The Security Risk
Windows 11 prioritizes connectivity above almost everything else. By default, if your laptop detects a completely open, unsecured Wi-Fi network (like those often found in coffee shops, airports, or hotels that don’t even require a splash page), it may attempt to connect to it automatically to provide you with internet access. While convenient if you are desperate for a connection, this is a massive security risk. Open networks transmit all your unencrypted data in plain text, making it trivial for anyone nearby to intercept your browsing history, passwords, and sensitive files if you are not actively using a VPN.
Enforcing Intentional Connections
To protect your privacy and stop Windows 11 from automatically connecting to open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks without your explicit permission, you must disable the auto-connect feature globally in your network settings.
Press the Windows Key and click the gear icon to open Settings. In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Network & internet. On the right side, click on the primary Wi-Fi section. Look for a setting labelled Manage known networks and click it. You will see a list of every network you have ever connected to. You must go through this list. If you see a coffee shop or airport network listed, click on it, and ensure the checkbox for Connect automatically when in range is strictly unchecked (or completely click “Forget” to remove it entirely). Furthermore, to prevent Windows from finding new open networks and trying to use them, go back one screen to the main Wi-Fi settings page, look for the option Connect to suggested open hotspots, and ensure the toggle switch is completely turned Off.