Windows 7 Automatically Connecting To Unsecured Wireless Networks On Startup

Most of the questions on this topic related to folks connecting to somebody else's wireless network when their own was available and could remedy the situation by going to their connections and unchecking the "connect automatically" box. See this: " Avoid automatically connecting to wireless network on windows 7 " as an example.

In my situation, I've noticed that Win 7 will automatically connect to any unsecured wifi network - even if I have never connected to it in the past. If I am traveling and boot Win 7, it will start and connect to what appears to be the best signaled unsecured network without prompting me for confirmation (note: in the above link, "Naveen" seems to have same problem). Obviously, that is a security concern to me.

Further, when I open "Network and Sharing" and "Manage wireless networks" the network is not displayed (probably because I labelled it a public network). Again, these are new, never connected with before, wireless networks. I always promptly disconnect from them but don't want to have to be on constant guard for an auto connection to a malicious network.

This began about a month ago, as I recall, Win 7 did not behave like this in the past, I didn't monkey with wifi settings, and don't use a 3rd party connection manager. I did have to download some internet security certificates for army website access but I don't think that should mess with network settings.

Any ideas how I can tell Win7 cease automatically connecting to networks or, at least, to prompt me for a confirmation before connecting?

The OP's issue is indeed very frustrating since I get the same problem. I had to spend quite some time to find a solution. I realized that this only started occuring after I updated my Intel drivers. So, try this it worked for me:

If you are using Intel drivers, please go to Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Intel PROSet/Wireless tools (on the bottom left).

Then after the tool launches, click on 'Settings'. Ensure that 'Automatically connect to free wifi hotspots' is unchecked.

You do not need to disable your Wifi or change any other settings

Roaming Agressiveness was my problem.
I followed the instructions in this PDF and it worked perfectly for Windows 8.

From PDF:

How to Lower Roaming Aggressiveness Using Windows XP

1. Right-click the wireless icon in the system tray (lower right); select Open Network Connections
2. Right-click your Wireless Network Connection;
   select Properties
3. Click the Configure button
4. Go to the Advanced Properties (depending on your driver or wireless card, this may be on an Advanced tab)
5. In the Properties field, select Roaming Aggressiveness or Roaming Tendency
6. In the Value area, select the lowest possible setting
7. Click OK to save changes

NOTE: If your card does not have this option you may need to update your drivers. Visit the Web site of your computer or wireless card manufacturer for the latest drivers.

You can see a list of available wireless networks, and then connect to one of those networks, no matter where you are. The wireless networks appear only if your computer has a wireless network adapter and driver installed and the adapter is enabled.

If you want Windows to request permission prior to attempting to connect to a wireless access point, you may turn-off Wireless connection on the laptop.

You may have a switch on the laptop to turn-off the same. Turning off wireless is specific to laptop model.

You could follow the links below to configure your preferred networks.

How do I prevent my computer from switching between two preferred networks?

View your preferred wireless networks

How do I prevent my computer from switching between wireless access points?

OR

Auto Enable/Disable Wireless Network Connection In Windows 7, Vista, XP