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The article explains how to connect hidden networks in Windows. Because hidden WiFi networks do not disclose their names, the Windows 11 wireless network list does not include them. People and companies hide their Wi-Fi networks as a precaution, especially when they are not intended for public use. When people turn on Wi-Fi, it doesn’t show up in the list of possible networks to connect to, as they have chosen not to broadcast the SSID.
As the procedures to follow are more complicated with Windows 11, connecting your computer to a secret Wi-Fi network can be a challenge. In previous versions of Windows, users only had to select the option “Connect to a hidden network”, enter the password and SSID name, and the hidden network would remain in the list of possible networks. It looks like Windows 11 is actually hiding the secret Wi-Fi network users have connected to, making it look like every other hidden network, which makes the situation different.
In others words, Windows 11 no longer automatically connects to known networks and instead provides a list of secret networks. We mentioned to connect hidden WiFi network in Windows 11/10.
Steps to Connect Hidden Wi-Fi Networks in Windows 11/10
Connect to a hidden wireless network using the system tray network list
First, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks by clicking or tapping the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (at the bottom right of the desktop). If you don’t see this icon, read this tutorial to bring him back. Windows 10 displays all wireless networks in your area. Scroll through the list until you reach the final. That’s where you see a Wi-Fi network called Hidden Network. Click or tap on this entry. Check the “Connect automatically” option and press Connect. You will now be asked to enter the name of the hidden wireless network. Enter it and press Next. When you are prompted to enter the password (or security key) for the hidden network, enter it and press Next.
Windows 10 takes a few seconds and tries to connect to the hidden Wi-Fi network. If all went well, you will be asked if you want to allow your PC to be discoverable on this network. Choose Yes or No depending on what you want. This option sets the network location or profile and its network sharing settings. If you want to know more and understand this choice, read: What are network locations in Windows?. You are now connected to the hidden wireless network.
Connect to a hidden wireless network using the Settings app
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 and Internet category.
Step 1: Select wifi on the left side of the window and click or tap “Manage known networks” on the right side.
Step 2: At the “Manage known networks” page, click or tap the “+ Add a network” button.
Step 3: Enter the security information for the hidden wireless network as follows:
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, you may be using an older version of Windows 11. In that case, you need to try this method: open Control Panel and go to “Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center”. There, click or tap on the link that says: “Set up a new connection or network.“The set Up a connection or network” wizard starts. Choose “Manually connect to a wireless network” and click or tap Next. Enter your WiFi network security information in the appropriate fields as follows:
Conclusion
Here they are final of the article how to connect the hidden network in Windows 11. Wi-Fi networks add unnecessary overhead to the connection process. Regardless of your equipment, connecting to a hidden network can be a challenge because it doesn’t work the same as other networks. Your Windows 11 device should be able to connect to any secret network with the help of this article. The article is finished and now you know how to connect hidden wifi network in Windows 10/11.