Keep WiFi off by default, whilst using Fn+F3 WiFi on demand (AODD270)

The netbook (Win 7 starter) enables the WiFi function on every boot up. To save power, how can this be disabled?

What I am saying is, is there a way to keep WiFi off by default, and only enable it when I need it, via Fn+F3 command. I don't want to have to turn it off after boot up, it should be off by default.

I have looked through BIOS and other settings, but can't find anything. I've tried net searching for a solution, but no avail. I suppose I could disable the network device, but that is just a long winded approach to something that should be simple enough.

Are the Fn Key commands accessible via a .bat script by any chance. It's be a work around, but I could disable the WiFi and also the Track Pad on bootup automatically, by adding a .bat script to registry to run on start up.

A little more technical than the usual trouble shooting post, but hey.

Cheers for any suggestions.

Accepted answers

Tommy-Acer

Please do not post duplicate requests.

I'll summarize the questions here:

1. How can I disable WiFi on boot?

2. How can I disable the touchpad on boot?

3. Is there any way for me to programmatically control the Fn keys to do the above?

We ship systems with all of the hardware enabled by default. It is the assumed position that our customers prefer to have all of the hardware available and functional when the system boots. If the system devices are powered off at boot, it will not see the device until it is powered on, causing other possible issues with functionality.

1. & 2. We do not recommend or provide a way to disable these hardware devices by default.

3. We do not provide any facility for the requested abilities through programmatical use of the Fn keys.

You may notice that if you disable the touchpad or wireless adapter with the Fn keys, it does NOT get disabled in Device Manager. This is part of the overall system design. It is not part of Windows or the Windows registry.

You may wish to ensure that the system is running the appropriate power scheme and all power saving options are checked for those devices you wish to be turned off by the power controls.

Other than that, a quick tap of Fn+F3 or Fn+F7 will disable wireless / touchpad as needed.

All comments

Tommy-Acer

Please do not post duplicate requests.

I'll summarize the questions here:

1. How can I disable WiFi on boot?

2. How can I disable the touchpad on boot?

3. Is there any way for me to programmatically control the Fn keys to do the above?

We ship systems with all of the hardware enabled by default. It is the assumed position that our customers prefer to have all of the hardware available and functional when the system boots. If the system devices are powered off at boot, it will not see the device until it is powered on, causing other possible issues with functionality.

1. & 2. We do not recommend or provide a way to disable these hardware devices by default.

3. We do not provide any facility for the requested abilities through programmatical use of the Fn keys.

You may notice that if you disable the touchpad or wireless adapter with the Fn keys, it does NOT get disabled in Device Manager. This is part of the overall system design. It is not part of Windows or the Windows registry.

You may wish to ensure that the system is running the appropriate power scheme and all power saving options are checked for those devices you wish to be turned off by the power controls.

Other than that, a quick tap of Fn+F3 or Fn+F7 will disable wireless / touchpad as needed.

16bit

Sorry about the double post, wasn't sure where to put the question.

Thanks for your response. It was kind of what I was expecting, that the function may not be a windows/software one, but something more built-in to the hardware.

To be honest, you are correct in your assumption that most folks would want it (network/wifi) on by default (it's a netbook - without the net, what to call it, a _book? Smiley Tongue ), but, there are some situations where one wouldn't want wifi enabled by default, like say when a battery is added. A few cycles searching for a wifi network will take up some power, however, small, and will reduce the uage time of the battery charge.

Yeah, your solution is the only oen that will work, just manually tapping Fn+F3 to disable the WiFi on bootup. It's not that much hassle all things considered.

Thanks again.

lwcaffe

I have looked for changing the default setting to wireless off when the system boot, too. It is because in the situation such as on the plane (during flying time) when I need to turn the computer, the wireless default will be more suitable to be off instead. If I use Fn+F3 to turn off wifi after the system is on whether it will cause the safely issue.