Automatic wifi connector

When I do this the result shows only my own network. However, when I click on the network icon in the taskbar, or move my cursor to the right corner and select Settings, then click on the network icon, a list of networks within range appears in a sidebar on the right of the screen.

On this list, I can click on any network name and the option "connect automatically" is always checked, regardless of what I do. I do not have these issues, I am able to connect to my own network without difficulty. Again, my concern is that the list of Networks which appears in the sidebar includes every network within range, and the option to "connect automatically" is selected by default for every network. I would like to know why. Just for fun, I did uninstall and reinstall the latest wireless network driver.

As I suspected this is not the issue. My wireless network driver is working properly. I want to know why the option "connect automatically" is selected for every network within range when I look at the list of networks which appears in the sidebar. On that list I cannot right-click and access the menu choices which include "forget this network" for any network other than my own. Further, I would like to point out that manually identifying and opting out of "connect automatically" for each network that does not belong to me if indeed that is even possible, which it seems that it is not , is both tedious and ignorant of the underlying security risk posed by Windows 8 having the default setting of "connect automatically" chosen by default for all networks within range.

Why do I say this is a security risk? Because even if am able to opt-out of "connect automatically" to all undesired networks which currently appear within range on the network list in the sidebar, that list is constantly changing. I live in a densely populated area and new networks appear and disappear on that list frequently.

Even if I am able to opt-out of "connect automatically" from networks I can currently identify, it does not address the issue of trying to connect automatically to new networks which I have not seen or yet identified.

So far, every network that has been identified within range is password protected. Since I do not have the password for any network other than my own, my computer will not actually be able to connect to any of them, even if it does attempt to connect automatically. However, what happens if a non-password protected network appears within range? It would seem that Windows 8 is going to attempt to "connect automatically" to any network it identifies as being within range, regardless of whether I have ever connected to it in the past.

If someone with malevolent intent wished to exploit a Windows 8 machine, it would appear that they would only need to set-up a non-password protected wi-fi network and lure every Windows 8 machine within range to connect to it. Or perhaps use something like the WiFi Pineapple device to troll for any Windows 8 machine that will connect to it and effect a Man-In-The-Middle attack.

Hopefully you can understand that connecting to an unknown, untrusted network is a bad idea. Windows 8 seems intent to do exactly this by default.

I would request you to provide a screen shot on the issue. You can follow the steps to add an image related to this issue:. Please get back to us with the required information which would help us to troubleshoot the issue better. User's post on August 27, Here are two screenshots showing the right side of my screen and the Network list which appears as a sidebar.

I hope this illustrates the concern I have adequately. I have obfuscated the names of the networks on my list for security reasons.

Again, for every network on that list the box "Connect Automatically" is always checked. I have never actually logged into any of these networks other than my own, they are simply all of the networks within range. The list of networks within range changes frequently. So far, every network I have observed on that list is password protected.

Since I do not have the password for any network other than my own, I understand that I will not successfully connect to them even if Windows 8 attempts to "connect automatically. For assistance with your service, please visit our support center for self-help options or to connect with our customer success team. This blog is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user.

All third party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with CenturyLink. Services not available everywhere. CenturyLink may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. All Rights Reserved. Visit the Discover blog homepage. How to automatically connect devices to WiFi November 11, Open Settings and click on WiFi.

Tap on your desired WiFi network and look for the Auto-Join If the toggle is green, the function has already been turned on. If the toggle is not green, it will be off. Tap Auto-Join to turn the function on.

Once turned on, your device will automatically connect to the chosen WiFi network whenever in range. Open Settings. Tap your desired WiFi network within range. Networks that require a password show a lock symbol next to the network name. After you connect, the network will be saved on your device. When your phone is in range and WiFi is turned on, you will automatically connect to WiFi.

Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising. Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites. Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation.

Details required : characters remaining Cancel Submit 1 person found this reply helpful. Was this reply helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. Yes I had already done everything you said -- forgetting all the networks.

All of the Wifis are password protected so not only does it connect automatically even after I "forgot" it but it asks for a password. I did eventually solve the problem -- but I don't remember how Sorry I didn't report back It was a very frustrating period for me with regard to other matters and I was under a time crunch as well. Also I am not getting the notifications when someone replies to this post. I am not sure why.