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

Anonymous

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. :(

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

2016-09-09T09:58:13+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??

HI ID_GIRL,

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016.

All the best.
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Anonymous

2016-09-09T09:56:16+00:00

I have had this same problem forever. I had it with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and I still have it with Windows 10. It has also lasted through three different computer manufacturers. No one has ever been able to help me resolve this issue. If a resolution is out there please share it with me. *** Email address is removed for privacy ***

Hi Jan,

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016.

All the best.
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Anonymous

2016-09-09T09:55:04+00:00

Gotta love these MS answers. One "MS support engineer" disappears after requesting information (and getting it). The other says "do a virus check" after reading one post and disappears. I'd be better off dialing a random number in India. Why did I even think there would be help on a MS forum?

Hi Jan,

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016.

All the best.
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Anonymous

2016-09-09T09:53:42+00:00

Thanks for starting this thread and to all who've commented. I'm running Windows 10. Never noticed this issue before but now seeing, like many others, that EVERY network in range is set to connect automatically. I can "uncheck" this for each network, great way to waste a couple minutes, but it just goes back to being checked. Another great MS innovation!

I don't want to SEE another network except the one I connect to every day. Right click does nothing, not even for my network. It is utterly amazing to me how something like this, either intentionally or unintentionally, ends up in the MS experience.

On top of this, my network is almost always the last one to display as available. Really!?

MS, please allow us to PERMANENTLY REMOVE ANY NETWORK from the available WiFi list AND an option to set AUTO-CONNECT FOR A SINGLE SSID.

p.s. MS safety scanner results. 40,000+ files scanned, none infected

Hi NHaley,

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016.

All the best.
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Anonymous

2016-09-09T09:50:43+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!

Hi HeySavoy,

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016.

All the best.
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