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I am running WifiAdapter.ScanAsync() in a C# application, and it returns a list of local WiFi networks.

However, if I go into Windows 11 settings - Network & internet > WiFi and choose "Show available networks", I get a slightly different (usually smaller) list.

Most noticeably, ScanAsync() returns some duplicate SSIDs, but "Show available networks" never does. I've checked the BSSID and confirmed that the duplicates really are different networks that have the same SSID (I assume the company next door has several access points).

But why doesn't Windows display these duplicates and how does it decide which one to show me? There are several others it sometimes doesn't show which ScanAsync() does... Same question - why not? Does it have some rules, e.g. don't display networks with weak signal strength?

Basically I want my application to try to show the same list as Windows.

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Windows won't show duplicate SSIDs for the reason you described. They are multiple APs broadcasting the same SSID to increase coverage area, and allow for roaming. Windows treats this as one network for a better user experience, based on the wifi chip and driver it will choose the most powerful signal with the same SSID. There is an option for this under your wifi chip advanced settings, usually called 'roaming aggressiveness', which defines how often Windows will prefer to switch to a better AP.

As for other networks not showing at all in Windows, I think you may be right. I've had weak networks not show up unless I disable wifi for a few seconds and enable it again.

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