Allow Windows to automatically connect to suggested open hotspots, to networks shared by contacts, and to hotspots offering paid services
This `REG_DWORD` value controls the Windows automatic-connection features associated with Wi-Fi Sense.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\wcmsvc\wifinetworkmanager\config\AutoConnectAllowedOEM
This REG_DWORD value controls the Windows automatic-connection features associated with Wi-Fi Sense. These features include:
- automatically connecting to suggested open hotspots known to Windows from crowdsourced network information,
- automatically connecting to Wi-Fi networks that the user’s contacts have shared,
- temporarily connecting to open hotspots to determine whether paid Wi-Fi services are available.
A value of 0 turns off these features and prevents users from enabling them. A value of 1 permits their use. It does not force Windows to make the corresponding connections; users retain control of the associated options.
Notes
Additional effects
On supported Windows versions, allowing connections to networks shared by contacts also enabled users of the device to share networks with their contacts through Wi-Fi Sense. A value of 0 disables this capability as well.
This setting does not disable the Wi-Fi adapter or Wi-Fi connectivity in general. Users can still connect to available networks manually unless another policy restricts that capability.
Security
When the feature is permitted and enabled by the user, Windows can connect to an open network without that network being explicitly selected at the time of connection. Public or open Wi-Fi networks might provide insufficient authentication or encryption, potentially exposing traffic that is not protected by other mechanisms to interception or manipulation.
A value of 0 reduces this exposure by preventing the automatic connections covered by this setting. It does not prevent users from manually selecting a public or open Wi-Fi network.
Possible side effects
With a value of 0, suggested hotspots and networks shared by contacts are no longer available for automatic connection. Windows also does not make temporary connections to open hotspots to detect paid Wi-Fi services offered there.
Notes
Microsoft documents Wi-Fi Sense as unavailable beginning with Windows 10, version 1803, and limits the functional description to Windows 10, version 1709 and earlier. The current Wi-Fi policy reference still lists the policy and registry mapping; on Windows releases without the associated Wi-Fi Sense features, no effect on those removed features should be expected.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Policy CSP – Wifi – AllowAutoConnectToWiFiSenseHotspots
Microsoft Learn: Manage connections from Windows components to Microsoft services – Wi-Fi Sense