How to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10
Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. It runs on almost all types of computers except Apple PCs.
The internet and networking have made work easier and faster hence increasing productivity. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network is one of the easiest things one can do as long as you have the Wi-Fi name and password where necessary, you should be good to go. However, sometimes the network can be hidden. So, how do you connect your Windows 10 PC to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
To connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10, access the list of all available Wi-Fi networks on your PC and click on ‘Hidden Network’, enter the network’s name and password then connect.
Most Wi-Fi networks have their names or SSID displayed and all you need to do is enter the password and connect. However, with hidden networks, you need to know the Wi-Fi name/SSID, password, and if the network uses encryption/security, you need to know it too. You need all these details since you’ll have to manually enter them before proceeding. You can find all this information from your router, or from the IT admin, or the router’s owner.
Make sure you’re within range of the Wi-Fi router that you’re trying to connect to. There are three ways to connect your Windows 10 PC to the hidden network.
First method: Using the Wi-Fi icon on the system tray
Firstly, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your Windows 10 PC by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom-right corner of your desktop screen. From the list of available networks, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Hidden Network’. Click on it and select the ‘Connect automatically’ checkbox and then click on the Connect button to proceed. Enter the Wi-Fi network name and click Next, then enter the network’s password and click on Next again to connect. Windows 10 takes a few seconds to connect to the hidden network after which it prompts you to allow your PC to be discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network. Your Windows 10 PC is now connected to the hidden network.
Second method: Using the Settings App
Windows 10 has a Settings app that contains all your PC’s settings in one place. This is another method you can use especially if you are unable to locate the Wi-Fi icon on your system tray. Navigate to the Start menu on your PC or launch it by hitting the Windows key. Alternatively, you can the Windows key + I and go straight to the Settings app. In the search box, type in settings and select Settings from the results. Navigate to ‘Network & Internet’ on the Settings app and select it to proceed. On the left-hand side panel menu, select ‘Wi-Fi’ and click on ‘Manage known networks’ from its corresponding right-hand side. On the next screen under Manage known networks, click on the ‘Add a new network’ button and enter the Wi-Fi name, the network’s security type, and the security key which is also the network’s password. Make sure you check the ‘Connect automatically’ checkbox at the bottom and save the changes by clicking the ‘Save’ button. If the details were entered correctly, your PC should now be connected to the network.
Third method: Using the Control Panel
Some of us who have been using Windows for a long time, know about how to use the Control Panel for all settings. This method also works for an older version of Windows 10. Navigate to the Start menu and type in ‘Control panel’. Click on the control panel app from the results to launch it. On the control panel screen, select ‘Network & Internet’ and then click on ‘Network and Sharing Center’. Under ‘Change your network settings’, click on the ‘Set up a new connection or network’ link to continue. This launches the wizard which guides along the way. From the list on the dialogue window that pops up, select ‘Manually connect to a wireless network’ and then click on Next to continue. On the following screen, enter the network’s name, choose a security type if the network has one, and type in the Wi-Fi network’s password. Make sure to check the ‘Start this connection automatically’ box and click on the Next button to continue. Once the connection is successful, Windows 10 will notify you.
A Summary table
Issue |
How to Fix |
How to Connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 |
Make sure you have the hidden network’s name, password, and security type that the network uses if it uses any. Access the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your PC and click on the Hidden network option. Enter the Wi-Fi network’s name, password, and security type and connect. |
FAQs
Why can’t I find my Wi-Fi icon on the system tray?
If you can’t find the Wi-Fi icon on your PC’s system tray, don’t worry. This is because the icon might be hidden by the system. On the same tray, look for an inverted arrow icon and click on it to reveal all the hidden icons.
Does hiding a Wi-Fi network make it secure?
Using a hidden Wi-Fi network doesn’t make your network secure because anyone with your network’s credentials can connect to it. All it does is it makes it a bit more difficult to connect to compared to the usual Wi-Fi network.