Enable Hotspot Authentication
- Policy ID
- HotspotAuth_Enable
- Scope
- Computer Configuration
- Supported on
- At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- Source
- Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
- Category
- Network › Hotspot Authentication
Description
This policy setting defines whether WLAN hotspots are probed for Wireless Internet Service Provider roaming (WISPr) protocol support.
If a WLAN hotspot supports the WISPr protocol, users can submit credentials when manually connecting to the network. If authentication is successful, users will be connected automatically on subsequent attempts. Credentials can also be configured by network operators.
If you enable this policy setting, or if you do not configure this policy setting, WLAN hotspots are automatically probed for WISPR protocol support.
If you disable this policy setting, WLAN hotspots are not probed for WISPr protocol support, and users can only authenticate with WLAN hotspots using a web browser.
Registry
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- EnabledREG_DWORD