How to Block or Allow a Wi-Fi Network in Windows - Make Tech Easier

Clicking the network icon on a Windows laptop or PC will show multiple "available" Wi-Fi networks. With too many access points not required, the pop-ups can appear cluttered and you need to scroll to find the network you need. Additionally, some of these networks may be open and unencrypted. This guide lists several options for blocking and allowing Wi-Fi networks in Windows.

Table of contents

• Block Wi-Fi networks in Windows
• 1. Command Prompt (one Wi-Fi network at a time)
• 2. Command Prompt (Batch Wi-Fi Network Blocked)
• 3. Use "Manage known networks"
• Allow Wi-Fi networks
• 1. Command Prompt (one Wi-Fi network at a time)
• 2. Command Prompt (Batch Allowed)
• 3. Undo Forgot Wi-Fi Network

Block Wi-Fi networks in Windows

Windows doesn't offer any options in the Settings app or Control Panel, but you can easily block Wi-Fi networks using one of the following methods.

1. Command Prompt (one Wi-Fi network at a time)

Command Prompt provides a quick solution to remove one or more unwanted Wi-Fi networks. You only need the network name or SSID.

First, search for "Command Prompt" (or "cmd") in the Windows Search menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator .

To identify the SSID you want to block, click the network icon on the taskbar, and then click the Manage Wi-Fi Connections arrow. It will display a list of Wi-Fi connections close to your Windows device.

In the command prompt window, execute the following command to block the Wi-Fi network. Replace "Wi-Fi Network Name" with the actual SSID or network name.

 <code>netsh wlan add filter permission=block ssid="Wi-Fi Network Name" networktype=infrastructure</code>

After executing the command, the Wi-Fi network will be added to the blacklist filter, and you should see a message: "Filters were successfully added on the system." You can add multiple blacklist filters to different SSIDs, and they will be blocked one by one.

When you block a Wi-Fi network, it will no longer appear in the network connection pop-up and you will not be able to connect to it. To verify this, go to Settings -> Networks and Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Show Available Networks . The SSID on the blacklist will no longer be visible.

Tip : When you travel, you may encounter unknown public Wi-Fi networks. If you need to use them, check out our list of notes on using public Wi-Fi networks.

2. Command Prompt (Batch Wi-Fi Network Blocked)

You can remove unwanted Wi-Fi networks at once, not just one by one, allowing only the Wi-Fi networks you plan to use.

Return to the command prompt for elevated permissions and enter the following command. Before pressing Enter , note down the SSID of your Windows device's currently connected; otherwise, it will completely disconnect from the internet.

 <code>netsh wlan add filter permission=denyall networktype=infrastructure</code>

After inserting the "Deny All" command, start adding exceptions to it, starting with the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to. Replace "Wi-Fi SSID" with the SSID name you want to allow. Add multiple exceptions to different rows.

 <code>netsh wlan add filter permission=allow ssid="Wi-Fi SSID" networktype=infrastructure</code>

It's very enjoyable to have a neat Wi-Fi icon on your Windows taskbar. You will no longer be overwhelmed by suspicious Wi-Fi networks.

If you misplaced the batch blacklist without noting the current network SSID, go back to the router dashboard on another device. Or, if you are using a mobile hotspot, check the network name on your Android or iPhone and add the correct SSID name.

It is best to enable the batch "Deny All" setting only when your Windows device is close to a trusted Wi-Fi network such as a home router. If you're traveling with a laptop, it's not very convenient.

Note : You can temporarily disable the Wi-Fi network at any time to avoid unwanted Wi-Fi connection requests.

3. Use "Manage known networks"

As we use multiple Wi-Fi networks, their history is saved on our devices. If these SSIDs are still displayed long after you stop using them, you can permanently delete them from your Windows device.

Go to Settings -> Networks and Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Manage known networks . Click Forgot to remove every Wi-Fi network you don't want to display on your Windows device.

Tip : Does your required Wi-Fi network not display on Windows? Check out these options to make your favorite Wi-Fi network work with your device.

Allow Wi-Fi networks

Just as you can prevent certain Wi-Fi networks from appearing on your Wi-Fi network icon, you can also allow them again. The method is similar to the one above for blocking Wi-Fi networks.

1. Command Prompt (one Wi-Fi network at a time)

To allow a specific Wi-Fi network, delete the entry from the blacklist. Return to the command prompt for elevated permissions, execute the following command, and replace "Wi-Fi Network Name" with the blocked network name.

 <code>netsh wlan delete filter permission=block ssid="Wi-Fi Network Name" networktype=infrastructure</code>

After entering the command, the blocked Wi-Fi SSID should reappear in the network icon on your system tray.

If you don't remember the SSID name, please use the command below. It will list the names of all allowed and blocked Wi-Fi networks.

 <code>netsh wlan show filters</code>

Tip : Learn how to fix the message "Your Wi-Fi network is not secure" on your Windows device.

2. Command Prompt (Batch Allowed)

If you have previously used the "Deny All" command to prevent all Wi-Fi networks from appearing on the Windows Wi-Fi icon display page, you can easily undo it. Simply insert the following "Delete" command in the command prompt for elevated permissions.

 <code>netsh wlan delete filter permission=denyall networktype=infrastructure</code>

This command will remove the "Deny All" filter and allow all Wi-Fi networks as well as the networks you add as exceptions.

Worth knowing : We have answers about why your Wi-Fi network is constantly disconnected on Windows devices.

3. Undo Forgot Wi-Fi Network

To regain a forgotten Wi-Fi network on your Windows device, you usually just need to restart the device and stay close to the deleted SSID. The network should show up again, and you need to enter your password once to save it.

If this doesn't work, reset the entire network. One way is to use ipconfig/flushDNS to refresh your network, which will reconfigure the network stack. This should allow your Windows device to connect to a previously blocked Wi-Fi network.

Blocking Wi-Fi networks is necessary if you do not want other users' networks to interfere with your primary connection. Are you experiencing slow Wi-Fi connection at home? Learn how to get normal internet speeds.

Image source: DALL-E 3. All screenshots are courtesy of Sayak Boral.

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