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What is the "Hidden Network" Wi-Fi Network? RRS feed

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    On my Windows 10 Home laptop, I sometimes see a Wi-Fi network called "Hidden Network"? What is it? A related thread* on the Windows 10 Pro forum hinted that my network administrator might have set up a hidden network, but I am the administrator, and I have not set up any hidden networks.

    When the Hidden Network appears, it appears full strength on my laptop, but none of the house cell phones see it, nor do any of the other desktops or laptops in the house. Eventually it goes away. I do not know how long it lasts--maybe an hour-ish? For security reasons, I have not clicked on this Hidden Network network. 

    * https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/6b82a7eb-ecf7-4ccd-b99a-d7985fb7963e/what-is-the-wifi-hidden-network?forum=win10itpronetworking


    • Edited by Spellucci Tuesday, February 20, 2018 2:46 PM
    Tuesday, February 20, 2018 2:45 PM

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      A hidden network is a network which is available but is not broadcasting its ID. Your machine can detect it but cannot tell you what it is.

    Bill

    Tuesday, February 20, 2018 11:09 PM
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    Hi,

    All this means is that your computer sees a wireless broadcast that is not presenting a SSID. If you were to attempt to use it the first thing your connection wizard will ask for is the SSID which you would input. Then it would ask your for the security information like typical wireless connections. You will see these in many different places. Nothing to be bothered by.

    Some use it as they think it makes them more secure when in reality it is security through obscurity.

    https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28653/debunking-myths-is-hiding-your-wireless-ssid-really-more-secure/

    Please Note: Since the websites are not hosted by Microsoft, the links may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

    Best Regards,

    Tao

    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help. If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.

    • Proposed as answer by Tony_Tao Wednesday, February 28, 2018 6:40 AM
    Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:41 AM
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    Today I noticed a “Hidden Network” with “Connect automatically” set to on. 

    Is there any way the “Hidden Network” can be configured (for example, by having no password) so that my PC can get automatically connected to that network? 

    That would lead to the possibility of hacking information such as passwords.

    Tuesday, July 28, 2020 6:16 PM