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Disable connectivity checks

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: MediumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Moderate
    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 6 scripts
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category contains scripts that disable various connectivity checks performed by Windows.

Connectivity checks allow Windows to assess network status and quality. These checks involve communication with Microsoft servers, which may raise privacy concerns. Disabling these checks reduces data sent to Microsoft, potentially enhancing your privacy.

Connectivity checks are considered noise because they constantly generate small amounts of network traffic. Noise in networking refers to excessive data that doesn't help data transmission. This has both security and performance implications.

Connectivity checks can contribute to fingerprinting, as they regularly communicate with specific servers. Fingerprinting in network terms is a way to identify or track a device based on its unique characteristics or behavior. These regular checks can potentially be used to identify or track your device on a network.

Connectivity checks can be seen as a form of homecalling because they involve your device regularly communicating with Microsoft servers. Homecalling is when software automatically sends data back to its creator or a third party, often without the user's explicit knowledge or consent. While the primary purpose of these checks is to ensure network functionality, they also provide Microsoft with information about your device's online status and potentially your location 1. Disabling these checks stops the automatic 'calls home,' enhancing privacy but potentially affecting system functions.

Disabling these checks may enhance privacy by:

  • Reducing data transmission to Microsoft servers
  • Limiting the collection of your IP address and location information 1
  • Decreasing the attack surface for potential vulnerabilities

However, disabling these checks may also lead to several side effects, including:

  • Inaccurate reporting of network status (e.g., showing "no internet" when connected) 2 3
  • Issues with captive portal detection (hotspot) common in public Wi-Fi networks 4 5 6
  • Functionality problems in some Microsoft and third-party applications 1 2 7 8
  • Reduced ability to automatically adapt to different network environments

Consider your privacy needs and the potential impact on system functionality before applying these scripts. Some users may find the privacy benefits outweigh the inconveniences, while others might prefer to keep these checks enabled for smoother network interactions.

Caution

This may lead to:

  • Lack of immediate feedback on network status.
  • Potential functionality issues in the system and applications that rely on NCSI for network information.
  • Reduced ability of Windows and other components to determine internet connectivity.
  • Windows and other software may incorrectly report that you're offline.
  • Issues with automatically opening the sign-in page when a captive portal (hotspot) is detected.
Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

High — Advanced Privacy​

  • For advanced privacy-conscious users
  • May affect some features

Read more about High and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable connectivity checks" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • High​

      Some advanced scripts with high system impact.

    • Maximum​

      Some not recommended scripts with very high system impact.

    Learn more about protection levels

  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable connectivity checks" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Disable connectivity checks
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying High to limit the impact.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 6 Privacy settings

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

The guide below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
Visit category: Disable OS data collection

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable OS data collection See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process