How to Connect to a Different Wi-Fi Network?

Owned by William Doren (Unlicensed)
Last updated: May 07, 2021 by Michael Wolfe
1 min read

Have you ever tried working in a cafe or other location and wanted to connect to their Wi-Fi network? 

Your computer remembers Wi-Fi networks it has accessed in the past. That way, you can reconnect to an established network instantly — unless you direct your computer to forget about a network. Sometimes the security (e.g., name and password) will change on a wireless network you previously connected to, by forgetting (and re-entering the newest credentials), you get a refreshed connection. Forgetting a Wi-Fi network may also resolve any connection issues you're experiencing.

To forget a Wi-Fi network connection or simply review the list of saved networks, follow these steps:

Windows 10

  1. Click the Network icon on the lower right corner of your screen.

  2. Click Network settings.

  3. Click Manage WiFi settings.

  4. Under Manage known networks, click the network you want to delete.

  5. Click Forget. The wireless network profile is deleted.

MAC (OS X)

  1. Select the WiFi symbol along the top menu bar and click on Open Network Preferences at the bottom of the drop down menu.

  2. Click on WiFi in the menu on the left and click Advanced located at the bottom right of the pop-up window.

  3. Select the wireless network you want to forget and click the minus sign. Click OK.

  4. At the top right-hand click on Turn WiFi Off and click on Apply. Click on Turn WiFi On and reconnect.