. After that, select the Network and Sharing Center on the right side.

Step 4. Now settings app will open on the “Network & internet” page. On the right-side pane of the Settings window, click the Wi-Fi tile.

Step 5. Then, click on Manage known networks options.

Step 6. Now, you’ll see all the Wi-Fi networks that you’ve connected to in the past on your computer. Click on the Wi-Fi network that you don’t want to join automatically on your PC.

Step 7. Uncheck the checkbox beside Connect automatically when in range option.

Once you complete the above steps, Windows 11 won’t connect to a wireless network automatically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows 11 offers users the convenience of automatically connecting to previously joined Wi-Fi networks whenever they are in range. However, this feature may not always be desirable, especially for public networks. Fortunately, users can prevent Windows 11 from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network in just a few easy steps. Users can use either the Quick Settings area on the taskbar, the Settings app, or the Control Panel to disable this feature. By unchecking the “Connect automatically” option for a particular Wi-Fi network, Windows 11 will remember the password but not automatically connect when in range. This feature is useful for users who want to have more control over their network connections and prefer to connect to networks manually.

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