Manually add the hidden network in Settings by entering the exact SSID, correct security type, and password, and choose to start the connection automatically; 2. Ensure the network is active, within range, and test connectivity with another device; 3. Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver via Device Manager to resolve potential driver issues; 4. Disable power-saving settings for the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager to prevent disconnections; 5. Use Command Prompt as Administrator with netsh commands to add or connect to the network profile if the GUI method fails—Windows 10 can connect to hidden Wi-Fi networks when configured correctly with accurate details and proper driver and power settings.

If your Windows 10 PC can't connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network (a network that doesn’t broadcast its SSID), you're not alone — it’s a common issue, but it’s usually fixable. Hidden networks don’t appear in the list of available networks, so Windows won’t automatically detect them. You need to manually configure the connection.

Here’s how to properly connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows 10:

? 1. Manually Add the Hidden Network

Since the network isn’t visible, you must add it manually:

1. Click the Start button and go to Settings (the gear icon).
2. Select Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
3. Click Add a new network (at the bottom).
4. Enter the following:
   • Network name (SSID): Type the exact name of the hidden network (case-sensitive).
   • Security type: Choose the correct type (e.g., WPA2-Personal).
   • Security key: Enter the Wi-Fi password.
   • Check Start this connection automatically if you want Windows to connect when in range.
5. Click Next to save.

? Make sure you’re entering the SSID exactly as it’s set on the router — even one wrong letter or capitalization will prevent a connection.

? 2. Make Sure You’re in Range and the Network Is Active

Even though the network is hidden, it still needs to be:

• Broadcasting despite being hidden (some routers allow connections even with SSID broadcast off).
• Within range.
• Not blocked by MAC filtering or other security settings.

Try connecting with another device (like a phone) to confirm the network is working and the password is correct.

? 3. Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Driver

Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers can prevent successful connection to hidden networks.

To update your Wi-Fi driver:

• Press Win X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your wireless adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek, etc.) and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

If that doesn’t help, try uninstalling the driver (right-click > Uninstall), then restart your PC — Windows will reinstall it automatically.

? 4. Check for Power-Saving Settings Interfering

Windows sometimes turns off the network adapter to save power.

To disable this:

1. In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties.
2. Go to the Power Management tab.
3. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
4. Click OK.

? 5. Use Command Prompt (Advanced Option)

If the GUI method fails, you can use netsh in Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run this command to add the network profile:

netsh wlan add profile filename="C:\path\to\your\profile.xml"

But if you don't have a profile, create one manually:

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=YourNetworkName key=YourPassword

Alternatively, use interactive setup:

netsh wlan connect name=YourNetworkName

Note: You must have already saved the network via GUI or imported a profile.

Final Tips

• Hidden networks aren’t more secure — they just hide the name. Security still depends on encryption (WPA2/WPA3).
• If possible, consider making the network visible. The convenience often outweighs the minimal "security through obscurity" benefit.
• Some public or enterprise networks use 802.1X authentication — if that’s the case, you may need additional configuration (like certificates or EAP settings).

Basically, Windows 10 can connect to hidden Wi-Fi — you just have to tell it exactly what to connect to, and make sure everything from drivers to passwords is correct.

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