About Wireless AutoSwitch

Overview

Wireless AutoSwitch automatically enables and disables the wireless card based on the LAN connection. It works on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Vista and XP. When the LAN is connected the wireless card is automatically disabled, and it is re-enabled when there is no LAN connection. This protects your corporate network, ensures laptops always use the fastest connection and reduces redundant network connections. Wireless AutoSwitch can also automatically enable and disable modems, Bluetooth devices and 3G/broadband cards.

What It Does

Wireless AutoSwitch installs and runs as a service that starts automatically. If the user stops the program, it restarts automatically on reboot.

It first identifies the wireless card and whether it is enabled or disabled, then checks for an active wired connection. If one is active, the wireless card is disabled. From then on it checks the wired connection every 3 seconds. Because it only watches the wired connection, you can manually enable the wireless card and it will not be disabled again automatically (Modes 1 and 3 only), which is useful if you temporarily want both connections.

The moment the wired connection is disconnected, the wireless card is enabled and Windows takes over, connecting to a wireless network if one is available and set up for automatic connection. Wireless AutoSwitch only enables or disables the wireless card; Windows establishes the wired and wireless connections.

Differences Between Products

• Wireless AutoSwitch XPV works on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP (32-bit or 64-bit) and adds support for AirCards, 3G and broadband cards and multiple cards. Whatever kind of wireless device is installed, it is disabled when there is a LAN connection.
• Wireless AutoOff disables all wireless cards by default and keeps them disabled. It only lets the user enable wireless, with a shortcut, when there is no LAN connection.

Wireless AutoSwitch XPV Modes

Wireless AutoSwitch has four modes. The default installation mode is Mode 1.

The shortcut, called “Wireless AutoSwitch On-Off”, lets the user manually turn Wireless AutoSwitch off and on.

Wireless AutoOff

Wireless AutoOff works on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7 and Vista and runs as a service with a single mode (equivalent to Mode 2 in Wireless AutoSwitch):

• It finds all wireless cards and disables them, whether or not the machine is on the LAN.
• A “Wireless On-Off” shortcut is created in the Start Menu under Wireless AutoOff (optionally on the desktop too).
• On the LAN, clicking the shortcut shows a message that wireless is not allowed while on the LAN.
• Off the LAN, clicking the shortcut enables wireless. The moment the LAN is reconnected, wireless is disabled.
• Off the LAN with wireless enabled, clicking the shortcut disables all wireless.

Users do not need to be administrators. The service runs under the local system account, and the shortcut simply signals the service, so it works for non-admin users.

Common Uses

• Disable Wi-Fi automatically when an Ethernet cable is plugged in
• Prevent bridged networks and wireless intrusion on corporate laptops
• Stop multiple simultaneous network connections
• Switch automatically between wired and wireless networking on Windows