This post shows students and new users steps to join or connect to a hidden WiFi network when using Windows 11. When a WiFi network is hidden, you can’t simply scan and find it. It will not show up on the available Network on your WiFi settings pane. You must know the full SSID and type it correctly before you’re allowed to join or connect to it.
For security reasons, some networks are hidden from view. Although this is not a secure way to protect one’s Network, some businesses still configure their WiFi this way. When you encounter such a configuration when using Windows 11, the steps below show you how to connect to it.
The new Windows 11 comes with many new features and a new user desktop, including a centered Start menu and taskbar, rounded corners windows, themes, and colors that will make any computer look and feel modern.
If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading our posts on it.
To get started with connecting to a hidden WiFi network, follow the steps below.
How to connect to hidden WiFi networks
As mentioned above, some WiFi networks are hidden from view for security reasons. When you want to connect to such networks, you must know the full WiFi name (SSID) and password to join.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet, and select WiFi on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below.
On the click on WiFi settings pane, click on Manage known networks as shown in the image below.
On the Manage known networks settings pane, click the New network button to bring up the new network settings pop-up.
Then type in the network details using the guide:
- Type the hidden WiFi SSID in the Network name field. The SSID is the name of the WiFi. It should be typed exactly.
- Select the Security type from the drop-down list. You can get that from the network administrator if you’re not sure.
- Enter the password to your hidden Network in the Security key field.
- Check the checkboxes corresponding to both the Connect automatically and Connect even if this Network is not broadcasting options.
Once saved, assuming you typed all the information correctly, you should then connect to the WiFi network.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to connect or join a hidden network when using Windows 11. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.
