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

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.







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)


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



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


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.

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






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)


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


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.

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.

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


That's it,
Shawn Brink