How to Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network in Windows 11

Most Wi-Fi routers constantly broadcast their Network Name (SSID) so that laptops and smartphones can easily discover and connect to them. However, for security or privacy reasons, some network administrators choose to “hide” their network. When a network is hidden, it will not appear in the standard list of available Wi-Fi connections when you click the internet icon on your taskbar. To connect to a hidden network in Windows 11, you must know the exact name of the network and manually enter its details.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you must have three pieces of information from the network administrator:

1. The exact Network Name (SSID): This is case-sensitive.
2. The Security Type: (e.g., WPA2-Personal, WPA3, WEP).
3. The Security Key or Password.

Connecting via the Settings App

The most reliable way to add a hidden network profile is through the Windows 11 Settings app.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Network & internet.
3. In the main pane, click on Wi-Fi.
4. Click on Manage known networks.
5. Next to the “Add a new network” heading, click the Add network button.
6. A new “Add a new network” dialog box will appear.
7. Carefully type the exact name of the network into the Network name field.
8. Click the Security type dropdown menu and select the correct encryption method (usually WPA2-Personal AES for modern home networks).
9. Once you select a security type, a new field will appear. Type the Wi-Fi password into the Security key box.
10. Crucial Step: Check the box labelled Connect even if this network is not broadcasting. This tells Windows to actively search for the hidden signal.
11. Optionally, check “Connect automatically” if this is a network you will use frequently.
12. Click Save.

Connecting via the Quick Settings Panel

If you prefer using the taskbar, you can sometimes connect directly from the Quick Settings menu, provided your PC detects the hidden presence.

1. Click the Wi-Fi/Volume/Battery icon cluster on your taskbar.
2. Click the small arrow (“>”) next to the Wi-Fi icon to open the list of available networks.
3. Scroll to the very bottom of the list.
4. If Windows detects a non-broadcasting signal nearby, you will see an entry labelled simply Hidden Network.
5. Click on Hidden Network and check the “Connect automatically” box.
6. Click Connect.
7. Windows will first ask you to “Enter the name (SSID) for the network.” Type it carefully and click Next.
8. Then, it will ask for the “Enter the network security key.” Type the password and click Next.
9. Windows will verify the credentials and connect you to the hidden router.