"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
    2015-05-18T16:47:28+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for your reply.

    I appreciate your time and patience.

    It is possible that a virus is causing the issue. I would suggest you to run Microsoft safety scanner and check if it helps.

    Refer:

    Microsoft safety scanner

    http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

    Note: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

    I hope it helps.

    Thank you

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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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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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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
    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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  5. Anonymous
    2015-02-21T20:58:25+00:00

    I have the same problem and it began with network troubleshooting when suddently all connections in range were auto connect but THATS NOT the problem. Problem is that connection to internet lasts 5 seconds then no net connection over and over again all time .Troubleshooting identifies the issue as redial problem to multiple wifi net providers or whatever but does not fix.. i even went as far as reverting to factory thingy but surprise surprise -> PROBLEM PERSISTS <- i dont care no more, tried everithing, read everything but the solution is quite simple...

    MICROSOFT= bye bye

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