"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
    2016-09-09T09:39:21+00:00

    I have also been having this issue since upgrading to Windows 8.1 Pro

    I have an Intel Centrino 6205 Wifi Card in a Lenovo X1 Carbon

    All networks are shown as connect automatically, so I go into coffee shops and it just starts connecting to the unsecured WiFi networks there !!

    I have removed all the wifi profiles from the command line using netsh and it still auto connects and still has a tick next to all the wireless networks to connect automatically.

    I hope Microsoft are aware of this as it is most annoying and quite a big bug.

    I can't say I noticed it until I upgraded to 8.1 Pro (via Windows Store)

    Hi DangerMouse, 

    Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016. 

    All the best.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-09T09:37:46+00:00

    I have exactly the same PROBLEM........HOW DO YOU STOP EVERY NETWORK WITHIN RANGE FROM HAVING CONNECT AUTOMATICALLY CHECKED.  I will add that this was not always like this...when we bought the computer in May the only Connect Automatically that was checked was the one we checked. This started with one of the Microsoft updates within the last 2 weeks. It is a real pain when the network you're working from drops out and all of a sudden you're connected to a different network.  Quite frankly this sucks and should be taken care of.

    Hi Frank, 

    Please see my reply to Loreto dated (09.09.2016) to fix this issue for you. 

    All the best.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-09T09:34:57+00:00

    So is this where we left off....No Solution? I have Windows 7 with same issue. I thinks the whole world does.

    Hi JB, 

    Please see my latest reply (09.09.2016) to Loreto to fix this issue for you. 

    All the best.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-08-26T22:55:16+00:00

    So is this where we left off....No Solution? I have Windows 7 with same issue. I thinks the whole world does.

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-10-15T14:41:07+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. ******@msn.com

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