Bug 517429 - Network list reorders dynamically when Wi-Fi scan updates, causing VPN entries to move while selecting
Summary: Network list reorders dynamically when Wi-Fi scan updates, causing VPN entrie...
Status: RESOLVED DUPLICATE of bug 513116
Alias: None
Product: plasmashell
Classification: Plasma
Component: Networks widget (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 6.6.2
Platform: Fedora RPMs Linux
: NOR normal
Target Milestone: 1.0
Assignee: Plasma Bugs List
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2026-03-11 14:27 UTC by Gabriel Bartolazzi
Modified: 2026-03-18 19:58 UTC (History)
1 user (show)

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Description Gabriel Bartolazzi 2026-03-11 14:27:58 UTC
## SUMMARY

Network widget reorders dynamically when Wi-Fi scan updates, causing VPN and wired connections to change position while selecting.

When the list of Wi-Fi networks updates (new networks detected or signal strength changes), the entire list in the network widget is reordered. This also moves VPN and wired connections, which are static connections.

This can cause accidental misclicks when the user is trying to connect to a VPN while the list is updating.

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## STEPS TO REPRODUCE

1. Open the network widget from the system tray.
2. Wait while Wi-Fi scanning updates the list of available networks.
3. While the list updates (new networks appear or signal strength changes), try to click a VPN connection.

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## OBSERVED RESULT

The list dynamically reorders when Wi-Fi scan results update.

VPN and wired connections change position as the Wi-Fi list updates, causing items to move while the user is interacting with the menu.

This sometimes causes the user to click the wrong network.

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## EXPECTED RESULT

Connections that are not affected by Wi-Fi scanning (such as VPN and wired connections) should keep a stable position while the widget is open.

Possible improvements:

* Freeze list ordering while the popup is open.
* Separate connection types into sections (e.g., Wired / VPN / Known Wi-Fi / Available Wi-Fi).
* Ensure Wi-Fi scan updates do not reorder unrelated connection types.

Stable ordering would improve usability and prevent accidental selections.

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## SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS

Linux/KDE Plasma:
Fedora Linux 43 (KDE Plasma Desktop Edition, Wayland)

KDE Plasma Version:
6.x (from Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop Edition)

KDE Frameworks Version:
6.23.0

Qt Version:
6.10.2 (built against 6.10.1)

Kernel Version:
6.18.16-200.fc43.x86_64

Architecture:
x86_64

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## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The issue is especially noticeable in environments with many visible Wi-Fi networks where signal strength updates frequently.

The dynamic reordering makes the UI unstable while interacting with the network menu.
Comment 1 Gabriel Bartolazzi 2026-03-11 14:40:03 UTC
This seems to happen when NetworkManager updates the list of access points,
which causes the model backing the widget to re-sort the entire list.

Connections not related to Wi-Fi scanning (VPN, wired) probably should not
change position during these updates.
Comment 2 TraceyC 2026-03-18 19:58:31 UTC
Thanks for the bug report. This has an older report in bug 513116, so I'll merge this in with that one.

*** This bug has been marked as a duplicate of bug 513116 ***