"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
    2013-08-23T22:28:18+00:00

    Hi,

    I can certainly understand the inconvenience which you are facing at the moment. We will work together and try to resolve the issue.

    Please assist me with few more information related to this issue:

    1)      What is the Model of the HP laptop?

    2)      Did you make any changes to the wireless network settings prior to this issue?

    This could be an issue with network settings or the drivers for the wireless network installed on the computer.

    I would like to inform you that when you connect to a new wireless network, it’s added to the list, and Windows will connect to that network while it’s in range. If you connect to another wireless network while in range of the first network, Windows will prefer the second network over the first one.

    You can refer to the link look for the settings and to manage wireless network profiles:

    Refer the section “Delete a profile within range”

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

    From the same link, you can also use the option to delete the profile network using “Forget this network” option, if the network is within the range.

    If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to follow the methods and check if it helps:

    Method 1:

    You can refer to the link and follow the steps from the link to troubleshoot the issue:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows/network-connection-problem-help#network-problems=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1&v4h=winxptab1

    If the issue still persists, move to the next method.

    Method 2:

    Check if you have installed the latest wireless network driver. To do so, you can refer to the HP website and look for the latest version of network driver for the model which you are using. If the drivers are already up-to-date, let’s uninstall and reinstall the driver and check if it resolves the issue.

    Follow the steps to uninstall and reinstall the latest version of the network adapter driver:

    Note: Please make sure that you download the latest version of the drivers from the manufacturer website.

    a)            Press Windows and X key on the desktop screen.

    b)            Click on Device Manager.

    c)            Locate the Network adapter and expand the driver icon.

    d)            Right click on the wireless driver icon and click on Uninstall.

    e)            Follow the onscreen instructions to uninstall the driver.

    f)             Open the folder which contains the setup file of the latest driver that you have downloaded or already present on the computer.

    g)            Double click on the setup file and follow the onscreen instructions to install the network adapter driver.

    Please get back to us with the status of this issue. We will be happy to assist you ahead.

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