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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
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.
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.
Can't address the MS 'way', but an earlier post gave a workaround. The core is that you add any network SSIDs you want to allow, to an allow list, then block the rest. It requires use of the cmd line, likely in elevated mode. See: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/45598-wireless-networks-allow-block-filter-windows.html
When you want to see what networks are available, a utility like inSSIDer is useful. There is a free version (Home) available for personal use.
This is a known problem. The only people that don't know are those that don't click on/look at the access points listed, and try to uncheck the "connect automatically" box. Such as most of the "MS Support Engineers" that reply on these forums. All they do is read answers from a script. If they actually knew the OS, they'd tell you that it's NORMAL. Of course, it could be that MS doesn't want them to acknowledge it - it would explain why most of them disappear after trying to answer this question on numerous threads, with cookie cutter answers.
This problem is inherent in Windows 8 and 10. I have not seen a Windows 10 machine that does NOT have this problem.
The checkboxes in the access point list are non-functional and revert to "connect automatically" by default after a few seconds.
All you can do is wait for MS to acknowledge this security issue, or move on to another OS.
This started happening on two of my computers after I installed Windows 10. Perhaps it's only coincidental.
I am certain that most people are not reading your post before responding, which is unfortunate.
I have the same issue. No matter what I have done, my laptop connects to an available open SSID. If I select disconnect, it will, shortly, reconnect.
I have an Asus Q550L running Windows 8.1 with Intel PROSet/Wireless tools. Under Intel WiFi HotSpot Assistant settings, I've deselected 'Enable Intel WiFi HotSpot Assistant'. I have also tired re-enbabling it but unselecting 'Automatically connect to free WiFi hotspost'.
I then uninstalled Intel PROSet and the issue remained.
I finally installed the latest version of Intel PROSet and the issue remains.
Looking forward to a fix.
