How to add new Wi-Fi network profile on Windows 10

Windows 10 lets you add wireless profiles manually to connect automatically when the network in range — here's how to complete the task with Settings and Control Panel.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 10 add Wi-Fi network profile manually
Windows 10 add Wi-Fi network profile manually

On Windows 10, you typically arrive at the location and then connect to the wireless network. However, you can also create a Wi-Fi network profile in advance, and then when the computer is in range, it will connect to the network manually. 

The ability to provision wireless profiles allows you to set up multiple connections in advance, and it’s a convenient way to manage Wi-Fi connections on various computers in an organization. For example, when adding new devices to the network or planning to make changes to the wireless settings and want to prevent users from losing connectivity.

Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 includes at least two ways to manually add one or more wireless network profiles using the Settings app and Control Panel.

In this guide, you will learn the easy steps to add a new wireless connection on Windows 10 manually.

Create new wireless profile using Settings on Windows 10

Use the following steps to add a new Wi-Fi network profile manually on Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Network & internet.

  3. Click on Wi-Fi.

  4. Under the “Wi-Fi” section, click the Manage known networks option.

    Manage known networks option

  5. Click the Add a new network button.

    Settings add a new network option

  6. Confirm the name of the network.

  7. Select the security type configured in the network.

  8. Confirm the security key (password).

    Add a new Wi-Fi network profile settings

  9. (Optional) Check the Connect automatically option.

  10. (Optional) Check the “Connect even if this network is not broadcasting” option.

  11. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, you will no longer have to worry about manually connecting to the wireless network when your device is in range.

Create new wireless profile using Control Panel on Windows 10

Use the following steps to set up a new Wi-Fi connection manually:

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Click on Network and Internet.

  3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.

  4. Under the “Change your networking settings” section, click the Set up a new connection or network option.

    Set up a new connection or network option

  5. Select the Manually connect to a wireless network option.

    Set up a connection or network options

  6. Click the Next button.

  7. Confirm the Wi-Fi name.

  8. Select the security type configured in the network.

  9. Confirm the security key (password).

    Control Panel new wireless profile configuration

  10. (Optional) Check the Start this connection automatically option.

  11. (Optional) Check the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting option.

  12. Click the Next button.

  13. Click the Close button.

After you complete the steps, when you are in the range of the wireless network you added manually, the computer will connect automatically.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].