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Disable Automatic Wireless Connections in Windows
Stay secure by preventing automatic connections to some networks
By Mary Landesman Mary Landesman Writer Brevard College Mary Landesman is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a security expert. She was named as one of the women to watch in IT security. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 8, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Disable Connections in Win 10 Forget Networks in Win 8 Disable Connections in Win 7 Forget Networks in Win 7 Why Stop Auto Connections? By default, your Windows computer connects to any previously used wireless connection automatically. After you provide credentials and connect to a network one time, Windows connects you to that network the next time Windows detects it. However, if you don't want to connect to a network automatically, either disable automatic connections or forget (remove) a network. Instructions in this article apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. Disable Automatic Connections in Windows 10
When you don't want your computer to connect to your ISP automatically, turn off automatic connections. In Windows 10, you can do this through the Action Center. In the lower-right corner of the screen, select the Action Center icon, then choose All Settings. Select Network & Internet. In Windows 10, go directly to Settings by pressing the Win+I keyboard shortcut or selecting Start > Settings (gear icon). In the left pane, select Wi-Fi. In the Related settings section, select Change adapter options. In the Network Connections dialog box, double-click the relevant Wi-Fi connection. In the Wi-Fi Status dialog box, select Wireless Properties. In the Connection tab, clear the check box for Connect automatically when this network is in range. Click OK to save the setting and close out of the dialog box. Forget Networks in Windows 8
In Windows 8, there's no setting for disabling automatic connections, but you can forget networks, which accomplishes the same thing. Select the Wireless Networking icon in the system tray located in the lower-right corner of the desktop. This icon consists of five bars of increasing size from small to large. Alternatively, activate the Charms utility, then select Settings > Network. Right-click the network's name and select Forget This Network to delete the network's profile. Disable Automatic Connections in Windows 7
In Windows 7, you can disable automatic connections or forget a network to prevent your computer from connecting to Wi-Fi networks you've used before. To disable automatic connections: Select Start, and then choose Control Panel. In the Icon view, select Network and Sharing Center. Or, in the Category view, choose Network and Internet, then select Network and Sharing Center. Select Change Adapter Settings. Right-click the relevant network, then choose Properties. In the Connection Properties dialog box, select the Authentication tab, and clear the check box for Remember my credentials for this connection each time I'm logged on. Forget Networks in Windows 7
Another way to prevent automatic connections in Windows 7 is to forget (remove) the network: Select Start, then choose Control Panel. In the Icon view, select Network and Sharing Center. Or, in the Category view, select Network and Internet, then choose Manage Wireless Networks. Choose the relevant Wi-Fi connection, the select Remove. Reasons to Prevent Automatic Connections
Allowing automatic connections usually makes sense, particularly in your home network. However, you may want to turn off this capability for some networks. For example, networks in coffee shops and public places are frequently unsecured. Unless you have a strong firewall, avoid connecting to public networks because hackers often target public Wi-Fi connections. Another reason to avoid automatic network connections is that your computer might automatically connect you to a weak wireless connection when a stronger one is available. Another option is to disconnect manually from the network. When Windows detects that you have manually disconnected from a network, it prompts you for authentication the next time you connect. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Connecting a PC to a Wireless Home Network How to Find Your Default Gateway IP Address How to Change DNS Servers in Windows How to Disable the Windows Firewall in Windows Share an Internet Connection in Windows How to Install the Client for Microsoft Networks How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11 How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 10 How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi How to Turn Your Windows Laptop Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot Connect to a Wireless Network on Windows How to Enable or Disable Network Connections in Windows How to Find Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 How to Share Internet Access How to Connect to a Server Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies