Network and Internet Add Wi-Fi Network Profile without Connecting in Windows 11


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Wi-Fi_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to manually add a Wi-Fi network profile without connecting to it in Windows 11.

Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and standard that uses high-frequency radio waves to provide wireless Internet and network connections to your Windows device.

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network for the first time, Windows will automatically add a profile for the Wi-Fi network in "Manage known networks". The saved profile contains the SSID (network name), security key (password), and connection and security properties used to connect to this specific Wi-Fi network.

Sometimes you may need or want to add a Wi-Fi network profile without connecting to it right now so you can connect to that Wi-Fi network later when it's available and within range.


Contents

  • Option One: Add Wi-Fi Network Profile without Connecting in Settings
  • Option Two: Add Wi-Fi Network Profile without Connecting in Control Panel




Option One

Add Wi-Fi Network Profile without Connecting in Settings


1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Network & internet on the left side, and click/tap on Wi-Fi on the right side. (see screenshot below)

Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Settings-1.png

3 Click/tap on Manage known networks. (see screenshot below)


Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Settings-2.png

4 Click/tap on the Add network button for Add a new network. (see screenshot below)

Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Settings-3.png

5 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  1. Type the Wi-Fi Network name (SSID) (ex: "Brink-Router") you want to add.
  2. Select the Security type (ex: "WPA2-Personal AES") for the Wi-Fi network.
  3. Type the Network password (security key) for this Wi-Fi network.
  4. Check or uncheck Connection automatically for what you want.
  5. Check Connect even if the network is not broadcasting.
  6. Click/tap on Save.
Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Settings-4.png

6 You can now close Settings if you like. (see screenshot below)

Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Settings-5.png




Option Two

Add Wi-Fi Network Profile without Connecting in Control Panel


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

2 Click/tap on the Set up a new connection or network link. (see screenshot below)

Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Control_Panel-1.png

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

Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Control_Panel-2.png

4 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  1. Type the Wi-Fi Network name (SSID) (ex: "Brink-Router") you want to add.
  2. Select the Security type (ex: "WPA2-Personal") for the Wi-Fi network.
  3. Type the Security key (password) for the Wi-Fi network.
  4. Check or uncheck Start this connection automatically for what you want.
  5. Check Connect even if the network is not broadcasting.
  6. Click/tap on Next.
Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Control_Panel-3.png

5 Click/tap on Close. (see screenshot below)

If you already have a Wi-Fi network profile with the same name as this profile, you will be prompted to Use the existing network instead, Choose a different name for this profile, or Cancel.


Add_Wi-Fi_network_profile_in_Control_Panel-4.png

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


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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Is there a way to save this as a file for future use to simply add it, such as a reg key?
 

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  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ideapad flex 14API 2 in 1
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500u
    Motherboard
    LENOVO LNVNB161216 (FP5)
    Memory
    12GB DDR4
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Is there a way to save this as a file for future use to simply add it, such as a reg key?

Hello Andrew, :alien:

Yes. You can use the options in the tutorial below to backup and restore Wi-Fi network profiles.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
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    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
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    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
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    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
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    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
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    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
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    Corsair Hydro H115i
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    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
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    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium

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