How to Enable or Disable Networks UI on Sign in Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
InformationBy default in Windows 8, all users are able to click/tap on the network icon at the bottom left corner of all logon or sign in screens to have access to the modern Networks UI. The Networks UI allows any user to disconnect the PC from the network or connect the PC to other available networks without having to sign in to Windows.
While that can be useful to some, it could be a security concern for others.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable displaying the network selection UI on the sign in screen for all users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
While that can be useful to some, it could be a security concern for others.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable displaying the network selection UI on the sign in screen for all users in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: "Networks UI" for Wired and Wireless Connections
OPTION ONE
Enable or Disable Networks UI on Sign in Screen using a REG File
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Enable Networks UI on Sign in Screen
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Display_Network_Selection_UI_on_Sign-in.reg
3. To Disable Networks UI on Sign in Screen
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Don't_Display_Network_Selection_UI_on_Sign-in.reg
4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
OPTION TWO
Enable or Disable Networks UI on Sign in Screen in Group Policy
NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8/RT/8.1 Pro and Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise editions.
1. From your Start screen, start typing gpedit.msc, and press Enter when finished.
NOTE: You could also press :winkey:+R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and click/tap on OK.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.
3. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, and open Logon. (see screenshot below)
4. In the right pane of Logon, double click/tap on Do not display network selection UI. (see screenshot above)
5. Do step 6 or 7 below for what you would like to do.
6. To Enable Networks UI on Sign in Screen
A) Select (dot) Disabled or Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below step 7A)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
7. To Disable Networks UI on Sign in Screen
A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)
8. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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