Windows 10 Wi-Fi auto-connect... not connecting and not automatic

[gshaw]

We're trying out a couple of Windows 10 tablets (Surface 3, Dell Venue 11 Pro) for staff at the moment. We're trying these out joined to Azure AD so effectively they're BYOD devices but kit provided by us.

 

Problem being Windows 10 seems to be a bit odd with its handling of Wi-Fi networks... is the below normal?

 

• select Wi-Fi network at login screen
  
• join to RADIUS network using AD credentials, as you would for a BYOD device
  
• log in successfully
  
• reboot \ shutdown
  
• network credentials forgotten on reboot, have to enter them again
  

Seems to be the same whether we connect to the network from within Windows desktop or at the login screen. Bizarrely Windows lists the Wi-Fi network in its "Known Networks" section in Settings but despite having "Connect Automatically" ticked it still doesn't behave. Have to manually tap on the Wi-Fi icon, select the network and then enter details again.

 

Yes in theory we could go really heavy handed and generate RADIUS machine auth certificates, push them out via MDM and auth that way but seems a sledgehammer to crack a nut when, in theory a user should be able to set up a connection via user-based RADIUS auth, save those details and have it remembered for subsequent logins???

 

So it appears that the behaviour (for RADIUS at least) may be:

 

- Wi-Fi profile set up in the user's desktop (profile) remembers the login details and auto reconnects

- login screen is separate and doesn't remember details

 

Now the question is whether sign-in details for Azure AD are cached so in fact the lack of connection doesn't matter, not convinced on that front though.

Edit: seems like they are cached so the lack of Wi-Fi connection at login may not be an issue after all http://www.tenforums.com/user-accounts-family-safety/28823-logging-into-windows-10-pro-using-office-365-credentials.html

 

It seems although the BYOD RADIUS method seems to work well for iOS and Android devices it's not such a good fit for Windows 10...

Edited November 4, 2016 by gshaw

[mattjones]

Did you get anywhere with wireless not auto-connecting on startup? We are experiencing a similar sporadic issue.

 

Thanks in advance