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
    2015-10-09T12:51:35+00:00

    This started happening on two of my computers after I installed Windows 10.  Perhaps it's only coincidental.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-10-14T19:36:26+00:00

    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.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-10-19T17:25:55+00:00

    Me, too

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-12-21T11:02:03+00:00

    this is still a problem, and its almost as big a problem as all the 'microsoft support' who, I totally agree, come along without fully understanding the very easy to understand OP and provide annoying and time-wasting cookie-cutter fixes, which just cloud and complicate matters considerably.

    I have never been on a forum with such an avalanche of useless answers!

    Mostly it seems its only the people asking the questions that seem to know what they're on about!

    MS don't get involved, and these 'engineers'.. well....

    Its a strategy by MS, to cause bluster and force an image of being magnanimous all at the same time.

    its not restricted to Windows 8, its on windows 7, and 10, and its part of an MS update.

    user control is being completely undermined and taken my MS.

    Dumb terminals, but far from dumb operators

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