How To Manage Known Networks In Windows 10

In the digital age, where connectivity is as essential as the air we breathe, managing network connections has become a fundamental skill for Windows 10 users. Whether you’re a professional juggling multiple Wi-Fi networks or a student hopping between campus and coffee shop hotspots, understanding how to manage your known networks is crucial for maintaining a seamless and secure online experience. This article will guide you through the intricacies of handling known networks in Windows 10, ensuring that you stay connected on your terms.

Understanding Known Networks in Windows 10

Before diving into the management of known networks, it’s important to grasp what they are. Known networks are Wi-Fi profiles that Windows 10 has stored from previous connections. These profiles contain information such as the network name (SSID), security type, and even passwords. Windows 10 uses this data to automatically connect to these networks when they are in range, saving users the hassle of entering credentials every time.

Why Manage Known Networks?

Managing known networks is not just about convenience; it’s also about security and control. By keeping an eye on your known networks list, you can ensure that your device doesn’t connect to potentially unsafe networks automatically. Additionally, you can prioritize networks based on preference or signal strength, and remove networks that are no longer needed or used.

Accessing Network Settings in Windows 10

The first step in managing known networks is to access the network settings on your Windows 10 device. Here’s how you can do that:

Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray at the bottom right corner of your screen.
Select “Network & Internet settings” at the bottom of the Wi-Fi menu.
In the “Status” section, click on “Change connection properties.”
Alternatively, you can access the settings by going to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.

Viewing and Managing Known Networks

Once you’re in the Network & Internet settings, you can start managing your known networks:

Viewing Your Known Networks List

To view the list of known networks:

Click on “Wi-Fi” on the left-hand side menu.
Scroll down and click on “Manage known networks.”
You will now see a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past.

Forgetting a Network

If you want to remove a network from the known networks list:

Find the network you wish to forget in the list.
Click on it, and then select “Forget.”
The network profile will be deleted, and your device will no longer connect to it automatically.

Changing Network Properties

For networks that you use regularly, you might want to adjust their properties:

Click on the network in the known networks list.
Select “Properties” to open the network profile.
Here, you can change settings such as whether the device should connect automatically when in range or if it should be metered to save data on limited plans.

Advanced Network Management

For users who require more control over their network connections, Windows 10 offers advanced settings:

Setting Network Priority

Windows 10 connects to Wi-Fi networks based on priority. To adjust the priority of your networks, you’ll need to use Command Prompt:


netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan set profileorder name="NETWORK_NAME" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=1

Replace “NETWORK_NAME” with the actual name of your network. The priority number determines the order of connection when multiple known networks are available.

Managing Network Adapters

Sometimes, managing known networks involves tweaking the network adapters themselves:

Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Under “Change your network settings,” click on “Change adapter options.”
Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select “Properties.”
Here, you can configure the networking protocols or even disable the adapter temporarily.

Network Troubleshooting

Encountering issues with your known networks can be frustrating. Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter to help resolve common network problems:

Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select “Internet Connections” and then “Run the troubleshooter.”
Follow the prompts to let Windows diagnose and fix network issues.

FAQ Section

How do I prioritize Wi-Fi networks in Windows 10?

To prioritize Wi-Fi networks, you’ll need to use Command Prompt to set the profile order. Use the netsh wlan set profileorder command with the appropriate network name and priority level.

Can I prevent my device from connecting to a network automatically?

Yes, you can prevent automatic connections by going to the network’s properties in the known networks list and toggling off “Connect automatically when in range.”

What should I do if I can’t see a network in my known networks list?

If a network doesn’t appear in your list, it may have been forgotten or never connected to. Try manually connecting to the network again, and it should appear in the list.

Is it safe to remove networks from the known networks list?

Yes, it’s safe to remove networks from the list. This can be a good security practice, especially for networks you no longer use or trust.

How can I view the password for a known network?

To view the password for a known network, you can use the netsh wlan show profile name=”NETWORK_NAME” key=clear command in Command Prompt. Look for the “Key Content” field in the results.

Conclusion

Managing known networks in Windows 10 is a vital skill for maintaining a secure and efficient online experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your Wi-Fi connections, prioritize networks, and troubleshoot common issues. Remember to regularly review your known networks list and adjust settings as needed to ensure optimal performance and security.

With these insights and tools at your disposal, you’re now equipped to navigate the world of known networks in Windows 10 like a pro. Stay connected, stay in control, and make the most of your digital life.