How to Connect to a Hidden Network
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Click the Settings icon to open up the Settings menu.
Scroll down to Network & internet.
Click the Wi-Fi tab.
Click Manage known networks.
Click the Add network button on the right side of Add a new network.
Enter the name, security type, and security key information the network admin supplied to you and click Save.
Click the right facing arrow next to the Wi-Fi tab.
Locate the newly created entry.
Tap Connect.
Click the magnifying glass icon on the bottom bar to bring up the search bar.
In the search bar, type Control Panel and select the app when it appears.
When the Control Panel appears, click View network status and tasks underneath Network and internet.
In the new window, select Set up a new connection or network. A small window will appear.
Choose Manually connect to a wireless network then click Next.
In the new window, enter the security information for your Wi-Fi network.
A window will appear stating you have successfully added the hidden network.
If you didn’t choose connect automatically, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom corner.
Click on the arrow next to the Wi-Fi symbol.
Locate the network you just created then click the Connect button once you find it.
How to Connect to a Hidden Network
It will require the right information from the network admin
By Cesar Aroldo-Cadenas Cesar Aroldo-Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on November 19, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & HardwareWhat to Know
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Add network > Save.Go to Control Panel > View network status and tasks > Set up a new connection or network > Manually connect to a wireless network > Next > fill out info.It's recommended you select the Connect automatically option. This guide will show how to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network via the Settings app and the Control Panel on Windows 11.How Do You Connect to a Hidden Network in Windows 11
A hidden network is a wireless network configured not to broadcast its network's name, essentially hiding from the public's eye. Since these networks don't broadcast their names, it's harder for unwanted users to attempt to connect to them and, this security by obscurity creates an extra layer of protection. To join a hidden Wi-Fi network, you will need the network's credentials, which includes: The name of the network.The network's security type, like WEP and WPA2.And the security key, which is the password. You will have to ask the network admin for the credentials. Once you have it, you can log in to a hidden network using either of the following methods.Connecting via the Settings
Click the Windows icon on the bottom bar or tap the Windows key on your keyboard to bring up the Start menu.Click the Settings icon to open up the Settings menu.
Scroll down to Network & internet.
Click the Wi-Fi tab.
Click Manage known networks.
Click the Add network button on the right side of Add a new network.
Enter the name, security type, and security key information the network admin supplied to you and click Save.
Tip
It’s recommend you tick the Connect automatically box underneath the security key so you won't have to input the information again every time you log in. If you did not select Connect automatically, close the Settings app and open up the Quick Settings menu by clicking on the Wi-fi icon in the bottom corner.Click the right facing arrow next to the Wi-Fi tab.
Locate the newly created entry.
Tap Connect.
Connecting via Control Panel
Another way to get connected is through your Control Panel on Windows 11. Here's how that works.Click the magnifying glass icon on the bottom bar to bring up the search bar.
In the search bar, type Control Panel and select the app when it appears.
When the Control Panel appears, click View network status and tasks underneath Network and internet.
In the new window, select Set up a new connection or network. A small window will appear.
Choose Manually connect to a wireless network then click Next.
In the new window, enter the security information for your Wi-Fi network.
Tip
It’s recommended you select Start this connection automatically so you won't have to input the information again every time you log in. After the information has been added, click Next.A window will appear stating you have successfully added the hidden network.
If you didn’t choose connect automatically, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom corner.
Click on the arrow next to the Wi-Fi symbol.
Locate the network you just created then click the Connect button once you find it.