Cannot turn off 'automatically connect' option on WIFI connections

Anonymous
2013-06-19T04:07:13+00:00

This I think is either really strange or normal.

I have windows 8 on my notebook and an Inter Centrino N-2230 wireless adapter.

Recently, all WIFI connections that appear as available have the 'connect automatically' option checked. I uncheck the box, but they automatically get checked again.  I am sure that previously, all wifi connections had the box unchecked by default.

However this is NOT the case with the one wifi connection I primarily use, ie my home cable connection. I can uncheck the option for this one and it stays unchecked. Bizarre.

I am a bit concerned that if I use my notebook near an unsecured connection, it will automatically connect to this without my knowing resulting in security concerns.

Any idea if this is an issue, and how to resolve it?

Thanks

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2014-03-08T01:36:03+00:00

I assume that all of the trouble machines that are automatically connecting are using Intel PROSet Wireless Tools.  Simple fix.

Goto the Control Panel.  

Type Wireless in the search panel.

If Intel PROSet Wireless Tools is an option click it (if not then you may have another issue)

Under the option Intel Wifi HotSpot Assistant click Settings

Uncheck Automatically Connect to free WiFi Hotspots.  

Click Close 

Your DONE!

Problem Solved Unless you are not using Intel PROSet Wireless Tools.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-02T15:35:28+00:00

    Hello.

    I think that the "use Troubleshooter" suggestion is not very useful. Microsoft should find the solution to this problem as soon as possible. We all need a secure connection for our computers.

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-27T11:01:23+00:00

    Hi,

    1. What happens, when you try to turn off "Automatically Connect?
    2. What is the make and model of the comuter?
    3. Did you refer to the previous responses?

    Run the hardware troubleshooter and check the issue status. Follow the steps:

    a.       Press “Windows key + W”.

    b.      Type “Troubleshooter” in the Search box and hit enter.

    c.       Select “Hardware and Sound” from the Troubleshooter Window.

    d.      Select “Hardware and Devices” under Devices option.

    e.      Follow the On Screen instructions.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-21T09:39:42+00:00

    I am having exactly the same problem. Has anyone heard back from Windows?

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-10T18:15:09+00:00

    I hope I can still join this question? I bought a new laptop with windows 8 two weeks ago and have the same problem. I tried both solutions Abdul R gave. I ran SFC restarted and ran it again. I also created a new useraccount. But these solutions did not make any difference. Automatically connect is always on for the wifi connections. Except maybe for unsecured connections? There was an unsecured network visible a few days ago and that one was not set to automatically connect.

    I understand from this post that this is not normal in Windows 8? I hope it isn't and that you can help me to find a way to switch of automatically connect.

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