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Connecting a Windows® 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system computers to a hidden network

Hidden networks are types of wireless networks which have their SSID broadcast disabled.  This means that the wireless network name of the router will not show on the list of available networks whenever a wireless device or computer searches for networks within range.
 
Make sure to have the correct wireless settings of the network that you want to connect before proceeding:
  • Wireless network name (SSID)
  • Network security key, passphrase, or password
When ready, select the Windows operating system applicable to you:

Windows® 10
Windows® 8 / 8.1

Windows® 10
 
Step 1:
Click the Wireless User-added image icon on the system tray of your Desktop screen.  The list of available wireless networks will appear.
 
QUICK TIP:  Quickly navigate to your Desktop by pressing the Windows User-added image key + D on your keyboard.
 
User-added image
 
Step 2:
Select Hidden Network at the bottom of the list then click Connect.
 
User-added image
 
Step 3:
Enter the name (SSID) for the network then click Next.
 
User-added image
 
Step 4:
Enter the network security key or password then click Next.
 
NOTE:  The password is case-sensitive.  
 
User-added image
 
Step 5:
You will be asked if you want to enable network discovery between the devices in your network.  If you are setting up a home or work network, select Yes.  
 
User-added image
 
 

Step 1:
Press the Windows User-added image key + D on your keyboard to show the Desktop.  Alternatively, you may click the Desktop tile pinned on your Start screen.
 
Step 2:
Click the wireless User-added image icon on the system tray of your Desktop screen.  The list of available wireless networks will appear.
 
Step 3:
Select Hidden network from the bottom of the list then click the Connect button.
 
User-added image
 
User-added image

NOTE:  Check Connect automatically if you want the computer to automatically connect to the hidden network each time it is within range.
 
Step 4:
Enter the network name (SSID) then click Next.
 
User-added image
 
NOTE:  In the image above, invisible is used as an example of an SSID.

Step 5:
Enter the network security key or password then click Next.
 
User-added image

NOTE:  The password is case-sensitive.

Step 6:
Wait for a few seconds while the computer is trying to connect to the network.   
 
User-added image

You will be asked if you want to enable sharing between the devices in your network.  If you are setting up a home network, select Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices.
 
User-added image

QUICK TIP:  It is not recommended to turn on sharing between computers if the network is a public network since it will put your computer at risk of unauthorized access.

The screen will then display a confirmation that the computer has been successfully connected to the network.  
 
User-added image
 
Your computer is now successfully connected to the hidden network.
 

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