Changing your WiFi network password is the first step after purchasing a new router or if you suspect it's been hacked. The default factory data, printed on a sticker on the bottom of the device, is often leaked to the public, leaving your home network vulnerable. Windows 10 provides all the necessary tools to find out the current key or access the router settings to change it.
Changing the access key doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but it does require careful attention. If you make a mistake in the encryption type or password length, devices may become unconnectable. In this article, we'll cover not only the change procedure itself but also the nuances that will help you avoid common configuration errors. wireless adapter.
It's worth noting that the concept of "changing a password through Windows" is often confused with two different actions: viewing an already saved password in the system and directly changing the settings on the router itself. We'll cover both options, as for overall network security, you'll most likely need the second method, which is accessed through the device's web interface.
Checking the current connection status and saved data
Before making any changes to your network configuration, you must ensure that your device is running the operating system Windows 10 Actively connected to the desired network. If you plan to change the password, your computer must have access to the router's management interface. You can check the current settings through the standard network connections menu.
Right-click on the WiFi icon in the tray (lower right corner of the screen) and select Network and Internet settingsIn the window that opens, you'll see the properties of the current connection. The SSID (network name) and security status are displayed here. If the network is marked as "Public," Windows applies stricter firewall rules, which may hinder access to some device discovery services.
⚠️ Warning: If you change the router password while your computer is connected via WiFi, the connection will be immediately lost. It's best to use a cable LAN connection or have a backup connection (such as your phone's mobile data) to configure the router so you don't lose access to the manual during the process.
You can use the command line to get more detailed information about the current connection. This is especially useful if the graphical interface is not working correctly. Enter the command netsh wlan show interfacesto see a detailed report on the status of your wireless adapter, including signal strength and radio channel type.
How to find your saved WiFi password in Windows 10
Users often want to change their password because they've forgotten their current one or they need to connect a new device. Operating system Windows 10 Stores the security keys of all networks you've ever connected to. You can retrieve these keys through the wireless network properties graphical interface.
Open the Start menu and start typing View network connections, then launch the found item. In the window that opens, find your wireless connection, right-click on it, and select StateIn the new dialog box, click the button Wireless network properties.
Go to the tab SecurityHere you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, which is hidden by asterisks by default. To see the symbols, you'll need to check the box next to it. Show entered charactersThe system may require administrator privileges to perform this operation.
An alternative method for advanced users is to use the console. The command netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clear will display all profile information, including the cleartext password, in the "Key Contents" line. This method works even if the GUI is frozen.
Login to the router's web interface to change the password
To change the password for all devices on the network, changing it on your computer isn't enough. You need to access the router's settings. To do this, use a web browser and the default gateway IP address. You can find this address by opening the command prompt and entering the command ipconfig.
In the list of parameters, find the line Main gateway (Default Gateway). Most often, this is an address of the form 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into your browser's address bar. This will open the router's login page, where you'll need to enter your administrator username and password.
Factory login information is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router. For devices TP-Link, ASUS or D-Link the standard login is often admin, and the password field can be empty or also contain adminIf you've previously changed this information and forgotten it, you'll need to reset your router to factory settings.
☑️ Preparing to log into the router
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (MikroTik, Keenetic, Zyxel) may vary significantly. Look for sections labeled "Wireless," "WLAN," "Wi-Fi," or "Security." The exact menu names may vary depending on the firmware version.
Configuring wireless network security settings
After successfully logging into the router control panel, you need to find the section responsible for the wireless network. It may be called Wireless, WLAN or WiFi Settings. Within this section, look for the subsection Wireless Security or Security.
The key here is choosing the encryption type. For maximum protection and compatibility with all modern devices, it is recommended to select WPA2-PSK (AES). The older WEP standard is easy to crack, and WPA3, despite being the most modern, is not yet supported by all gadgets.
In the field Wireless Password, Pre-Shared Key or Password Enter a new character combination. It is recommended to use at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid obvious combinations like birthdates or sequences. 12345678.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| SSID | Unique name | Network name visible during search |
| Security Mode | WPA2-PSK (AES) | Data Encryption Protocol |
| Password | 12+ characters | Network access key |
| Channel | Auto or 1, 6, 11 | Radio channel to minimize interference |
Why is WPA2 better than WEP?
The WEP protocol uses static encryption, which can be decrypted in minutes using specialized software. WPA2 uses dynamic keys, making data interception virtually impossible for the average user.
After entering your new password, be sure to click the button Save (Save) or Apply (Apply). Some router models require a reboot for the changes to take effect. If the connection is lost, this is normal—the device is waiting to reconnect with the new key.
Connecting devices after changing the password
Once you save the settings on the router, all previously connected devices will lose internet connection. Windows 10 will attempt to reconnect automatically, but this will be unsuccessful because the old key stored in the system is no longer valid.
You'll need to manually update the connection settings on each device. On a Windows 10 computer, click the WiFi icon, select your network, and click Forget (if the system hasn't done this automatically), and then reconnect using the new password. Mobile devices will also require new credentials.
If you use the function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect some devices without entering a password by pressing the corresponding button on the router and in the OS interface. However, from a security standpoint, it's best to keep this feature disabled, as it poses a vulnerability in network security.
⚠️ Please note: Smart devices (IoT), such as plugs, lamps, and cameras, do not have a password entry screen. After changing the WiFi key, they will need to be reconfigured through the manufacturer's mobile app, as they will not be able to connect automatically.
Solving common connection problems
Sometimes, after changing your password, Windows 10 refuses to connect or displays the message "Can't connect to this network." Most often, the problem lies in the operating system's network settings cache, which stores old profiles.
To clear the network profile cache, open a command prompt as administrator. Enter the command netsh wlan delete profile name="Your_Network_Name"This will delete the saved profile, and the next time you try to connect, the system will ask for the password again, allowing you to enter the current data.
Another possible cause of problems is incompatibility of the wireless adapter drivers with the new encryption type. If, after changing the password to WPA2/AES, older devices no longer see the network, check whether the router is set to Mixed Mode, which sometimes works incorrectly.
What should you do if you forgot your new password?
If you've forgotten the password you just set, the only way to regain access is to reset the router to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the device for 10-15 seconds. After this, the router will operate using the data on the sticker.
In rare cases, the issue may be related to MAC filtering. If address filtering is enabled on your router, even the correct password will prevent a new (or updated) device from accessing the network. Check the list of allowed clients in your router settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change WiFi password without access to cable?
Yes, if you're already connected to this router's WiFi network, you can access its settings through a browser using a wireless connection. However, if you change the password or security settings, your device will be disconnected, and you'll have to re-enter the information.
What is the maximum length of a WiFi password?
The WPA2-PSK standard allows passwords from 8 to 63 characters long. Passwords shorter than 8 characters are technically impossible with this encryption mode. It is recommended to use the maximum allowed length to increase resistance to brute-force attacks.
Why does Windows report "Security Error" when connecting?
This error often occurs when the encryption type on the router and in the saved Windows profile don't match. For example, the router is configured for WPA2, but the computer is attempting to connect using WPA settings. Solution: Delete the network profile in Windows and reconnect.
Should I change my password regularly?
From a modern cryptographic perspective, if you use a complex password (15+ characters) and the WPA2/WPA3 protocol, regularly changing the password doesn't provide a significant security boost unless there's a suspicion of hacking. Setting a strong key once is sufficient.
Does changing your password affect your internet speed?
Changing the password itself doesn't affect speed. However, if you accidentally change the WiFi channel to a busy one or change the channel width during setup, speed may drop. Always check that other settings (except the password) remain unchanged.