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Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • 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 script prevents Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) from performing active connectivity checks.

Active Probing Overview​

NCSI checks internet connectivity by requesting and downloading specific web pages 1 2 3 4 5 6. This process is also known as active probing 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 or active tests 1 2 4 7 11 12.

Active probing checks internet connection by accessing certain URLs:

  • http://www.msftconnecttest.com/connecttest.txt 5 6 7 10 12 13 14.
  • http://www.msftconnecttest.com/redirect 7.
  • http://www.msftncsi.com/ncsi.txt (on earlier versions) 4 7 12 13 15.
  • dns.msftncsi.com 3 4 6 7 15.

Windows conducts these tests by default 1 2 3. They ensure accurate reporting of internet connectivity across the system 1 2 3.

Active probes are triggered in the following situations:

  • General interface or network condition changes 6. E.g., when a wireless connection is established 6.
  • Proxy detection or changes 6.
  • Hotspot detection or changes 6.

Impacts of Disabling Active Probing​

Microsoft recommends keeping these tests enabled due to their crucial role in detecting network status 4 7. Disabling active connectivity tests may lead to:

  • Windows indicating no internet access despite an active connection 4 9 16.
  • The no internet symbol appearing even though there is internet connectivity 8 11 13 17.
  • Applications and system services that rely on NCSI's status reports may malfunction 1 2. For instance, Microsoft Outlook might fail to connect to its server, or Windows updates could fail despite an active internet connection 7.
  • Disabling NCSI tests disrupts the automatic detection of captive portals 4 5 6 17. This feature is common in public Wi-Fi networks, and its absence may inconvenience frequent users of these networks. Without this feature, connecting to these networks may require manual intervention as no popup will appear automatically.

Disabling these tests improves your privacy, by preventing:

  • The operating system from automatically checking connectivity by communicating with Microsoft servers 7 14.
  • Microsoft from collecting your IP addresses and location information through these tests 15.

Disabling these tests can also enhance security:

  • These tests carry a security risk by allowing attackers to hijack DNS and gain access to your computer 14, potentially spreading malware 10.
  • Active probes can interfere with security and privacy software such as VPN 4 6 and firewalls 4, potentially disrupting their functionality.
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.

Technical Details​

This script modifies the following registry settings:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!NoActiveProbe 1 2 7 9 12. This setting affects components like ncsi.dll 18. It requires a computer restart to take effect 12.
  • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet!EnableActiveProbing 3 4 7 9 11 13. This setting affects components like ncsi.dll 18 and WebRuntimeManager.dll 19.

Some sources may suggest modifying HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!EnableActiveProbing registry key. However, this key is undocumented and this script does not modify this undocumented setting.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

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 three ways to apply:

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  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    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
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)" 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 script name: Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  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.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!NoActiveProbe"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator' /v 'NoActiveProbe' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet!EnableActiveProbing"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet' /v 'EnableActiveProbing' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Suggest restarting computer for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'For the changes to fully take effect, please restart your computer.'; $warn =  $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

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Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable connectivity checks 

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.

Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)
Remove "Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI)" app (breaks internet connection status icon)
Block Microsoft connectivity check hosts (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)
Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)
Disable "Network List Service (NLS)" service (breaks connectivity status, network identification, network connection icon, connectivity with some Microsoft apps)

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

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other 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