Windows 10: The controversial sharing of Wi-Fi network with contacts will be removed

Microsoft has recently confirmed the future removal of part of the 'Wi-Fi sensor capabilities' from the series of Windows supplied 10. This feature (a system setting reached by following the path Settings> Network and Internet> Wi-Fi> Manage settings Wi-Fi) was initially integrated in Windows Phone and then made available for Windows 10 desktop users. Wi-Fi sensor offers the ability to automatically connect your Windows device 10 to the recommended public WiFi hotspots, the Wi-Fi networks of your contacts Facebook, Outlook.com and Skype and grant them access to the Internet via its own network Wi- Fi.

Microsoft has repeatedly stressed that the operations are carried out safely, without the need to disclose the password for access to the network and it is fair to remember that it is also of options that the user is free to activate or not. Despite these circumstances, WiFi Sensor has also generated some concerns related to the issues of protection of personal data, in part emphasized media echo which is given to the story. Such concerns will be eliminated at the origin with the removal of the WiFi network sharing feature with contacts via WiFi Sensor. Microsoft has thus explained the reasons that led to the decision to proceed with the removal:

The cost of the code update to keep running this feature, together with the low utilization and the low demand have made this further unjustified investment. Wi-Fi sensor, when activated will continue to maintain the connection to the Wi-Fi hotspot known through crowdsourcing

unchanged the features that simplify access to public hotspots and removed only the network sharing functions with the contacts are substantially maintained. Microsoft does not specifically mentions among the reasons of the decision aspects related to the protection of privacy, but it has obviously acquired a sufficient amount of feedback on the use that users make of the features to decide that it is no longer worthwhile to continue to take forward the update.

Microsoft has started to remove the functions described from the latest Insider Preview version of Windows 10, the build 14342 released in recent hours. Probably, the removal will be extended on a large scale - that also will affect for those who use the stable version of the operating system - with the Anniversary Update Windows 10 planned for summer. There are, for completeness, the official FAQ that allow you to learn about other aspects of the Wi-Fi sensor operation.