Most of us have searched our local neighborhood for open WiFi networks at least once.   So, what happens when your Mac choses the open but slower network as your default every time you attempt to access the internet?

Here are the steps you can take to solve your problem:

Delete The Network From the Preferred Networks List

Go to System Preferences by clicking on the Apple symbol in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

System Prefs.png
Then, click on the symbol that says Network.

Network Symbol .png
Choose the Airport screen by clicking on the word Airport on the left-hand side.

Network Screen.png
You will have to click on the lock symbol in the lower left-hand corner of the screen and enter your administrative password to make changes to the networks settings.

Click on the Advanced button.  Remove the offending network, and you’re home free!

Airport Screen.png
But what if the network doesn’t appear on the Preferred Networks list? Make sure you’re able to see all of the networks on the list by clicking on the name of a visible network, and then clicking the down arrow to scroll down the list.  Sometimes the names of networks get hidden and aren’t easy to see and access. If you still can’t find the network, try the following:

Remove The Network From the Plist Files Manually

**Warning**

Performing the following steps will delete all of your saved networks from Airport. It will solve your problem, but it might inconvenience you in the process.

Go into the Home > Library > Preferences > com.apple.airport.preferences folder.  Drag the plist to the trashcan.  A new plist will generate without the offending wireless network.

Plist .png