Why do I need to restart Mac to connect to wifi?

k-hazlewood wrote:

When switching to new wifi source, or upon returning to previously used one, Mac will not connect unless I restart. Why?

Old issue, new issue, what changed?

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/Anti-Virus/VPN

If you upgraded your macOS hace you reboot more than once since the upgrade...

Have you tried a Safeboot to both clear cache files and disable third party interference as a test environment...

Are you allowing the Mac to remember past connections?

Manage the Wi-Fi connection on your Mac - Apple Support

Connect to the internet with your Mac - Apple Support

If your Mac doesn't connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi

if no resolve to trouble shoot further

Test issue in another user (or guest user) account

 https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-up-other-users-on-your-mac-mtusr001/mac

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account.