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
    2015-10-07T19:20:53+00:00

    i know right!? i cant believe no one has a solution to this, maybe i should forward it to someone up the chain in the business. its not a big deal but it is a glitch that shouldve been fixed forever ago, and i get an email anytime someone replies and a lot of people have had this pr9oblem

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-10-07T13:53:39+00:00

    Same problem here.  No one seems to have a solution.  Very frustrating.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-10-02T21:10:54+00:00

    I have "upgraded" to WIN10, and STILL have the same problem. My computer wants to connect to an unsecured router down the street. I cannot turn off automatically connect. It just keeps coming back!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-06-24T01:28:21+00:00

    I'm having the same issues as listed throughout this thread. I do have the Intel ProSet, but oddly enough, have no options at all (it's not that they are greyed out).

    When the Intel window opens, there is a small box in the middle of the window. The header says "Administer" and inside the box is only one option - an "Import" button next to the words "Import wireless profiles".

    There are no options, no check boxes, nothing about Wireless Asisstant, etc.

    I also see every WiFi netowkr with the checkbox checked to automatically connect. I am less worried about that - it could be that Windows defaults to having it on but only actually embeds that preference once you've connected for the first time. For example, if you unchecked and THEN connected, would that help? I haven't wanted to test that for all the main reasons we're talking about - I don't know the network.

    My bigger concern is the underlying problem, that I will randomly connect to networks I don't know. It doesn't happen everywhere (or even at home anymore), so that's why I don't think the issue is directly related to the "Connect Automatically" checkbox...it seems to be an underlying and not totally consistent issue with actually latching on to networks.

    I am shocked this hasn't been addressed. I am running a brand new (2 weeks) Lenovo X1 Carbon 3rd generation.

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