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Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)

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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 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.
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.

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  • Offline usage
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  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)" 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.

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How to apply or restore "Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)" 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 passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)
    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!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"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)" 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

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides 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.

This category contains scripts that disable various connectivity checks performed by Windows. Connectivity checks allow Windows to assess network status and qualit...
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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 active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)
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