How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

Just because a Wi-Fi network is not broadcasting its name doesn’t mean you can’t connect to it. Here, we’ll show you a couple of ways to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10.

Any security expert will tell you hiding your Wi-Fi network’s name doesn’t really offer security. You should go other routes if you’re looking to keep your home network secure. As you’re about to find out, connecting to a hidden network is fairly straightforward.

In both methods below, you’ll need the name and the password of the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. So keep these details handy and then follow either method.

RELATED: How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password

Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi in the Windows 10 Taskbar

A quick way to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10 is by using the network icon on the Windows taskbar.

To use this method, find the network icon (a globe icon) on your Windows taskbar and click it.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

In the menu that opens after clicking the network icon, select “Hidden Network.”

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

From the expanded “Hidden Network” section, choose “Connect” to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

The “Hidden Network” section will ask you to enter your hidden Wi-Fi network’s name. Click the text field in the section and type that name. Then hit “Next.”

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

If your specified Wi-Fi network is password-protected, click the text field in the “Hidden Network” section and type the password. Then click “Next.”

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

The “Hidden Network” section will now ask if you’d like to make your PC discoverable on your hidden Wi-Fi network. You’ll see that Microsoft recommends you click “Yes” if you are on a home network. If you are on a public network (like cafes), click the “No” option.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

And you’re all set. Your PC is now connected to the specified hidden Wi-Fi network.

RELATED: How an Attacker Could Crack Your Wireless Network Security

Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi Using Windows 10 Settings

Another way to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network is by using the Settings app. With this app, you can save your Wi-Fi network’s details, and your PC will then automatically connect to it.

To start, open the Settings app on your PC. Do this by pressing Windows+i keys at the same time.

On the Settings window, click “Network & Internet.”

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

On the Network & Internet screen that opens, from the sidebar to the left, select “Wi-Fi.”

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

To the right of the “Wi-Fi” page, select the “Manage Known Networks” option.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

The Manage Known Networks page displays your saved Wi-Fi networks. Here, at the top, click the “Add a New Network” option to add your hidden Wi-Fi network to the list.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

Windows 10 will open an “Add a New Network” window.

On this window, click the “Network Name” field and type your Wi-Fi network’s name (SSID.) Click the “Security Type” drop-down menu and choose an option. If you are not sure what to choose, select “WPA2-Personal AES” which should work for most networks.

Then click the “Security Key” field and type your network’s password. Enable both “Connect Automatically” and “Connect Even If This Network is Not Broadcasting” options.

Finally, at the bottom of the window, click “Save” to save your network details.

How to find hidden WiFi networks on Windows 10

And your Windows 10 PC will connect to your specified Wi-Fi network!


Did you know you can retrieve a list of all the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network? You might want to do this to find any intruders on your network.

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Why can't I see WiFi networks on Windows 10?

Run the Internet Connections Troubleshooter Open the Start menu, then head to Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Click Additional troubleshooter. Select Internet Connections > Run the troubleshooter. Follow the displayed instructions.

How do I fix a hidden network on Windows 10?

Go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Set up a new connection or network > Manually connect to a wireless network. Enter the information for the hidden network and follow the wizard to complete the connection.

What is a hidden network Windows 10?

A hidden network is a wireless network configured not to broadcast its network name (SSID).

How do I fix a hidden WiFi network?

Manually connect to the hidden SSID network..
Go to Network and Sharing Center > select the name of your hidden Wi-Fi connection..
On the Wi-Fi Status box > click on Wireless Properties..
Check the box Connect even if the network is not broadcasting its name..