The Public Wi-Fi Danger
In older versions of Windows 10, Microsoft included a feature originally called “Wi-Fi Sense.” This feature was designed to make connecting to the internet seamless by automatically joining open, public Wi-Fi hotspots that other Windows users had previously connected to and “suggested” as reliable. While the social sharing aspect was eventually killed off, the underlying behavior of aggressively connecting to open networks remains.
Connecting automatically to open, unencrypted Wi-Fi networks (like at a cafe or airport) is a massive security risk. Your data is sent in plain text, meaning anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your passwords and private information using a packet sniffer. If you want to ensure your laptop only connects to networks you explicitly trust and click on, you must disable this automatic behavior.
How to Stop Automatic Hotspot Connections
You can turn off these automatic connections in the Windows 10 Wi-Fi settings.
- Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press
Windows Key + I). - Click on Network & Internet.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Wi-Fi.
- Look for a toggle switch labelled Connect to suggested open hotspots.
- Toggle the switch to the Off position.
Note: If you do not see this exact wording, look for “Connect to suggested open hotspots” or “Let Windows manage my Wi-Fi connections.” If the option is missing entirely, your version of Windows 10 has already removed the feature in a newer update.
Once disabled, your computer will only connect to Wi-Fi networks where you have manually typed in the password and explicitly told Windows to “Connect automatically” to that specific, secure network.