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
    2013-06-19T19:10:02+00:00

    Hi,

    Have you made any changes prior to the issue?

    You may try the following and let us know.

    a. Click Windows key + X.

    b. Click Control Panel. In the search box, type wireless, and then click Manage wireless networks.

    c. Right-click the network profile you want to modify, and then click Properties.

    d. Click the Connection tab, clear the Connect to a more preferred network if available check box, and then click OK.

    For reference: How do I prevent my computer from switching between two preferred networks?

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows7/How-do-I-prevent-my-computer-from-switching-between-two-preferred-networks

    How do I prevent my computer from switching between wireless access points

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows7/How-do-I-prevent-my-computer-from-switching-between-wireless-access-points

    Please post back if you are still experiencing the issue. I will be glad to provide you with the additional options available that you can utilize to get the issue resolved.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-06-19T22:54:46+00:00

    Hi Abdul

    Thanks for the reply, but as per my OP I have Windows 8 not Windows 7, so the 'manage wireless networks' option is not available.

    I could not find the "Connect to a more preferred network if available check box" in Windows 8.

    Please let me know if any other way to resolve this.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-06-20T17:56:35+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for the reply.

    I would have you refer to the below article.

    Manage wireless network profiles

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/manage-wireless-network-profiles

    Hope this information helps you. If you need further assistance on this please do reply with all the additional information about your computer and the issue.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-06-20T22:52:11+00:00

    Hi Abdul

    Thanks again. No that article doesn't address the issue.

    1. It doesn't talk about where all networks have 'automatically connect' checked, so the issue still exists when I come into range of a free unsecured network that I've never been in range of before (for example when I travel overseas).
    2. Even disconnecting from a network does not uncheck the 'connect automatically' box.
    3. Not really related to the issue, but right clicking on a network in the networks box (the list that appears when clicking the networks icon in the system tray) doesn't give me a menu, it does nothing. Left clicking similarly only gives me two options, to connect or to uncheck 'automatically connect' box (which as discussed doesn't work), so there is no 'forget network' option.

    Computer Information:

    Model: Toshiba z930/11

    Wireless adapter: Intel Centrino n2230

    O/s: Win 8 64bit

    NOTE: Seems not an isolated case, have found other instances while searching the web. For instance:http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/29/windows-8-help/4236751/turning-off-auto-wifi-connect/

    Cdchi1

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