How to prevent laptop from connecting to Wi-Fi automatically on Windows 11

You can always stop Windows 11 from trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network automatically, and here are the different ways to do it.

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OnWindows 11, whenever you configure a new Wi-Fi network profile by default, the system will enable the option to connect automatically when the network is in range. Although this convenient feature makes connecting to the internet faster, it’s not one that you need on every wireless network.

If you don’t need to connect to specific networks automatically, Windows 11 includes multiple ways to disable automatic connections to wireless access points.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will automatically walk you through the steps to prevent your laptop from connecting to the wireless access points automatically.

How to stop automatic Wi-Fi connection during setup

How to stop automatic Wi-Fi connection during setup

Although you can change the settings after adding a wireless network profile, you can also disable automatic connections during the network configuration process.

Connect to a wireless network

Connect to a wireless network

To configure a Wi-Fi profile to never connect automatically, use these steps:

Prevision wireless network

To prevent automatic network connections while adding a new Wi-Fi profile manually, use these steps:

Once you complete these steps, Windows 11 won’t connect to the wireless network when it’s in range.

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How to stop automatic Wi-Fi connection using Settings

To stop Windows 11 from connecting to a Wi-Fi network automatically, use these steps:

Once you complete these steps, the laptop or desktop computer will no longer try to connect to the Wi-Fi network while it’s in range.

How to stop automatic Wi-Fi connection using Control Panel

To prevent Windows 11 from connecting to the wireless access point through Control Panel, use these steps:

After you complete these steps, like using the Settings app, Windows 11 won’t connect to a wireless network.

How to stop automatic Wi-Fi connection using Command Prompt

To stop a wireless connection to access an access point while in range with Command Prompt, use these steps:

After you complete these steps, automatic connection to the wireless network you specified won’t occur.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.