How to Change Wi-Fi Encryption on a Laptop: From WEP to WPA3

Changing the Wi-Fi encryption type on a laptop is a task faced by both novice and experienced users. This is most often required to improve the security of a home network (for example, switching from an outdated WEP to modern WPA3), resolving compatibility issues with new devices, or troubleshooting connection errors. However, many people mistakenly think that encryption settings are changed directly in the laptop's operating system—in fact, control over the security protocol lies with the router, and the laptop only adapts to the given parameters.

In this article, we'll discuss how to properly configure the encryption type on a router using a laptop (since this is typically used to access the router's web interface), which protocols are relevant in 2026, and what to do if devices stop connecting to the network after changing settings. You'll also learn how to check the current encryption type on a laptop using Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux, and what tools will help diagnose problems.

Why you might need to change your Wi-Fi encryption type

There are several common reasons why users decide to change their network's security protocol:

• 🔒 Obsolete protocols: WEP And WPA are easily cracked with modern tools (for example, Aircrack-ng), which makes the network vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack.
• 📱 Compatibility issues: new smartphones or smart devices (eg. Amazon Echo or Google Nest) may refuse to connect to networks with WPA-TKIP.
• 🚀 Increase speed: protocols WPA3 And WPA2-AES support higher throughput compared to TKIP.
• 🛠️ Connection errors: Some laptops (especially those with older network cards) will give the error "We couldn't connect to this network" when using WPA3.

It is important to understand that Changing the encryption type on the router will disconnect all devices from the network. — you'll have to reconnect them, entering a new password. If you have multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, smart bulbs), prepare a list of their MAC addresses or passwords in advance.

⚠️ Please note: Some internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) block access to router settings if it's rented. In this case, encryption can only be changed through your personal account on the provider's website or by calling technical support.

How to check the current encryption type on a laptop

Before changing any settings, it's helpful to know which protocol is currently used on your network. The methods for checking this vary depending on your operating system:

🖥️ Windows 10/11

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.

2. Right-click on the active Wi-Fi connection and select "State" → Wireless Network Properties.

3. In the section "Safety" look at the field Security Type And Encryption Type.

🍎 macOS

1. Holding Option (⌥), click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.

2. In the drop-down list, find your network - the protocol will be indicated next to it (for example, WPA2 Personal).

🐧 Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Open the terminal and run the command:

sudo iwconfig wlan0 | grep "Encryption key"

Or use the graphical interface NetworkManager:

Right-click the network icon → Edit Connections → Select network → Wi-Fi Security.

⚠️ Note: On some laptops with Realtek or Broadcom Network cards may display the wrong encryption type in the connection properties. For accurate diagnostics, use third-party utilities such as Wireshark or Acrylic Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the encryption type on a router using a laptop

Since encryption settings are stored on the router, not your laptop, you'll need access to its web interface. Here's the general procedure:

1. Connect your laptop to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if the network is still available).
2. Find out your router's IP address:
   • 🪟 Windows: ipconfig → line Main gateway.
   • 🍏 macOS: netstat -nr | grep default.
   • 🐧 Linux: ip route | grep default.

Open your browser and enter the IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Log in (default logins/passwords are indicated on the router sticker: admin/admin, admin/1234 etc.).

Find the wireless network section (usually Wireless, Wi-Fi or Security).

Change the encryption type and save the settings.

Next, let's look at the nuances for popular router models:

Make sure your laptop is connected to the router | Write down your current Wi-Fi settings (SSID, password) | Check your router model (on the sticker) | Prepare a backup internet connection (mobile network)

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📡 TP-Link Routers

1. Go to Wireless → Wireless Security.

2. In the field "Version" select:

• 🔐 WPA2/WPA3-Personal (recommended)
• 🔓 WPA-Personal (outdated, unsafe)
• 🔒 WPA2-Personal (optimal balance of security and compatibility)

3. In the field "Encryption" install AES (Not TKIP!).

4. Save the settings (Save) and reboot the router.

📡 ASUS Routers

1. Open Wireless Network → General.

2. In the section Authentication Method select:

• WPA2-Personal (recommended)
• WPA3-Personal (only for modern devices)

3. In "Encryption" install AES.

4. Click Apply.

📡 Keenetic Routers

1. Go to Wi-Fi Network → Access Point.

2. In the block "Safety" select:

• WPA2 PSK (standard option)
• WPA3 PSK (if all devices support it)

3. Enter a new password (at least 8 characters!).

4. Save the changes.

What types of encryption are supported by modern laptops?

Modern laptops (released after 2018) usually support all current security protocols, but there are some nuances:

Laptops with older network cards (eg. Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 or Broadcom 4313) may not support WPA3 or AES in mode 802.11nIn this case:

• 🔧 Update your network card driver via device Manager (Windows) or Software Update (macOS).
• 🔄 Try enabling compatibility mode WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode on the router.
• 🖥️ If your laptop is older than 2012, you may need an external USB Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN823N).

What should I do if my laptop can't see the network after changing encryption?

If after changing the protocol the laptop stops detecting the network, check:

1. Wi-Fi Region in the router settings (must match your country).

2. Channel and channel width: Some older devices do not support channels higher than 11 in the 2.4 GHz band or 80 MHz wide in 5 GHz.

3. Hiding the SSID: If the network is hidden, the laptop will not be able to connect to it without manually entering the name.

4. MAC filtering: Make sure that the laptop's MAC address is not blocked in the router settings.

Common errors and their solutions

When changing encryption types, users often encounter common issues. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:

🚫 Error: "We couldn't connect to this network" (Windows)

Cause: The laptop is trying to use an outdated protocol (eg. TKIP), and the router is configured to AES.

Solution:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on the problematic network → "Delete".
3. Reconnect by manually selecting the security type WPA2-Personal.

🚫 Error: "Incorrect password" (macOS)

Cause: macOS caches old connection settings even if the password is correct.

Solution:

1. Open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Remove the network from the list Preferred Networks.
3. Please reconnect by entering your password.

🚫 Error: "Authentication failed" (Linux)

Cause: Mismatch of authentication methods (for example, the router requires WPA3, A NetworkManager trying to use WPA2).

Solution:

sudo nmcli connection modify "Network_Name" wifi-sec.key-mgmt wpa-psk
sudo nmcli connection up "NetworkName"

🚫 Error: Low speed after changing encryption

Cause: Protocol TKIP limits speed to 54 Mbps, even if the router supports 300+ Mbps.

Solution:

• Switch to AES in the router settings.
• Turn on the mode 802.11n/ac (if disabled).
• Set a fixed channel (eg. 6 or 11) instead of Auto.

How to restore old settings if something goes wrong

If you lose access to your router after changing the encryption type and your laptop won't connect via Wi-Fi or cable, use one of the following methods:

🔄 Resetting the router to factory settings

1. Find the button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).

2. Press and hold it 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).

3. After rebooting, connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and configure encryption again.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your router will return all settings to their default state, including your Wi-Fi name and password, as well as your internet connection settings (PPPoE, VLAN, etc.). If you have a complex configuration (e.g., Double NAT or VPN server), make a backup copy of your settings via the web interface in advance.

🖥️ Connect via cable (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If the laptop does not see Wi-Fi, but there is access via Ethernet:

1. Connect the cable from the router to the port LAN on a laptop.
2. Open your browser and log into the router's web interface using the default IP address (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Please restore the previous encryption settings or reset the router through the interface.

📱 Using another device for setup

If the laptop has completely lost connection with the router:

• 📱 Connect to the router from your smartphone (via mobile Internet or another network).
• 🖥️ Use a tablet or a second laptop to access the web interface.
• 🎮 Some modern TVs (for example, Samsung Tizen or LG webOS) also allow you to access the router settings through a browser.

Additional security measures after changing encryption

Changing your encryption type is just the first step in securing your network. To maximize Wi-Fi security, follow these recommendations:

• 🔑 Complex password: use a combination of 12+ characters with capital letters, numbers and special characters (for example, K7#pL9@mQ2$vR5!). Avoid simple dictionary words.
• 🔄 Changing your password regularly: Update it every 3-6 months (or more often if you suspect a leak).
• 📡 Disabling WPS: function Wi-Fi Protected Setup Vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in your router settings.
• 👤 Guest network: Set up separate Wi-Fi for guests with limited access to the local network.
• 📊 Device control: enable linking by MAC address (although this is not a panacea for hackers).
• 🔗 Firmware update: Check for updates for your router every six months (in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade).

For advanced users:

• 🛡️ Set up VPN server on the router (for example, OpenVPN or WireGuard) to encrypt all traffic.
• 🌐 Use alternative DNS (For example, 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) to protect against phishing.
• 📈 Turn on network monitoring via the router's built-in tools (for example, ASUS AiProtection or TP-Link HomeCare).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi encryption

❓ Is it possible to change the encryption type directly on a laptop, without accessing the router?

No, the laptop can only adapt under the router settings. The encryption protocol itself (WPA2, WPA3, etc.) is set exclusively in the router settings. However, you can manually specify the security type when connecting to the network (for example, in Windows, select WPA2-Enterprise instead of WPA2-Personal, if the router is configured accordingly).

❓ Why did some devices stop connecting after enabling WPA3?

Protocol WPA3 Only supported by devices released after 2018-2019. Older smartphones (e.g. iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S7), smart TVs or printers may not be able to work with WPA3. Solution:

• Return WPA2 on the router.
• Or enable compatibility mode WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode (if available in the settings).

❓ How do I know if my laptop supports WPA3?

Check your network card specifications:

• 🪟 Windows: Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties → Details → Driver Info.
• 🍏 macOS: About This Mac → System Report → Network → Wi-Fi.
• 🐧 Linux: lspci -v | grep -A 10 Network.

If the adapter supports the standards 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), That WPA3 Most likely available. For older maps (e.g. 802.11n with a driver from 2015) may require an update.

❓ Which is better: WPA2 or WPA3?

Depends on your devices:

WPA3	✅ More secure encryption (192-bit key).	❌ Not supported by devices older than 2018.
WPA2 (AES)	✅ Works with all modern gadgets.	❌ Vulnerable to attacks KRACK (although the risk is minimal if set up correctly).
WPA2/WPA3 Transition	✅ Compatible with both old and new devices.	❌ Slightly reduces security (due to backward compatibility).

Optimal for most home networks WPA2-AESIf all your devices are new (2019 and later), you can switch to WPA3.

❓ Why has my internet become slower after changing encryption?

Possible reasons:

• TKIP: This protocol limits the speed to 54 Mbps, even if the router supports 300+ Mbps.
• WPA3 in mode SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) can add delays when connecting.
• Standards mismatch: if the router is working in 802.11ac, and the laptop only supports 802.11n.

Solution: Go back to WPA2-AES and check the channel settings (select a fixed channel instead Auto).