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Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script stops passive connectivity checks on your Windows device.

Passive connectivity tests are also known as Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) 1 or passive polling 1 2 3 4. It tracks the network activity of applications on your computer 1 3. This feature is turned on by default 1. These tests run every 15 seconds by default 5 6. They use information from received data, such as recently sent or received packets and their Time To Live (TTL) values, to determine network status 7.

When NCSI fails to check internet connectivity, it opens the MSN Portal in your default browser 1. This involves making an HTTP connection to http://www.msftconnecttest.com/redirect and then to the MSN Portal 1. This method may expose your activities to Microsoft, bypass local network rules, and leak network configuration details, posing privacy and security risks. It may also inadvertently load external content or scripts from the MSN Portal, introducing vulnerabilities or tracking mechanisms. Malicious actors may exploit this behavior to detect active internet connections or trigger specific network activities, compromising your privacy and security.

Disabling passive polling enhances privacy by reducing continuous network monitoring. It may also improve system performance by decreasing background network activity. Disabling passive connectivity tests prevents Windows from automatically connecting to Microsoft servers and opening external web pages 1. This reduces the risk of data leakage, tracking, and potential exploitation of this automated network activity. It can also improve security because passive probes sometimes conflict with VPN software 7 8 and firewalls 7 9. Disabling them may improve system functionality when using such security or privacy software 8 9.

However, this change has significant drawbacks. It may cause the system to incorrectly report no internet connection, even when one exists 2 10 11. This can affect functionality of system components and applications that rely on NCSI for network information 1. For example, it can interfere with Windows' ability to download updates 1. Microsoft does not recommend disabling the NCSI probes 1 7.

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.
  • False reporting of no internet connection even though there is internet connectivity.

Technical Details​

This script configures:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!DisablePassivePolling 1 2 3. This group policy controls passive polling 1 2 3. It's used by system components such as ncsi.dll 4.
  • HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet!PassivePollPeriod 5 6 It's used by system components such as ncsi.dll 4.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable connectivity checks category. 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... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

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

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!DisablePassivePolling"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator' /v 'DisablePassivePolling' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet!PassivePollPeriod"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet' /v 'PassivePollPeriod' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator!DisablePassivePolling"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator' /v 'DisablePassivePolling' /f 2>$null"
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet!PassivePollPeriod"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet' /v 'PassivePollPeriod' /f 2>$null"

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