All WiFi networks in range are Connect Automatically.

maxima

New Member
Messages
7
I read bunch of articles on how to remove a Wifi profile.. However I have problem with networks which aren't in profiles (I only have 1 profile and its my home network)..

I have currently 7 networks when I click on the Wifi icon in the task bar. they are from people living around me I guess. They all have "Connect Automatically" checkbox ticked. If I untick it - it goes back once I move my mouse away.

I cant right-click on it and there is no other options. And as I already said - these aren't in the Wifi profile which you can manipulate through netsh.

Windows 8.1 Pro with all latest updates..

I am pretty sure I saw other people complains about the same issue without much of the results..

Any ideas how to uncheck Connect Automatically for ever and ever?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
Unless you have the security passphrase, you are not going to connect to any of those Access Points. All it is showing is available Wifi Access Points that are available to connect to.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
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    LCD
    Screen Resolution
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    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
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    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
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    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I am sorry but this is not a prompt for discussion. I would like to have answer on my question. I do not want to have these checkboxes set for ever. this is obviously a bug and a serious one (unless there is a cure for it).

and if you'd like to discuss it (in other thread I hope) - not all networks have passwords. 2 out of 7 are free BT UK networks which are open. And I connect to them believe or not, every time my router restarted and/or wifi connection is dropped.

Thanks in advance for not promoting your points of view any further and answers to the original question are very welcome.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
Again all the OS is doing is showing you any available networks that you can connect to. Think of it like standing in the middle of the street and all of the houses around you have doors that you may or may not have the key to.

If you drop your wifi connection, yes your computer will seek out the next potential Wifi connection, but without the key, you cannot connect.

I do not know how to make it any simpler than my previous reply and this one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Bro23 is correct!

Your PC is not connecting automatically to those other networks otherwise there would not be the option to CONNECT cause it would already be connected. If you were to select CONNECT the PC will start the process and ask for the sign-in key for that network and because the Connect Automatically Box is checked by default that Network would then be your default or primary network until you select another network to serve that purpose. You could uncheck the Auto box the then select CONNECT and your PC will attempt to connect on a one-time basis. The Auto boxes are preselected so-to-speak and I doubt it that can be altered but the overall operation is not approved by the user until the CONNECT selection is made.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 64, LT -Windows 10 Home 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 500-075 Desktop + HP 15-f018dx Laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2 GHz Quad Core/ LT - i3-4030U 1.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxcon Joshua-H61-uATX
    Memory
    8 GB/ LT - 6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (DX10.1)
    Sound Card
    Integrated IDT 92HD73E
    Hard Drives
    1T HDD, 16G Sandisk Cache Drive, 2T Seagate 3.0 External
    Keyboard
    Wireless
    Mouse
    Wireless
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    CyberPower UPS, Macrium Backup, Revo Pro, Malwarebytes Premium
My first foray into networks, on Windows 8, I noticed the "Connect automatically" was ticked. Without delay, I unticked every network available. They stayed unticked. Of course, until I clicked "Connect" and entered the password, the computer can't and won't make the attempt.

Still, I don't know why the "Connect automatically" box is reticked on its own. If it was me, I would be half-paranoid, thinking my PC has been co-opted, with easy access through one of the networks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
My first foray into networks, on Windows 8, I noticed the "Connect automatically" was ticked. Without delay, I unticked every network available. They stayed unticked. Of course, until I clicked "Connect" and entered the password, the computer can't and won't make the attempt.

Still, I don't know why the "Connect automatically" box is reticked on its own. If it was me, I would be half-paranoid, thinking my PC has been co-opted, with easy access through one of the networks.

I do think it strange that the auto connect box is already selected. That selection should be user initiated only but what do you do?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 64, LT -Windows 10 Home 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 500-075 Desktop + HP 15-f018dx Laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2 GHz Quad Core/ LT - i3-4030U 1.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxcon Joshua-H61-uATX
    Memory
    8 GB/ LT - 6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (DX10.1)
    Sound Card
    Integrated IDT 92HD73E
    Hard Drives
    1T HDD, 16G Sandisk Cache Drive, 2T Seagate 3.0 External
    Keyboard
    Wireless
    Mouse
    Wireless
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    CyberPower UPS, Macrium Backup, Revo Pro, Malwarebytes Premium
It is coded into Windows, to make it pretty much dummy proof. A lot of people would be complaining that their computers are not automatically connecting to the network, if that radio button was made to always be unchecked.

You can go into the wifi properties for the card and choose to not search for new networks while and while not connected. There is also a registry edit that goes along with it, but do not remember the exact key off hand. It is under the Local_User section in Network.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I am going to ignore remarks on "how it is not a big deal if you accidentally connect to another network" as I already asked to give it a rest - I am not interested (with or without password - don't care, please discuss this if you like in a separate thread, thanks).

what you all are missing so far - the bunch of networks I have in the list right now - I cannot untick the auto connect checkbox. I untick, select another one, go back - its ticked again..

any thoughts on this particular problem?

EDIT: the problem apparently is even worse (I just played with it for a sec and found why it was giving me such a headache).

as I said I have several networks in the list. I was connected to my home network.

1. I clicked on another one (secured and auto-connect - the one I cant untick). I got password prompt.
2. clicked cancel
3. I was disconnected from my home network and then I connected to unknown unsecured network (no password)

The problem here is that this unsecured network did not have auto-connect ticked at all.

So to summarize:

1. there are networks in Windows 8.1 which have auto-connect on forever (despite user intervention)
2. there are networks to which Windows 8.1 connect you without your consent even if auto-connect
off

how about that?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
We are not the ones missing anything. You just are not listening to what we have stated. At this point this subject is now closed for any further discussion, due to you will not take the answers we have already given you, which are Networking 101.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Also to add, Windows looks at unsecured wifi networks as "Public" not Private networks, because there is no Passphrase needed to connect to them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint 17.2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite C850D-st3nx1
    CPU
    AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon (tm) HD Graphics 1.40 GHZ
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon™ HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M500 240GB SSD
    Mouse
    Logitech M525
    Internet Speed
    45/6 - ATT U-Verse
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    None needed. It is Linux.
    Other Info
    Arris NVG589 Gateway; Router - Cisco RV320; Switch - Netgear GS108 8-Port Switch & Trendnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Switch; Access Points - Engenius ECB350, Trendnet TEW-638APB; NAS - Lenovo ix2-4; Printer - Brother HL-2280DW; Air Print Server - Lantronix XPrintServer

    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
I didnt ask for Networking 101. I worked as network engineer full time for 4 yrs so please keep your advice for your self. I asked politely few times already.

The question still stands - how to avoid Auto-Connect checkbox to be ticked forever. why Windows 8.1 connect me automatically to networks which have Auto-Connect unchecked and these networks arent in the Wifi profiles list.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
maxima,

Your PC network is NOT going to automatically connect to any network without the your consent unless it has been instructed to do so by you or another operator either during the current secession or a previous secession. Since you obviously do not want to accept the explanations from me or from those that are more knowledgeable than I am may I suggest you address your concerns with Microsoft Windows Support. Being a Network Engineer as you say you should be able to fluently discuss your concerns in a very detailed fashion. Go directly to the source.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 64, LT -Windows 10 Home 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 500-075 Desktop + HP 15-f018dx Laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2 GHz Quad Core/ LT - i3-4030U 1.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxcon Joshua-H61-uATX
    Memory
    8 GB/ LT - 6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (DX10.1)
    Sound Card
    Integrated IDT 92HD73E
    Hard Drives
    1T HDD, 16G Sandisk Cache Drive, 2T Seagate 3.0 External
    Keyboard
    Wireless
    Mouse
    Wireless
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    CyberPower UPS, Macrium Backup, Revo Pro, Malwarebytes Premium
That check-mark, that check-mark........it's driving me crazy!

Crazy Face.jpg

Seriously though, I have dual-band, a 2.4 and 5GHz band. I connect automatically to the 5GHz. However if I look the box for the 2.4 is also checked. If I un-tick it, it comes back. But I still connect automatically to the 5GHz band, amazing!
I agree, you should bring it up to Microsoft if it is that big of an issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
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