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
    2013-10-29T22:31:30+00:00

    Hi Guys,

    Is there still no feedback from Microsoft on this one ?

    I'm getting it on my laptop too.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-29T06:12:45+00:00

    I don't think it is an answer for all the problems written in this post, but I found very usefull information in the Dutch MS forum:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/forum/windows\_8-networking/wireless-netwerken-verwijderen/9f98100a-211d-4df2-8d27-8f0e52842877?rtAction=1383024914145

    It appears that although connect automatically is always on, it will not  automatically connect to a network if you don't ever self once already have connected to that network. If you have connected to a network, you can undo this again, by right clicking on the network and choosing not remembered. So basically,  autoconnect means nothing, it's about whether it's a "remember" network.

    I hope I used the right English terms.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-27T14:47:06+00:00

    Seriously, am so fed-up right now. This issue is also causing problems with compatability with my router also as I cannot even connect to the internet anymore. It has all wireless networks set to connect automatically, I have tried every suggestion out there and there is absolutely nothing NOTHING sweet FA from Microsoft as to how to address this. Get your act together!!!

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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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