Connect to a hidden wireless network using the Settings app on window

The Settings app offers us another method to connect to hidden wireless networks. The first step is to open the Settings and then the Network & Internet category.

Windows 10 Settings

Select Wi-Fi on the left side of the window, and click or tap "Manage known networks" on the right side.

Manage known networks in Windows 10

On the "Manage known networks" page, click or tap the "+ Add a network" button.

Adding a new network

Enter the security information for the hidden wireless network, as follows:

• Enter the SSID or the name of the hidden network, in the Network name field.
• In the Security type field choose the type of security used by the hidden network. Some routers may name this authentication method. Depending on the security type you choose, Windows 10 may or may not ask you also to specify an encryption type.
• In the Security key field, enter the password used by the hidden WiFi.
• To connect to the hidden network automatically, check the box that says "Connect automatically."
• If you want, you can also check the box that says "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting." This makes Windows 10 search for the hidden network every time it is not connected to a network, even if the hidden network is not in your area. However, it may put your privacy at risk because skilled professionals can intercept this search for the hidden network. It also uses battery power while the search is on, if your device runs on batteries.

When done completing everything, click or tap Save.

Entering the details of the hidden wireless network in Windows 10

Once you save the new wireless network, Windows 10 tries to connect to it automatically. If you entered its details correctly, you should connect in no time.

Method 3: Connect to a hidden wireless network using the Control Panel and the "Set Up a Connection or Network" wizard

If the options shown in the first two methods are not found on your Windows 10 laptop or tablet, then you might be using an older version of Windows 10. If you do not know which, read What version, edition, and type of Windows 10 do I have installed?

In this case, you need to try this method instead: open the Control Panel and go to "Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center." There, click or tap the link that says: "Set up a new connection or network."

Set up a new connection or network

The "Set Up a Connection or Network" wizard is started. Choose "Manually connect to a wireless network" and click or tap Next.

Manually connect to a wireless network

Enter the security information for your WiFi network in the appropriate fields, as follows:

• Enter the SSID or the name of the network, in the Network name field.
• In the Security type field choose the type of security used by the hidden wireless network. Some routers may name this authentication method. Depending on the security type you choose, Windows 10 may or may not ask you to specify an encryption type.
• In the Security key field, enter the password used by the hidden WiFi.
• If you do not want others to see the password you type, check the box that says "Hide characters."
• To connect to this network automatically, check the box that says "Start this connection automatically."
• If you want, you can also check the box that says "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting." This makes Windows 10 search for the hidden network every time it is not connected to a network, even if the hidden network is not in your area. This may put your privacy at risk because skilled professionals can intercept this search for the hidden network.

When done completing everything, click Next.

Entering the details of the hidden wireless network

Windows 10 notifies you that it has successfully added the wireless network. Click Close and you are done.

The hidden wireless network has been added

If you are in the range of the hidden wireless network, Windows 10 automatically connects to it.

Why do you use hidden WiFi?

As you have seen from this tutorial, the procedure for connecting to a hidden network is a bit more complex than the simple process of connecting to WiFi networks that broadcast their name. Also, using a hidden wireless network does not make you more secure. Therefore, before closing this article, we would like to know why you use hidden wireless networks, and where. Is it at home or at work? Comment below and let's discuss.