When Windows 10 first launched last year, one of the most controversial features was Wi-Fi Sense. Wi-Fi Sense, a feature enabled by default, is where Windows 10 lets your PC automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks that your friends and family have previously connected to, even if you don’t know the network password. This of course cause an uproar in the community.
Now, Microsoft is taking the proper steps to reverse the damage caused after a lot of public backlash. In the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview, it appears that Microsoft is removing the Wi-Fi- Sense feature. This is great news for those who didn’t like this feature at all.
According to Microsoft VP of Engineering, Gabe Aul, the change is coming about due to low use of feature and maintenance costs:
We have removed the Wi-Fi Sense feature that allows you to share Wi-Fi networks with your contacts and to be automatically connected to networks shared by your contacts. The cost of updating the code to keep this feature working combined with low usage and low demand made this not worth further investment. Wi-Fi Sense, if enabled, will continue to get you connected to open Wi-Fi hotspots that it knows about through crowdsourcing.
You’re probably wondering if this change will make its way to the regular Windows updates? The answer is: 99% chance. The changes taken place in the Insider builds normally extend to the regular updates pushed by Microsoft. It won’t be long now before this update is pushed through to your Windows 10 PC.
We can definitely understand Microsoft’s intentions behind this feature, however this is a great example of good intentions gone wrong. People generally are very cautious of what is shared from their PC, especially access to person wi-fi networks. It’s better late than never. It goes to show that Microsoft is listening to its community feedback, in a way.
