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

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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
    2014-02-27T20:36:47+00:00

    I am having the same issue.

    I can't believe there is not an update yet to fix this!

    My laptop even connects to networks that have never been used before in spite of having secured familiar networks within range and with better signal.

    This is extremely disappointing.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-08T03:05:01+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

    Greetings,

    Windows 8 by default automatically connects to the previously connected/known Wi-Fi network. Listed below are steps to disable the automatic connection to known Wi-Fi network.

    Step 1: Right click on Wi-Fi icon and select Open Network and Sharing Center menu option.

    ![](http://blogmines.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/image_thumb5.png)

    Step 2: In the Network and Sharing Center window, click the Wi-Fi connection link.

    ![](http://blogmines.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/image_thumb6.png)

    Step 3: This should display the Wi-Fi Status windows as shown below.

    ![](http://blogmines.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/image_thumb7.png)

    Step 4: Now click the Wireless Properties button in W-Fi Status.

    ![](http://blogmines.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/image_thumb8.png)

    Step 5: Un mark the check box with label as Connect automatically when this network in rangeoption available under the Wireless Network Properties window. Click Ok button to confirm and the save the changes.

    Source: http://blogmines.com/blog/2012/12/05/disable-auto-connection-to-wi-fi-network-on-windows-8/

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-23T00:25:43+00:00

    type in an incorrect password for the wifi network you wish to avoid througg the properties tab and your pc will stop trying to connect.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-01-22T20:25:16+00:00

    Please can Microsoft answer this??

    I too have tried all the above solutions and none of them have worked!!  It's absolutely ridiculous that we all have no answer.

    HELP!!

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