How to Add a Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10


A wireless (Wi-Fi) network profile contains the SSID (network name), password key, and security information to be able to connect to a wireless network.

When you connect to a new wireless network, Windows will automatically create and add a profile for the wireless network.

Sometimes you may need or want to add a wireless network profile without connecting to it right now so you can connect to the wireless network later when able.

This tutorial will show you how to manually add a wireless network profile to be able to connect to later in Windows 10.


 CONTENTS:

  • Option One: Add a Wireless Network Profile in Settings
  • Option Two: Add a Wireless Network Profile in Network and Sharing Center





OPTION ONE

Add a Wireless Network Profile in Settings


1. Open the Settings app, and click/tap on the Network & Internet icon.

2. Click/tap on Wi-Fi in the left pane, and click/tap on the Manage known networks link under Wi-Fi on the right side. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_settings-1.jpg

3. Click/tap on Add a new network. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_settings-2.png

4. Perform the following actions below, and click/tap on Save when finished. (see screenshot below)
  • Enter the wireless Network name (SSID) you want to add.
  • Select the Security type used for this wireless network.
  • Enter the Security key (password) for this wireless network.
  • Check or uncheck Connect automatically for what you want to set for this wireless network when it's within range.
  • Check or uncheck Connect even if this network is not broadcasting its SSID for what you want for this wireless network. You would want to check this box if this is a hidden wireless network.

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_settings-3.jpg

5. This wireless network profile (ex: "Brink-Router") will now be added and available to connect to for all users on the PC. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_settings-4.png

6. You can now close Settings if you like.






OPTION TWO

Add a Wireless Network Profile in Network and Sharing Center


1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Network and Sharing Center icon.

2. In the Network and Sharing Center, click/tap on the Set up a new connection or network link. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_network_and_sharing_center-1.jpg

3. Click/tap on Manually connect to a wireless network, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_network_and_sharing_center-2.png

4. Perform the following actions below, and click/tap on Next when finished. (see screenshot below)
  • Enter the wireless Network name (SSID) you want to add.
  • Select the Security type used for this wireless network.
  • Enter the Security key (password) for this wireless network.
  • Check or uncheck Start this connection automatically for what you want to set for this wireless network when it's within range.
  • Check or uncheck Connect even if this network is not broadcasting its SSID for what you want for this wireless network. You would want to check this box if this is a hidden wireless network.

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_network_and_sharing_center-3.png

5. This wireless network profile (ex: "Brink-Router") will now be added and available to connect to for all users on the PC. Click/tap on Close. (see screenshot below)

Add Wireless Network Profile in Windows 10-add_wireless_network_in_network_and_sharing_center-4.png

6. You can now close the Network and Sharing Center if you like.


That's it,
Shawn