Discover Hidden Wi-Fi Networks on Your Windows Laptop

When we arrive at a new location with our Windows-based laptop, one of the first things we do is search for available Wi-Fi networks. It’s a common practice, but sometimes these wireless networks are not as visible as we’d like them to be. In many cases, network owners deliberately hide them to restrict access, especially in public places or within households to limit access to specific individuals. This hiding makes the Wi-Fi network invisible in the list of available networks when we try to connect in the conventional way using Windows.

However, there are simple and accessible solutions for everyone to uncover and connect to these hidden Wi-Fi networks on our Windows laptops. Let’s explore three common and straightforward methods to connect to such networks:

Method 1: Using the Windows Taskbar

1. If you already know the name of the hidden network (SSID), and you have the encryption type and password provided by the network administrator, you can connect using this method.
2. Click on the network icon in the Windows taskbar.
3. In the list of Wi-Fi networks, you will see one labeled “Hidden Network.”
4. Click on “Hidden Network,” and check the “Connect automatically” option.
5. Proceed to enter the network’s name (SSID), encryption type, and password as required.

Please note that this method may not always work as expected, as it depends on the system’s ability to correctly identify network preferences.

Method 2: Using the Settings App

1. Press the Win + I keys together to open the Windows Settings.
2. Select the “Network and Internet” option.
3. In the left panel, click on “Wi-Fi.”
4. Choose the “Show available networks” link.
5. Follow the steps mentioned in the previous method to connect to the hidden network.

Method 3: Using a CMD Command

If you are the network owner and want to hide your Wi-Fi network from other users, you can do so with a simple CMD (Command Prompt) command. Follow these steps:

1. Type “CMD” in the search box on the taskbar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrative privileges.
3. Use the following command, replacing “NOMBRE” with the SSID of your Wi-Fi network, to hide your network:
   netsh wlan add filter permission=block ssid=NOMBRE networktype=infrastructure


By using these methods, you can connect to hidden Wi-Fi networks on your Windows laptop, provided you have the necessary network information. Keep in mind that hiding Wi-Fi networks is becoming less common as many users prefer to secure their networks with passwords for added security.