Have you ever encountered a situation where you can’t connect to a specific Wi-Fi network because it is hidden? It can be frustrating when you know the network is available but you can’t connect to it. In this blog, we will discuss different methods to connect to a hidden network on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Connect to a Hidden Network
There can be several reasons why you might need to connect to a hidden network. Maybe the network owner wants to keep the network invisible to the public, or it could be a private network that you need to connect to for work or personal use. Whatever the reason, connecting to a hidden network on Windows 10 can be tricky if you don’t know the correct steps.
Method 1: Via Network and Sharing Center
Connecting to a hidden network via Network and Sharing Center is one of the simplest methods. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and select "Network & Internet settings."
2. From the left-hand menu, select "Status."
3. Under "Network status," click on "Change adapter options."
4. Right-click on "Wi-Fi" and select "Properties."
5. In the Wi-Fi Properties window, click on the "Security" tab.
6. Under "Security type," select the appropriate type of encryption used by the hidden network.
7. Select "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting its name (SSID)."
8. Click "OK" to save the changes.
9. Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and select the hidden network from the list of available networks.
10. Enter the network name (SSID) and the password to connect.
Pros:
– Easy to follow steps
– No third-party software required.
Cons:
– Sometimes you will need to repeat steps if you are unable to connect after providing the correct credentials.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
This is another method to connect to a hidden network. Here are the steps:
1. Press Windows Key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)."
2. In Command Prompt, type the following command:
`netsh wlan add profile filename="C:\Users\{YOUR_USERNAME}\Desktop\{NETWORK_NAME}.xml" `
(Replace {YOUR_USERNAME} with your user name and {NETWORK_NAME} with the name of the hidden network).
3. Press Enter.
4. Now, open Settings app by pressing Win Key + I.
5. Click on "Network & Internet" option.
6. Click on "Wi-Fi" from the left pane, then click on the "Manage known networks" option.
7. Click on the "Add a network" button, and enter the network name (SSID).
8. In the "Security" drop-down menu, select the correct encryption type.
9. Click on "Save" to connect to the network.
Pros:
– No third-party software required to connect to the hidden network.
– Once the command prompt has been run and the profile has been added, the process becomes easier.
Cons:
– This can be time-consuming.
Method 3: Using Windows PowerShell
Using Windows PowerShell is another way to connect to a hidden network. Here are the steps:
1. Press Windows Key + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type the following command:
`Add-WifiNetwork -Ssid "NetworkName" -PassPhrase "NetworkPassword" -Hidden:$true`
(Replace NetworkName with the name of the hidden network and NetworkPassword with the password.)
3. Press Enter and wait for the command to finish.
4. Now, enter the following command:
`netsh wlan show profiles`
5. Press Enter to display all saved profiles.
6. Find the name of the hidden network you just added and take note of it.
7. Enter the following command:
`netsh wlan connect ssid="NetworkName" name="ProfileName"`
(Replace NetworkName with the network name and ProfileName with the profile name.)
8. Press Enter and you should be connected to the hidden network.
Pros:
– Easy to remember command lines.
– No third-party software required.
Cons:
– Could be confusing for non-tech-savvy users.
What to Do If You Can’t Connect to the Hidden Network?
If you’re having issues connecting to a hidden network, here are some things you can do:
– Make sure that your computer is within range of the wireless network you’re trying to connect to.
– Verify that you have the correct network name (SSID) and password.
– Restart your computer or Wi-Fi router.
– Check if you recently installed any antivirus or firewall software that could be blocking access to the network.
– Try one of the other methods mentioned above.
Bonus Tip
To avoid connecting to the wrong network, you can change the priority of Wi-Fi networks in Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Open the command prompt by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)."
2. Enter the following command:
`netsh wlan show profiles`
3. Press Enter to display all saved profiles.
4. Find the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to prioritize.
5. Enter the following command:
`netsh wlan set profileorder name="NetworkName" interface="Wi-Fi" priority=1`
(Replace NetworkName with the name of the Wi-Fi network.)
6. Press Enter to prioritize the network.
5 FAQs
Q. What happens if I enter the wrong password for a hidden network?
A. If you enter the wrong password for a hidden network, Windows 10 will not be able to connect to the network.
Q. Can I connect to a hidden network without knowing the SSID?
A. No. To connect to a hidden network, you need to know the network name (SSID) and password.
Q. Why can’t I see the hidden network even after following the steps?
A. This could be due to several reasons like the network signal might be weak, or the network owner might have enabled MAC filtering.
Q. Can I remove a saved Wi-Fi profile using Command Prompt?
A. Yes, you can remove a saved Wi-Fi profile using the following command:
`netsh wlan delete profile name="ProfileName"`
(Replace ProfileName with the name of the profile to delete.)
Q. Is it safe to connect to a hidden network?
A. Connecting to a hidden network is generally safe as long as you’re connecting to a trusted network. However, there’s always a potential risk of connecting to a malicious network.
Final Thoughts
Connecting to a hidden network on Windows 10 can be a bit tricky, but we presented three methods that can be helpful. Each method has its pros and cons, so make sure to choose the one that works best for you. The bonus tip on how to prioritize Wi-Fi networks can come in handy if you frequently connect to multiple networks. If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.
