"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
    2016-10-05T20:09:29+00:00

    Hi, I do have this same problem....started a few weeks ago I guess after I had updates....I have not changed anything myself anywhere...the last week or so I have been getting disconnected  from my wifi many times a day and that is when I noticed this connect to everyone automatically  was checked....I have no idea how to change that...unchecking the boxes does not help...

    Thanks, Anne

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-10-05T20:03:43+00:00

    I too have this same problem...it happened within the last month..I've had a few updates. I can't find a way to get rid of this and I keep getting kicked off line many times a day...thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-04-07T14:22:21+00:00

    Hello Saucier,

    Thank you for your response.

    I appreciate your efforts towards resolving the issue.

    I would suggest you to check the issue in a new user account.

    Refer this article:

    Create a user account

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-8

    I hope this information helps.

    Thank you

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-07-20T09:06:46+00:00

    I have exactly the same problem of all of you guys does window is coming out with any solution at all?

    My pc was working, now it really struggles to connect to the chosen Wi-Fi...

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-09-13T21:19:51+00:00

    No response? Does anyone have any suggestions?

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