3 Ways to Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi Network in Windows

Wi-Fi is often available in places like coffee shops and libraries for you to connect your PC. These Wi-Fi networks advertise their names to show up in the list of available wireless networks. However, there are hidden Wi-Fi networks that don’t broadcast their SSID, meaning you must know their network name, password, and security information to connect to them. If you already know the information, here are three ways to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network in Windows.

Just because a hidden network doesn’t mean it’s secure doesn’t mean it. It’s just a way to prevent the network from reaching all users looking for a Wi-Fi connection. Well, the significant difference between hidden Wi-Fi and normal Wi-Fi is that with hidden Wi-Fi, you will need to know the name and password of the Wi-Fi. In contrast, on a non-hidden Wi-Fi network, all you need is its password.

Prerequisites for connecting to a hidden Wi-Fi network

There are specific requirements before we move on to the steps of connecting a Wi-Fi network to your Windows PC. You must know the following;

1. The name or SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the Wi-Fi network.
2. Password for the Hidden network, if available.
3. The type of encryption (WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK) is used by the Wi-Fi network.

You can find all the details related to Wi-Fi in the router settings, including the encryption type.

1. How to Add a Hidden Wi-Fi Network Using the Taskbar

This is one of the fastest ways to connect to a hidden network, and the process is quite simple. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Click the network icon (globe) on your Windows taskbar.

Step 2: Access Wi-Fi by clicking the arrow.

Step 3: Select Hidden Network.

Step 4: Click Connect in the hidden network extension.

Step 5: In the text field, enter the name of the Wi-Fi network and click Next.

Step 6: Enter the password in the text field and click Next.

If the credentials match, the Hidden Networks section displays a prompt asking if you want to make your PC discoverable on the hidden network. Microsoft recommends clicking Yes if you’re on a home network. Well, if you’re on a public network, select No.

Yes, that’s about it. You passed. Your PC connects to a hidden Wi-Fi network. But what if the global network icon is missing from your Windows taskbar? There is another way to connect using Settings.

2. Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi Using Settings

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Settingthen press Enter.

Step 2: Click on ‘Network & Internet’ and select Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Now go to ‘Manage known networks.’

Step 4: Click the Add Network button next to ‘Add New Network’.

Step 5: In the ‘Add New Network’ window, enter a network name, select the Security Type drop-down menu, and select an option.

If you’re not sure what to choose, choose ‘WPA2-Personal AES’, this works with most networks.

Step 6: Enter the Security Key. For quicker access, enable both Auto Connect and ‘Connect even if this network isn’t broadcasting’ options and finally, click Save.

There you have it! Your Windows PC will connect to the Wi-Fi network. This is done through Settings. However, there is another way to connect to Wi-Fi using the Control Panel. Check out the next method.

Join Hidden Wi-Fi on Windows using Control Panel

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Dashboard, and press Enter.

Step 2: Go to ‘Network and Sharing Center.’

Step 3: Under ‘Change your network settings’, click ‘Set up a new network or connection.’

Step 4: In the new window, click ‘Manually connect to a wireless network’ and click Next.

Step 5: Enter the security information of the Wi-Fi network.

If you’re not sure what to choose, choose ‘WPA2-Personal AES’, this works with most networks.

Step 6: Check the boxes next to ‘Automatically connect’ and ‘Connect even if this network is not broadcasting’ and click Save.

A window will appear informing that you have successfully added the hidden network. And you will be connected to the Wi-Fi network.

What if Windows can’t connect to the hidden network

For some reason, you cannot connect to the hidden network. One of the most common reasons is due to a change in Wi-Fi credentials or possibly a Network Adapter issue. General troubleshooting should get it working if it’s an adapter issue. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Troubleshoot installationthen press Enter.

Step 2: In the troubleshooting window, go to More Troubleshooter.

Step 3: Scroll down and press the Run button next to Network Adapter.

Step 4: Now, select Wi-Fi and click Next.

Follow the on-screen prompts. The troubleshooter will try to find the problem and resolve it. But if it comes back with a ‘Troubleshooting could not identify the problem’ message, that usually means the Wi-Fi credentials have been changed. If you’re connected but no internet, check out these best ways to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection but no internet.

FAQ about Hidden Wi-Fi Network Connection

1. How to find the SSID of a hidden network?

The SSID and password are found by logging into the router with your router credentials and going to the Wireless settings.

2. Should I connect to a hidden network?

To protect your privacy and security, if the network is unknown, it is better not to connect to an unknown hidden network.

Connect to the Invisible Network

There are many use cases for hidden Wi-Fi networks. It doesn’t offer superior security, but at least staying away from the network keeps your network away from intruders and uninvited users. Furthermore, if someone requests Wi-Fi, you can choose not to share it without worrying about them finding out. ?

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