Windows 8.1 Wireless Ad-hoc Network Not Detected

Question

I have three computers.

• First one runs Raspian and hosts an Ad-hoc wireless network.
• Second one runs Windows 8 and connects to the first computer's ad-hoc network just fine.
• Third one runs Windows 8.1 and doesn't list the ad-hoc network on the list of wireless networks nearby.

Is this a Windows 8.1 issue? Some sort of settings issue?

Answer 1

This is a known issue in Windows 8.1

There is a workaround but it's a bit cludgy:

Because the wireless network picker in Windows 8.1 doesn't show ad-hoc networks, connecting must be done by hand. To see all networks in range, including ad-hoc, run this command in command shell (cmd.exe):

netsh wlan show networks

SETUP

This must be done once per network. go to "Network and Sharing Center" click "Set up a new connection or network" double click "Manually connect to a wireless network" enter the SSID of the ad-hoc network (as shown by "netsh wlan show networks") into the "Network name" field configure security settings accordingly uncheck "Start this connection automatically" (important) click "Next", then "Close" Run this command (important):

netsh wlan set profileparameter <ssid> connectiontype=ibss

Replace with the SSID of your network.

CONNECT

After setting up, run this command whenever you want to connect:

netsh wlan connect <ssid>

Replace with the SSID of your network. Hovering over WiFi icon in system tray will show the name of the network that you are currently connected to, even if it's an ad-hoc network (the network picker will not show it if it's ad-hoc). The name is also visible in "Network and Sharing Center" window.

DISCONNECT

To disconnect from the ad-hoc network: connect to a different network, turn off wifi, or run this command:

netsh wlan disconnect

CLEANUP

To remove the network profile from Windows, run this command:

netsh wlan delete profile <ssid>

Replace with the SSID of your network.