Learn how to manage Wi-Fi networks on your Windows 11 PC with ease. Connect, forget, and troubleshoot networks effortlessly for a seamless browsing experience.In this guide I’m going to explain all the ways to manage Wi-Fi networks on a Windows 11 PC . I’ll tell you the steps to connect to a new network, to explore nearby Wi-Fi networks, and to see a list of all the networks you’ve connected to. I’ll also explain a simple trick to access the passwords for each network. Don’t miss it!
Manage WiFi networks on a PC from the taskbar.
The first way to manage Wi-Fi networks on a Windows PC is from the system tray . Simply put, this is the space in the bottom right corner of any PC. There is a shortcut to quick settings, as well as the icon for minimized or background applications. If you click on the Wi-Fi icon, a panel will open where the Wi-Fi icon appears.
The first thing you can do is disable the wireless connection. Simply press the corresponding button. However, if you want to manage Wi-Fi networks on a PC, what you have to do is click on the arrow next to the Wi-Fi icon . This will take you to the list of networks, where both those that the computer has memorized and those that are nearby are displayed.
If you click on any of the networks, the PC will try to connect. Normally, you will have to enter the password or, failing that, activate the WPS function of the router . As you can see, this panel is not used to apply advanced network management , but it is used to change between those that you have already memorized on the computer previously. For example, I use it a lot to connect to my mobile when I am connected to a WiFi that fails.
Manage WiFi networks on a PC from the settings
Let’s now talk about advanced network management in Windows 11 . In this case, you will have to go to the system settings, which you can open with the Windows + I command . Once there, go to the Network and Internet section and then to WiFi .
Next, click on Manage known networks .
On the next screen, you’ll see a list of all the networks you’ve connected to with your computer . If you’re using a desktop PC, you probably won’t see too many Wi-Fi networks here. However, if you use your laptop in multiple locations, this list may be much longer. The first option you’ll see is one that allows you to delete any network that has been memorized. Simply click the Stop remembering button . The next time you want to access it, you’ll have to authenticate again.
Clicking on any of the networks listed will take you to the settings. From here, it is possible to assign a fixed IP within the local area network or a specific DNS server . These are changes that only affect the chosen network.
For example, if you set up a DNS server at Home, the default values will be used when you connect to the Office network. Remember that if you want to make global changes, you can do so from the control panel, in the network adapter settings.
Another thing you can do is access the advanced configuration of the WiFi network, by clicking on the last option you see in the list.
This will open a window with some information about the network, as well as three options. These are:
- Automatically connect when this network is in range. Enabled by default, this option connects your device to the network in question, whenever it detects that it is nearby.
- Scan for other wireless networks while connected to this network. Your PC will continue to scan for nearby networks and connect to known ones, even when connected to this network.
- Connect even if the network does not broadcast its name (SSID). The device will connect to this network automatically, even if its name has been hidden.
Additionally, in the configuration window you have the Random hardware addresses setting . This allows you to hide the MAC address of the network adapter on supported networks. This is useful for reducing device tracking in public environments.
How to view passwords for all networks you’ve connected to in Windows 11?
Although it is true that this option is within the settings of each network, due to its usefulness, I have preferred to dedicate a specific section to it. From the section for Managing known networks , you will be able to find out what the password is for each network.
All you need to do is go to Windows settings and go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Select the network . Then, press the View Wi-Fi security key button .
When you do this, the WiFi network key will appear in a pop-up window. Write it down on a piece of paper for safekeeping.Do you already know the best way to manage Wi-Fi networks on a Windows 11 PC? Tell us your tips and tricks. We’ll read your comments.