Wi-Fi interface disconnected when VirtualBox is enabled on corporate network

[gherlanezu]

This condition is occurring on windows 8 and windows 8.1 and only inside the corporate network, where a specific policy (GPO) is applied. Some background: I have installed VirtualBox 4.3.12r93733 (this is reproducible with older versions as well) Wireless adapters are not relevant (I am reproducing with Intel adapters, Broadcom adapters) When the VirtualBox interface is enabled, regardless of what IP is configured with (default 192.168.56.1 or even if I set it to DHCP, or use an alternative IP) the Wi-Fi is disabled when I am connected to the corporate network due to the Windows 8 policy that prevents simultaneous connections to a domain and a non-domain network. See more details on that policy here ​http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn320946.aspx The message I get when trying to manually connect to the wireless network is (also see attached): "Can't connect to this network Your network administrator doesn't allow simultaneous connections to your workplace network and another network" If I am NOT connected to a domain network with the wireless interface, both the wireless and VB work OK. Now, yes, I agree, it does not seem to be VB problem, but rather the windows connection manager problem, however, be aware that other virtual client solutions (such as VMWare workstation) do not have the same behavior. I can run VMWare workstation, and be connected to the domain wireless network in the same time. This means, one cannot use the VirtualBox solution when this policy is applied, which I am sure is not in the interest of VirtualBox… there must be some property of the VB interface that is causing this behavior, a property that VMWare workstation is not displaying.

[gherlanezu]

message on wireles network connection attempt

[gherlanezu]

view of the windows connection manager policy

[aeichner]

Please reopen if still relevant with a recent VirtualBox release.