Had to change my router password, but my Windows 10 PC keeps trying to connect with the old one. What’s the process to forget a network so I can set it up again?
First, it’s always a hassle when changing a WiFi password and having devices lag behind. Windows 10 has got you covered for this, although it’s sometimes buried under a few clicks.
Here’s a straightforward guide:
- Click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Select “Network & Internet settings.” This should take you to a new window.
- Click on “WiFi” on the left-hand side menu.
- Scroll down and click on “Manage known networks.”
- You’ll see a list of WiFi networks your device has connected to before. Locate your old network in that list.
- Click on the network name and then click “Forget.”
This should remove the old credentials from your system.
Now, when you try to connect to your WiFi again, it will prompt you to enter the new password.
If you’re finding your WiFi performance still doesn’t match up to expectations after fixing the password issue, you might want to use a WiFi analysis tool like NetSpot
Site Survey Software. NetSpot is excellent for providing in-depth details about your WiFi signal strength and helping identify any dead spots or areas with weak coverage in your home. The visualization of data can be pretty intuitive and helpful.
Pros of NetSpot:
- Comprehensive coverage: Includes detailed heatmaps of your WiFi signal which is valuable for identifying weak spots.
- Ease of use: The user interface is relatively simple and efficient.
- Free version available: Offers decent features even without paying.
Cons of NetSpot:
- Limited features on the free version: The premium features can be quite expensive.
- Resource intensive: Can consume a fair amount of system resources when conducting surveys.
There are other competitors like inSSIDer and Ekahau that offer similar functionalities. While they might have some advantages in specific use cases, NetSpot’s balance between usability and depth of data makes it a solid choice for most home users.
Back to the topic at hand, if your PC still isn’t connecting properly after you’ve forgotten the network and re-entered the new password, double-check that no spelling errors were made during the password entry. Also, make sure your router’s settings have been saved correctly—sometimes they revert after a reboot.
If all else fails, another tip is to restart both your router and your PC after making changes. Sometimes it’s the simple things that get overlooked in the troubleshooting process.
Hope this helps and gets you back online smoothly!
Hey, I see that @techchizkid already gave some solid advice on how to forget your WiFi network on Windows 10, but I thought I’d throw in a couple of extra tips that might help. It’s always a little frustrating when tech doesn’t behave the way you want, right?
Once you follow the steps mentioned—forgetting the network and re-entering the new credentials—you should be good to go in most cases. However, if your connection is still being finicky, there could be a few other things you might want to look into.
First, make sure you’re not dealing with a WiFi channel interference issue. Routers often default to certain channels and if yours is crowded with other nearby networks, that could be an issue. You can go into your router settings typically through an IP address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and check which channel you’re using. Switching to a less congested channel can work wonders.
Also, there’s a hidden gem in Windows 10 that not everyone knows about. You can actually reset your network settings, which is like a magic reset button that can solve a lot of weird connection issues. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings and click on Network & Internet.
- Scroll down to Network reset.
- Click on that and then hit the Reset now button.
Keep in mind that this will remove all your network adapters and reinstall them, and it will reset other networking components to their original settings. You’ll have to reconnect to any WiFi networks after doing this.
Another thing worth noting is making sure your WiFi drivers are up-to-date. To check for updates:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Find Network adapters and expand it.
- Right-click on your WiFi adapter and choose Update driver.
On top of everything else, your router’s firmware sometimes needs an update too. It’s surprising how many issues are fixed with a simple firmware update. You can usually find the option to update in the router’s settings under the “Firmware” or “Utilities” tab.
I saw you mentioned problems with coverage area – using a WiFi analyzer tool like NetSpot can really help you out. NetSpot is awesome because it gives detailed heatmaps of your WiFi signal strength, so you can find dead zones in your home and adjust accordingly. You can check it out at ‘https://www.netspotapp.com’. Even with the free version, you get pretty useful insights!
However, while NetSpot is super intuitive, I noticed you mentioned a bit of resource intensity. It’s true that running extensive surveys might slow your system down a bit, but in most cases, the depth of information you get makes it totally worth it.
If all the above steps don’t seem to help, it might be worth considering if any new appliances or electronics could be causing interference. Sometimes even a microwave or cordless phone can mess with the WiFi signal if they operate on the same frequency.
Finally, remember, nothing beats a good old-fashioned reboot. Restart your router and your PC one more time after making all these changes to give everything a fresh start.
Hopefully, this covers any gaps and helps you get back on track with your new router password. Good luck!
I noticed quite a bit of info already on how to forget a WiFi network on Windows 10. One point I differ on – You don’t really need to spend a lot of time with WiFi analysis tools unless you’re dealing with major interference issues in an apartment complex or large home.
First, forgetting the network should be straightforward as previously described. But, what if the manual steps feel too tedious? You can use the command line for those who like a quick and geeky method. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click and choose “Run as administrator”) and type:
netsh wlan delete profile name="Your_WiFi_Name"
Replace “Your_WiFi_Name” with the actual name of your WiFi network. This can be faster, especially if you’re familiar with command line prompts.
However, say you’ve done all this and still having issues—might be time to dive a bit deeper. One easy overlook is the Device Manager reset. Right-click Start Menu > Device Manager > Network Adapters > Right-click WiFi Adapter > Disable. Wait a few seconds and enable it again. This often resolves those persistent connection woes.
For those facing interference, remember, all tools and tech aside, your router’s placement is key. Keep it central and elevated, away from thick walls and large appliances like refrigerators or microwaves.
Now, someone mentioned router channels. That’s spot on. Unfortunately, many still overlook this. Changing the channel can give new life to your WiFi. If you’re unsure how, log into your router (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), head to the wireless settings, and look for channel settings. 1, 6, and 11 are usually good bets to avoid conflict.
And firmware updates! Always ensure your router firmware is up-to-date. Manufacturers release updates not just for new features but to fix bugs and security issues. Check the manufacturer’s website or the router admin panel under maintenance or utilities.
Lastly, on NetSpot—It’s handy for those needing detailed insights. It does provide comprehensive heatmaps and signal data, essential if you’re in tricky WiFi environments. It’s available at ‘https://www.netspotapp.com’. It’s intrusive enough to show you coverage gaps but, let’s be honest, unless you really need that deep dive, consider simpler steps first.
In a nutty nutshell: Command line for a quick network forget, disable/re-enable network adapter, and check router settings (including channel shifts). Use sophisticated tools, like NetSpot, if basic steps don’t cut it.