Views: 222 Author: Astin Publish Time: 2025-03-01 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to Network Profiles
● Steps to Forget an Ethernet Network
>> Method 1: Unplug and Remove from Network Connections
>> Method 2: Using Command Prompt
>> Method 3: Editing Network Settings
>> Troubleshooting Ethernet Connections
● Advanced Ethernet Configuration
>> Using PowerShell for Network Management
● FAQ
>> 1. How do I forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11?
>> 2. Can I delete an Ethernet network profile using the Command Prompt?
>> 3. Why should I forget a network?
>> 4. How do I troubleshoot Ethernet connection issues?
>> 5. Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry?
Forgetting a network, whether it's Ethernet or Wi-Fi, is a common task when managing network connections on your Windows 11 laptop. This process can help you remove unwanted network profiles, which are automatically created when you connect to different networks. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to forget an Ethernet network on your Windows 11 laptop, as well as provide additional information on managing network profiles.
When you connect to a network using your Windows 11 laptop, whether it's through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, Windows creates a network profile. This profile stores information about the network, such as its name, password, and other settings. Over time, as you connect to multiple networks, these profiles can accumulate and clutter your network list.
Forgetting a network is useful for several reasons:
- Removing Unwanted Profiles: If you no longer use a particular network, forgetting it helps declutter your list of known networks.
- Security: Removing profiles for networks you no longer trust or use can enhance security by preventing automatic connections to potentially insecure networks.
- Troubleshooting: Forgetting a network can sometimes resolve connectivity issues if the stored profile is corrupted.
While Windows doesn't directly allow you to "forget" an Ethernet network in the same way as Wi-Fi, you can remove the network profile by deleting it from the list of known networks or using the Command Prompt.
1. Unplug the Ethernet Cable: The simplest way to "forget" an Ethernet connection is to unplug the cable. This action alone doesn't remove the network profile, but it disconnects you from the network.
2. Remove from Network Connections:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
- Click on Advanced network settings.
- Look for More network adapter options.
- Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Disable. Then, enable it again to refresh the connection.
You can use the Command Prompt to delete network profiles, but this method is more commonly used for Wi-Fi networks. However, if you have a specific Ethernet profile you want to remove (e.g., a static IP configuration), you might need to manually edit network settings.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
- Type `cmd`, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. List All Network Profiles:
- Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profiles
- This command is primarily for Wi-Fi, but you can use similar commands for Ethernet by adjusting the syntax.
3. Delete a Profile:
- If you find an Ethernet-related profile (which is rare), you can delete it using:
netsh wlan delete profile "ProfileName"
- Replace `"ProfileName"` with the actual name of the profile you want to delete.
For Ethernet connections, you might need to manually edit the network settings if you're using a static IP address.
1. Open Network Connections:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More network adapter options.
2. Edit Ethernet Properties:
- Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- If you're using a static IP, you can change it back to Obtain an IP address automatically to remove any custom settings.
While not recommended for beginners, you can also delete network profiles from the Windows Registry. This method is more advanced and should be used with caution.
1. Open Registry Editor:
- Press Windows + R, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Network Profiles:
- Go to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles`.
3. Delete a Profile:
- Find the profile you want to delete and right-click on it to delete the key.
If you're experiencing issues with your Ethernet connection, here are some troubleshooting steps:
1. Restart Your Router: Sometimes, simply restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues.
2. Check the Ethernet Cable: Ensure the cable is securely connected to both your laptop and the router.
3. Disable and Re-enable Ethernet: Go to Network Connections, right-click on Ethernet, and select Disable. Then, enable it again.
When configuring Ethernet settings, you might choose between using a static IP address or obtaining one dynamically. Here's a brief overview:
- Static IP: Useful for servers or devices that need a consistent IP address. However, it requires manual configuration and can be more complex to manage.
- Dynamic IP: Automatically assigned by the router using DHCP. It's easier to manage but might change if the device is restarted or disconnected.
If you need to set up a static IP for your Ethernet connection:
1. Open Ethernet Properties:
- Go to Network Connections, right-click on Ethernet, and select Properties.
- Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
2. Enter Static IP Details:
- Select Use the following IP address and enter the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses provided by your network administrator.
PowerShell offers powerful tools for managing network settings. You can use it to configure network adapters, view network connections, and more.
1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
- Press Windows + S, type `powershell`, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
2. View Network Adapters:
- Use the command `Get-NetAdapter` to list all network adapters.
3. Configure Network Settings:
- You can use various PowerShell cmdlets to configure network settings, such as setting a static IP or disabling/enabling adapters.
Forgetting an Ethernet network on Windows 11 involves more manual steps compared to Wi-Fi networks. However, by understanding how network profiles work and using the methods outlined above, you can effectively manage your Ethernet connections and remove unwanted profiles. Remember to always be cautious when editing system settings or using the Registry Editor.
- To forget a Wi-Fi network, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Click on the network you want to forget and select Forget.
- While the Command Prompt is primarily used for Wi-Fi profiles, you can adjust commands to manage Ethernet settings. However, Ethernet profiles are not typically stored in the same way as Wi-Fi profiles.
- Forgetting a network helps declutter your list of known networks, enhances security by preventing automatic connections to insecure networks, and can resolve connectivity issues.
- Start by checking the Ethernet cable, restarting your router, and disabling/enabling the Ethernet connection in Network Connections.
- Editing the Windows Registry can be risky and should be done with caution. It's recommended only for advanced users who understand the potential risks and consequences.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AXZibn7tcg
[2] https://learn.microsoft.com/zh-cn/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/wireless-network-connectivity-issues-troubleshooting
[3] https://us.informatiweb.net/tutorials/it/windows/windows-11-delete-an-old-network-profile.html
[4] https://www.cnblogs.com/VeniVidiVici/p/17722001.html
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMMty4EDANk
[6] https://learn.microsoft.com/zh-tw/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/wireless-network-connectivity-issues-troubleshooting
[7] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/i-need-to-forget-a-wired-connection-in-windows-10/7b35db16-d41f-4557-9aaa-f7af3d143ba5
[8] https://learn.microsoft.com/zh-tw/troubleshoot/windows-server/active-directory/active-directory-domain-join-troubleshooting-guidance