Hi

Is your home networking broadcasting it's name "in the clear", or is it a "hidden" network?

To manually connect to a wireless network in Windows 8, you must create a network profile, which is particularly useful for hidden networks that do not broadcast their SSID. This process requires you to have the Network Name, Security Type, and Security Key ready.

Steps to Manually Connect

1. Open the Charms bar (press Windows Key + C or swipe from the right edge) and select Settings.

2. Click Network (or Internet) to access network settings.

3. If the network is not listed, or to set up a profile in advance, open the Control Panel via the Charms search or Start screen.

4. Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

5. Click on Set up a new connection or network.

6. Select Manually connect to a wireless network and click Next.

7. Enter the following details:

   • Network name: The exact SSID of the network.

   • Security type: e.g., WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise.

   • Encryption type: e.g., AES.

   • Security key: The Wi-Fi password.

8. Check the box for Connect even if network is not broadcasting if the network is hidden.

9. Click Next. Windows will save the profile and attempt to connect. 

Troubleshooting

If the "Manually connect" option is missing in the "Set up a new connection" menu, your wireless drivers may be outdated or incompatible.

Reinstalling the latest wireless drivers from your PC manufacturer's website typically resolves this issue. You can also verify saved profiles by opening Command Prompt and typing netsh wlan show profiles.

OR

netsh wlan show profiles
PLEASE NOTE every NETWORK-SSID

THEN Please type in the SSID 
netsh wlan show profile name=%wkey% key=clear

The network key should show.

 
netsh wlan set profileparameter name="%wkey%" connectionmode=auto