To connect to a hidden wireless network (a wireless network whose wireless network name (SSID) is not broadcasted), follow the steps below:
NOTE: There are risks involved in connecting to a hidden wireless network. For more information, click here.
Connecting to a Hidden Wireless Network
STEP 1: Take note of the following information from the wireless network you want to connect to:
- Wireless network name (SSID)
- Security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2, No Security)
- Encryption type
- Wireless password (for those with wireless security)
STEP 2: Click the Start button, then click Control Panel.
STEP 3: Click Network and Internet, then click Network and Sharing Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network.
STEP 4: When the Set Up a Connection or Network window appears, click Manually connect to a wireless network, then click Next.
STEP 5: Enter the wireless network name in the Network name field, then select the Security type by clicking the drop-down arrow. These are the information you gathered in Step 1.
NOTE: Select No authentication (Open) if the wireless network does not have any security enabled.
STEP 6: Select the Encryption type by clicking the drop-down arrow, then enter the wireless password in the Security Key field.
STEP 7: Check both Start this connection automatically and Connect even if the network is not broadcasting to automatically connect to the network each time you start Windows.
STEP 8: Click Next, and then click Close.