How to Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network in Windows

To join a hidden Wi-Fi network, you need its exact network name (SSID), security type, and password. Get these details from the network owner or router settings. A hidden name is not a security feature by itself, so do not connect to an unknown network simply because it appears as Hidden Network.

Information you need

• SSID: enter it exactly, including capitalization and spaces.
• Security type: for example, WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal.
• Password/security key: the current Wi-Fi password.
• Enterprise details: an organization may also require a username, certificate, or other settings.

Avoid WEP and old WPA security. If you administer the router, use WPA2-AES or WPA3 where supported; hiding the SSID does not replace modern encryption and a strong password. See the Wi-Fi access protection guide for stronger controls.

Quick method from the Wi-Fi menu

1. Select the network icon on the taskbar and make sure Wi-Fi is on.
2. Choose Hidden Network, then Connect.
3. Enter the SSID and select Next.
4. Enter the password. Confirm that the network name and security information came from someone you trust.

If Windows does not show a Hidden Network entry, create a profile manually.

Create the hidden Wi-Fi profile manually

1. Right-click the network icon and open Network & Internet settings. Select Network and Sharing Center; on older Windows versions this option may be available directly from the taskbar menu.

2. Select Set up a new connection or network.

3. Choose Manually connect to a wireless network.

4. Enter the network name, select the matching security type, and enter the security key. Leave the encryption type at the value paired with the chosen security mode.
5. Select Start this connection automatically only on a network you use regularly. Select Connect even if the network is not broadcasting only when the SSID is intentionally hidden.

6. Select Next to save the profile.

Close the confirmation window when the profile has been added.

Open the Wi-Fi panel and verify that the PC connects to the intended network.

Privacy tradeoff of automatic connection

A device configured to connect when a network is not broadcasting may actively look for that network while away from it. This can reveal information about saved profiles and may increase exposure to look-alike access points. Prefer a visible SSID with strong WPA2 or WPA3 security when you control the router, and disable automatic connection for networks you rarely use.

If Windows will not connect

• Re-enter the SSID and password; both are case-sensitive.
• Confirm that the selected security type matches the router.
• Forget or delete an older profile with the same SSID, then add it again.
• Move closer to the access point and test another device.
• Restart the adapter and router, then update the Wi-Fi driver from the device manufacturer.

For adapter, driver, signal, or no-internet problems, follow the Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide. If you need to confirm a password already stored on another authorized PC, use the saved Wi-Fi password instructions.