Unable To Remove Old Wifi Network "names"

The old wifi has been unhooked and I have long since converted over to a more modern setup. The problem is that I cant "forget" the old wifi names (both the 2.4 and 5.0 Ghz versions) on my Win10 machine. Simply put, the option is not there to "forget" in the wireless settings, but are visible to me (and yes, I cant connect to them).

I've tried these processes with no success: https://www.howtogeek.com/246104/how-to-delete-a-saved-wi-fi-network-on-windows-10/

Is there a way I can make these disappear? I'm very versed with forgetting wifi setups after traveling, and keeping the settings clean.

Thanks!

 

Try this.
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/delete-wifi-network-profile-windows
Go to no. 3.

 

Thanks Eldon, I successfully navigated through the regedt32.exe process, found the 2 names needing to be removed, and did perform the delete. Sadly, they still appear on my "Show Available Networks" dialog box, even after a reboot. Simply put they are not there now in regedt.

Separately, I did find many other hotel wifi networks that I have not stayed in those hotels in a half dozen years, and they DONT appear on my "available networks", but are in the regedt listing. I'll address those another day.

Any further thoughts on a next step to remove the 2 names still showing?

 

Start menu > Settings > Network and Internet > Status > Network Reset

Restart the computer.

That resets every network adapter installed on your system.
All old adapters/networks should be removed.
On restart Windows will install the default adapters.
Sign in to your Wifi.

If that doesn't work you might try manually uninstalling them in Device Manager > Network adapters > Right-click > Uninstall.
Restart the computer.
Sign in to your Wifi.

 

Thanks evilfantasy, I was able to work through the process, the restart was automatic, but I am not seeing my wireless network now. Ive tried troubleshooting and get this message.


I also see this for connections

and get this Troubleshooting report


Since I now dont have internet, I could use some help, as I am accessing this through another computer. Thanks!

 

You might try unplugging your router for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. It looks like the wifi adapter is getting a signal so I doubt that is the culprit but you never know.

Try running the network reset again. I've had to do it 2 or 3 times in a row before. You must restart the computer after every reset.

Also try resetting the network manually using netsh winsock reset

Be sure to restart the computer.

 

Ok, we are back up and running on the original computer. The repeated network reset and restart was something I tried on my own early on with the same uneventful results. The router unplugging was new, and with 2 more resets and restarts got me up and running. I'll read up on winsock process and might try that a bit later, now that I can do some work on this device.

Much appreciated again evilfantasy!

 

Glad you got it back online! I'm not sure why but resetting multiple times seems to be a normal process. There must be an unresolved bug in that feature. Or as the old saying goes "it's not a bug it's a feature".

 

I've had a chance today to think about this final step, and I'm going to bet on the safer side, and just live with the ghost wifi names. No harm, no foul at this point so I'll move on.

Thanks again to this forum for the great support!

 

The names are still there? That's odd. I completely understand the desire to remove them but it isn't hurting anything if they stay there.

That said, if you are familiar with the Windows registry they are stored under:

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles

Click each subkey under Profiles
Check the ProfileName value on the right to see if that is the wireless network connection you want to remove
Right-click on the subkey and select Delete
The subkey to delete will be a long string of letters and numbers similar to the image below



It's always suggested to backup the registry before tweaking it. How to Back up or Restore the Windows Registry