How to Stop Windows 11 from Automatically Joining Risky Wi-Fi Hotspots?

Why Does My Windows 11 PC Keep Connecting to Dangerous Wi-Fi Networks?

I've seen countless users struggle with Windows 11 connecting to networks they never wanted to join. Your computer might be putting you at risk right now. Let me walk you through exactly how to take control.

The Hidden Danger in Your Wi-Fi Settings

Your Windows 11 computer remembers every network you've ever connected to. It stores passwords. It watches for these networks constantly. When it finds one, it connects without asking you first.

This creates problems. Big ones.

Your PC might connect to a coffee shop network when you're just walking by. It could join your neighbor's unsecured network instead of your own. Worse yet, it might connect to a fake network set up by someone with bad intentions.

Method 1: Stop One Network from Auto-Connecting

Sometimes you want to keep a network saved but stop the automatic connection. Here's how I do it:

1. Press Windows + I together
2. This opens Settings instantly
3. Click "Network & Internet" on the left side
4. Then click "Wi-Fi"
5. Look for "Manage known networks"
6. Click it to see all saved networks
7. Find the network that keeps connecting
8. Click on its name
9. Look for "Connect automatically when in range"
10. Toggle this switch to OFF
11. The network stays saved but won't auto-connect

This method works great when you want to keep the network for manual use later.

Method 2: Completely Remove a Network

Sometimes you need to delete a network entirely. This removes all traces of it from your computer:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks
3. Find the network you want gone
4. Click "Forget" next to its name
5. It disappears completely

After this, Windows won't remember the network exists. You'll need to enter the password again if you ever want to reconnect.

Method 3: Block Open Hotspot Connections

Public Wi-Fi networks pose the biggest security threat. Here's how to stop Windows from joining them:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
2. Look for "Connect to suggested open hotspots"
3. Or "Connect to open networks"
4. Turn this setting OFF

Some Windows 11 versions don't show this option. Microsoft removed it in newer builds because they realized how dangerous automatic hotspot connections can be.

Advanced Protection Strategies

Check Third-Party Software

Many computers come with extra wireless software. Intel PROSet is common. These programs can override Windows settings. Check them too:

• Open your wireless management software
• Look for auto-connect options
• Turn them off

Regular Network Cleanup

I recommend cleaning your saved networks monthly:

Home users: Remove old networks from places you don't visit

Work computers: Delete personal networks

Public computers: Clear all saved networks regularly

Restart After Changes

Windows sometimes needs a restart to apply network changes properly. Restart your computer after making these adjustments.

Why This Matters for Your Security

• Auto-connecting to Wi-Fi networks creates several risks:
• Data theft: Criminals set up fake networks with familiar names
• Privacy loss: Your browsing gets monitored on unsecured networks
• Malware infections: Bad networks can push harmful software to your device
• Identity theft: Login credentials can be stolen over unsecured connections

What Happens Next

After following these steps, your computer will ask before connecting to networks. You'll choose which networks to join. This takes an extra second but protects your data and privacy.

Your Windows 11 computer will still remember your home and work networks if you want it to. But it won't jump onto random networks without permission.

Taking control of your Wi-Fi connections is one of the smartest security moves you can make. Your future self will thank you for the extra protection.