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This wikiHow teaches you how to prevent your computer from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network you've previously saved, using a computer.


Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

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  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar in the lower-right corner of your screen, and note down the network name you want to block.
  2. This button looks like a magnifier icon next to the Start menu button. It will open your search panel.
    • If you're using Cortana, you'll see a white circle instead of a magnifier icon here.
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  3. Matching results will appear as you type. Command Prompt should be the best match at the top of the results.
  4. This will open your right-click options on a drop-down menu.
  5. This will open Command Prompt in a new window, and allow you to execute admin processes.
  6. This command will allow you to block a Wi-Fi network from connecting to your computer.
    • Replace "Network Name" in the command with the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to block.
  7. This will execute the command, and add this network to your blacklist filter. It will no longer appear in your network list.
    • If you want to remove the block and add the network again, just replace add filter in the command with delete filter .
    • For an easier approach, try clicking the Network icon in the lower right corner of your screen. Click Network and Internet settings, then Wi-Fi settings. Under Manage known networks, click the network you want to delete, then click Forget. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

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  1. The System Preferences app looks like a gray gear icon. You can find it in your Applications folder.
    • Alternatively, you can click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen, and click System Preferences here.
  2. [2] This option looks like a gray globe icon on the third row of System Preferences.
  3. Find Wi-Fi on the left sidebar, and click on it. This will open your Wi-Fi settings on the right-hand side.
  4. This will open your advanced Wi-Fi settings in a new window. [3]
  5. This button is in the upper-left corner of the Advanced window. You will find a list of all your "Preferred Networks" on this page.
  6. Scroll down the list, and click on the network you want to block.
  7. This will remove the selected Wi-Fi network from the list, and prevent your computer from automatically connecting to this network in the future.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I stop automatically connecting to a network on Mac?
    Yaffet Meshesha
    Computer Specialist
    Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time.
    Computer Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Choose System Preferences under the Apple menu, then click Network. Select Wi-Fi in the list on the left. Click the Advanced button, which will pull up a Wi-Fi pane with a list of known networks. Click the remove button (―) beneath the list or uncheck the Auto Join box next to the Wi-Fi network you wish to wish to not automatically to. Finish by clicking OK.
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      References

      1. Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 September 2020.
      2. Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 September 2020.
      3. Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 September 2020.
      4. Yaffet Meshesha. Computer Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 September 2020.

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