Key Points
- Using Registry Editor: Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System, create or modify DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI DWORD value, set to 1 to hide icon, 0 to show..
- Using Command Prompt: Enter reg add “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System” /v DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f (hide) or /d 0 (show), then restart.
- Using PowerShell: Run this code in an elevated PowerShell: Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System” -Name “DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI” -Value 1 (hide) or 0 (show), then restar..
- Using Group Policy Editor: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon, enable “Do not display network selection UI” to hide the icon (or disable to show).
The network icon on the sign-in screen is a standard feature in Windows 11. It allows users to change their network connectivity without signing in. However, handy as the shortcut may be, keeping it visible can be a security risk.
For instance, it may encourage users to switch between networks. They could connect to an unsecured public WiFi, exposing their devices to man-in-the-middle attacks, or unauthorized network access.
Having said that, you must learn how to add or remove this from the log-on screen to prevent users from making unauthorized network changes.
For a quick visual overview, watch our video guide on How to Add or Remove the Network Icon on the Sign-in Screen in Windows 11
Rapildy optimize user experience for one or more endpoints.
How to show or hide the network icon from the Windows 11 sign-in screen
📌 Prerequisites:
- Operating System: The methods we’ll discuss are only applicable to Windows 11 systems.
- Administrator Privileges: Certain methods require administrator rights.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with using system settings, command-line interfaces, and registry editing can be useful when following this guide.
📌 Recommended deployment strategies:
| Click to Choose a Method | 💻 Best for Individual Users | 💻💻💻 Best for Enterprises |
| Method 1: Using Registry Editor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Method 2: Using Command Prompt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Method 3: Using PowerShell | ✓ | |
| Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor | ✓ |
💡 Note: The Settings app does not offer an option to add or remove the network icon from the sign-in screen. You will need to use alternative methods.
Method 1: Hiding the icon using the Registry Editor
📌 Use Case: This method is best used for making quick and simple configurations to the Windows 11 sign-in screen.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
- Right-click on the System key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI.
- Double-click on the DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI and set its value to:
- 0 = show the Network icon.
- 1 = hide the Network icon.
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the registry can cause system instability. Proceed with caution and back up the registry before making changes.
Method 2: Disabling the icon using Command Prompt
📌 Use Case: This method automates the registry modification using the Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Execute the following command:
- To hide the Network icon:
reg add"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
- To show the Network icon:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
Method 3: Modifying the registry using PowerShell
📌 Use Case: This method is ideal for configuring multiple Windows 11 systems.
- Open PowerShell as an administrator
- Execute the following command:
- To hide the Network icon:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" -Name "DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI" -Value 1
- To show the Network icon:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" -Name "DontDisplayNetworkSelectionUI" -Value 0
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
Method 4: Hiding the icon using Group Policy Editor
📌 Use Case: This method is applicable to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon.
- Double-click on the Do not display network selection UI.
- To hide the Network icon:
- Select Enabled, click Apply, then OK.
- To show the Network icon:
- Select Disabled or Not Configured, click Apply, then OK.
- Restart the computer to apply the changes.
Additional notes on removing the Network icon on the sign-in screen
- Hiding the network icon from the login screen enhances security by preventing users from making unauthorized changes to the network settings.
- However, keep in mind that if users need a Microsoft account to sign in, they will not be able to add or select a new Wi-Fi network for the first time if the icon is removed from the sign-in screen.
- Ensure your configurations align with your organization’s policies and user needs.
- Regularly review and audit the login screen settings of your Windows fleet to maintain compliance with organizational policies.
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⚠️ Things to look out for
Keep these pitfalls in mind when following this guide:
| Risks | Potential consequences | Reversal |
| Incorrect registry value | Changes may not take effect | Make sure that the registry value is correctly set and that the system has been restarted. |
| Delayed policy refresh | Group Policy settings may not be applied immediately. | Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt to force a policy update. |
| Wrong command syntax | Can lead to failed execution | Check the syntax of your commands before running them. |
Related topics:
- How to Enable or Disable Sign-in Screen Background Image in Windows 10
- How to Enable or Disable PIN Reset at Sign-in in Windows 10
- How to Change the Display Name of an Account in Windows 11
- How to Reset Network Adapters in Windows 11
Quick-Start Guide
NinjaOne provides scripting capabilities that could help you achieve this goal.
To modify the network icon visibility, you would likely need to:
- Create a custom script targeting the specific registry or system settings that control the network icon display.
- Deploy the script using NinjaOne’s script automation features.
