"Connect Automatically" box is checked for all the networks in range

Anonymous
2013-08-23T03:59:16+00:00

Original Title: Why can't I prevent Windows 8 from automatically trying to connect to ALL networks in range?

I just purchased a new HP laptop with Windows 8, and this is my 1st experience with Win 8.

I have noticed that when I view the Network List of all networks within range, all of them have the "Connect Automatically" box ticked. I only wish to attempt to connect automatically to my own network. If I un-tick this box for all other networks it makes no difference -- when I look at it again, the box is ticked.

After researching this on the internet I found some advice which suggested right-clicking on the name of the network and selecting "Forget this network" from the menu that pops up. However, right-clicking on the name of any network other than my own does nothing -- no menu appears. If I right-click on the name of my own network this menu DOES appear ("Show estimated usage, Set as metered connection, Forget this network," etc.)

I have read a similar question posted here, as well as the answers given. It did not help. Stopping and starting the WLAN Autoconfig Services makes no difference:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_8-networking/networks-pane-the-connect-automatically-checkbox/ae5c77fb-1234-4d5b-bf77-628f8b902a7d

It does not appear to me that this person got his/her question resolved adequately, and it seems I have the same concern.

Why is Win 8 configured to connect automatically to ALL networks on the list of available networks, and why am I unable to un-check the "Connect Automatically" box for networks I do not wish to automatically try to connect to? To clarify, I can un-check the box, but the change does not persist; if I move my mouse away from that network name, and then click on it again, "Connect Automatically" is checked again, regardless of the fact that I have just un-checked it.

And why can't I right-click on networks other than my own to access the menu choices which include "forget this network?"

I am a VERY frustrated Windows 8 user. I am about to wipe this stupid hard drive clean and install Linux instead. :(

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-08-14T19:35:33+00:00

    THANK YOU SO MUCH to Very Frustrated NEW Windows 8 userfor explaining in exact detail what I too find to be VERY FRUSTRATING.  This user could not have been more specific with the problem. And now its affecting my other wireless products (Smart TV) because its constantly trying to auto connect with all of these different users in my area.  Come on Microsoft ... It shouldn't be this complicated. And honestly the replies received from the experts were of no help. Ya might have a virus! REALLY??? That's as good as you can do. It needs to be fixed. PLEASE!

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-05-18T16:33:12+00:00

    I too have seen this on my Windows 7 machine. It did not notice this until recently, perhaps the last month or so or perhaps longer. I noticed that my wireless connection at home was unstable and slow. It was only after a little bit I had the time to try to figure it out. I probably first noticed the "Connect Automatically" boxes being checked and not being able to be un-checked during the last month.

    Could this be a virus??

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-03-28T22:38:47+00:00

    I feel your anguish..i too new hp laptop and have tried all to delete auto connect i uncheck got to next ..uncheck...go back to previous and there it is checked again..my machine has not automatically connected to any though...still a connect button that must be keyed to connect...but just having that auto connect box checked doesnt make me feel ok...and cannot forget this network...only ones i have secured...hopefully the bug is fixed soon...

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-07-14T19:21:28+00:00

    I just posted a question about this too, I have the exact same problem on my Samsung laptop. I called Microsoft and they gave me a hard time and didn't help at all, so apparently they don't want to fix this problem for anyone.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-11-28T23:04:40+00:00

    I have a similar problem.  Mine will try to connect to any open (unsecured) network, especially the default "dlink, linksys, etc.) ones.

    This is incredibly insecure and very frustrating.

    I am running the latest version of Windows 8.1 with all updates installed as of 11/28/2014, and even though "connect automatically" is not checked, they still try to connect to those networks before connecting to mine.  They are not in the list of known networks, so it doesn't make any sense.

    I have a Samsung Series 7 Chronos computer that I think is almost two years old.

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