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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

90+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

90 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-14T17:55:30+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

    No matter how I uncheck "Connect Automatically" to other WiFi accounts my PC (Windows 8.1) still tries to connect to the detected WiFi accounts and I cannot change my account to "Connect Automatically" and all accounts, which automatically show :checked" continue to be checked so my PC searches them all for a connection before mine. Attempts to uncheck the other accounts just fail. Help! A Windows bug or am I missing something that should be obvious?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-11-10T12:15:05+00:00

    I decided to give OPTION #1 a go. All other SSID's disappeared from the list.  I've since rebooted and it still appears to have held. I no longer see any SSID's listed except my own.  So, provided you are comfortable using the Command Line .....................

    Gears

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-11-10T11:45:45+00:00

    Sad to see this thread still alive after all this time.  But then it is MS.  So, not entirely shocking. :(

    I'm wondering if anyone tried OPTION #1 on this pageyou suggested.  It sounds like much less work and you wouldn't need to update it unless you added SSID's of your own later.

    I'm leery of being the guinea pig on this. :)

    Like everyone else, I have been experiencing annoying wireless issues for some time now.  I've only just noticed the checkbox on all my neighbours networks. It never used to be this way and I have no idea when it started.

    Gears

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-11-07T04:19:21+00:00

    I'm still having the same problems as before--every wifi network except my own being checked as automatically connect no matter what I do--along with a myriad of incredibly frustrating connectivity issues which I believe are probably related.

    Still waiting on a response from Microsoft.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments