How to Change Wi-Fi Encryption on a Windows 10 Laptop: A Complete Guide

Securing your home Wi-Fi network starts with choosing the right encryption protocol. Windows 10 Users often face the need to change the connection security type, whether it is switching from an outdated one WEP to modern WPA3 or optimizing settings for compatibility with new devices. However, the operating system itself does not allow direct changes to network encryption settings—this setting is managed at the device level. router, while in Windows 10 it only displays the current protocol and configures connection parameters.

In this article we will look at how check the current encryption type, why it might need to be changed (for example, to solve problems connecting older devices or to improve security), and we'll provide step-by-step instructions for changing the protocol through the router settings. We'll pay special attention to the nuances of working with Windows 10, where some settings are hidden in the Network and Sharing Center or command line. You'll also learn which protocol to choose in 2026 to balance speed and security.

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

The type of encryption directly impacts three key aspects of network operation:

• 🔒 Security: Legacy protocols (eg. WEP) are vulnerable to hacking within minutes. Modern WPA3 use individual data encryption for each device.
• 🚀 Connection speed: Some protocols (eg. WPA2-AES) work faster than TKIP, especially on the new Wi-Fi 6/6E standards.
• 📱 Compatibility: Older printers, smartphones, or game consoles may not support WPA3, requiring switching to WPA2-PSK.

Typical situations when a protocol change is required:

• 🛡️ Rostelecom or another provider has updated its equipment and is requiring you to switch to WPA3 for tariffs with increased speed.
• 🎮 Console PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch does not connect to the network with WPA3 (required) WPA2).
• ⚡ After updating Windows 10, my laptop stopped seeing the network. It's possible that the router automatically changed the protocol to an incompatible one.
• 🔍 During a security audit (for example, through Wireshark) vulnerabilities in current encryption have been discovered.

⚠️ Attention: If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Beeline or MTS), some security settings may be locked. In this case, please contact support—modifying the firmware yourself will void your warranty.

How to check your current Wi-Fi encryption type in Windows 10

Before changing the settings, make sure you have the latest protocol. Windows 10 This can be done in two ways:

Method 1: Via "Network Settings"

1. Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of your network (under "Properties").
3. Scroll down to the Properties section - line Security Type will show the current protocol (for example, WPA2-Personal).

Method 2: Via the command line

Launch Command line (type cmd in Windows search) and enter:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Find the line in the output Authentication type And Radio type. For example:

Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Radio type: 802.11n

If the output indicates WEP or Open — your network is vulnerable and requires an urgent protocol update!

Preparing to change the encryption type

Before changing the protocol, please follow the mandatory steps to avoid connection breakage:

Find your router's IP address | Connect your laptop to the router via cable (recommended) | Write down your current Wi-Fi settings (SSID, password) | Check your devices' compatibility with the new protocol | Disable guest access (if applicable)

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Key points:

• 🔌 Connect your laptop to the router via cable (through Ethernet). Changing the Wi-Fi protocol will disconnect the connection and you will lose access to the settings.
• 📝 Save current settings: SSID (network name), password, Wi-Fi channel. After changing the protocol, you may need to reconnect all devices.
• 📱 Check the compatibility of gadgets:
  • Devices older than 2010 (For example, iPhone 4 or Samsung Galaxy S2) may not support WPA3.
  • Some smart light bulbs (For example, Xiaomi Yeelight) work only with WPA2.

⚠️ Note: If your router was released before 2018, it may not support WPA3. Check the model on the manufacturer's website (for example, TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic). Firmware updates sometimes add support for new protocols.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the encryption type

Settings are changed in the router's web interface. Let's look at the process using popular models as an example (TP-Link Archer C6, Keenetic Extra, ASUS RT-AX55). The interface may differ, but the logic is the same.

Step 1: Login to your router settings

1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address into the address bar. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (For D-Link, Zyxel)
   • 192.168.1.1 (For TP-Link, ASUS)
   • 192.168.8.1 (For Tenda)

Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

Step 2: Find the Wi-Fi settings section

Navigate to the section related to your wireless network. Example paths:

• TP-Link: Basic → Wireless or Advanced → Wireless Settings
• Keenetic: Home Network → Wi-Fi Segment
• ASUS: Wireless → General

Step 3: Selecting the encryption type

Find the security settings (usually Wireless Security or Network protection). Here you will see a drop-down list with options:

Recommendations for selection:

• 🏆 The optimal option for 2026: WPA2/WPA3-Personal (hybrid mode). It supports both new and old devices.
• 🛡️ Maximum security: WPA3-Personal (only if all gadgets support it).
• 🐢 For compatibility with older devices: WPA2-Personal (AES). Avoid TKIP - It slows down the network.

Step 4: Saving the settings

After selecting the protocol:

1. Set a new password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
2. Click Save or Apply.
3. Wait for the router to reboot (1-2 minutes).

Troubleshooting after changing encryption

Even with the right settings, difficulties can arise. Let's look at common scenarios and how to resolve them.

Problem 1: Laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi after changing protocol

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Forget the network: In Windows 10, delete a saved connection:
  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
  2. Select your network → Forget.
  3. Please reconnect using the new password.

🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver:

1. Click Win + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters, find your Wi-Fi module (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
3. Right click → Update driver.

Issue 2: Slow speed after switching to WPA3

If your speed has dropped by more than 30% after enabling WPA3, check the "Channel Width" setting on your router. For maximum performance, select 80 MHz (for Wi-Fi 5/6) or 40 MHz (for Wi-Fi 4).

How to change:

1. Enter the router settings (see Step 1).
2. Find the section Wireless → Channel Width (or "Channel Width").
3. Select 80 MHz (if supported) or Auto.

Issue 3: Devices don't see the network after changing the protocol

Possible reasons:

• 📡 Hidden SSID: If the "Hide network" option is enabled in the router settings (Hide SSID), turn it off.
• 🔄 Incompatible Wi-Fi standard: Make sure that the router is set to 802.11n/ac/ax (and not only 802.11b).
• 🔋 Channel congestion: Use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer (For Android) or NetSpot (For Windows) to select a less crowded channel.

What should I do if my router doesn't save my settings?

If after clicking "Save" the router resets or does not apply the changes, try:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

2. Update the firmware through the manufacturer's official website.

3. Try a different browser (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome).

4. Disable your antivirus or firewall during setup.

How to Choose the Best Encryption Type in 2026

Choosing a protocol depends on your priorities. Below are recommendations based on current standards and security threats.

1. Maximum security: WPA3-Personal

Advantages:

• 🔐 Individual traffic encryption for each device (SAE instead of PSK).
• 🛡️ Protection against dictionary attacks (e.g. WPA2-Handshake).
• 🚀 Support Wi-Fi 6/6E And WPA3-Enterprise for corporate networks.

Flaws:

• ❌ Not supported by devices older than 2018 (e.g. iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S7).
• ⚠️ Some routers (for example, D-Link DIR-300) do not have hardware support WPA3.

2. Universal choice: WPA2/WPA3-Personal (hybrid mode)

This mode automatically selects a protocol for each device:

• 🤝 Compatible with all gadgets.
• 🔄 Allows you to smoothly transition to WPA3, replacing old devices.

Cons: Potentially less safe than pure WPA3, as it supports legacy authentication methods.

3. For older devices: WPA2-Personal (AES)

If your network has:

• 📺 Smart TV until 2016 (for example, LG 42LB561).
• 🎮 Game consoles (PS3, Xbox 360).
• 🖨️ Printers with Wi-Fi (for example, Canon MG2540S).

— choose WPA2-Personal with encryption AES (Not TKIP!).

⚠️ Attention: Protocol WEP It can be hacked in a few minutes using free tools like Aircrack-ngNever use it, even for "temporary" networks.

Additional settings to improve Wi-Fi security

Changing the encryption protocol is only part of network security. Let's consider additional measures:

1. Disabling WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. How to disable:

1. Enter your router settings.
2. Find the section WPS or QSS (V TP-Link).
3. Select Disable or Disable.

2. Filtering by MAC addresses

Restrict network access to authorized devices only:

1. Find it in your router settings MAC Filter or MAC address filter.
2. Add the MAC addresses of your devices (you can find them through ipconfig /all V cmd).
3. Select mode Allow (allow only specified addresses).

Disadvantage: MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this method is a complement to, not a replacement for, encryption.

3. Guest access with a separate password

Create a separate network for guests with limited rights:

• 🔐 Use WPA2-Personal for the guest network.
• ⏳ Limit the password validity period (for example, 1 day).
• 🚫 Block access to the local network (optional) AP Isolation).

4. Updating the router firmware

Manufacturers regularly patch firmware vulnerabilities. How to update:

1. Enter your router settings.
2. Find the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
3. Download the latest version from the official website (for example, tp-link.com) and download it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi encryption

Is it possible to change the encryption type directly in Windows 10, without accessing the router?

No, Windows 10 does not control the network encryption protocol—that's a router setting. In the OS, you can only:

• View the current encryption type (see section above).
• "Forget" the network and reconnect with a new password.

If you don't have access to your router (for example, in an office or dorm), contact your network administrator.

What password should I choose for Wi-Fi with WPA3?

Recommendations for WPA3-Personal:

• 🔑 Length: 12+ characters (optimally 16).
• 🔢 Combination: upper and lower case letters, numbers, symbols (!@#$%).
• 🚫 Avoid: birthdays, network names (e.g. passwords) mywifi123 for SSID MyWiFi), repeating sequences (12345678).

Example of a strong password: Green$Tree9!Violet2@Moon.

Why do some devices fail to connect after enabling WPA3?

Possible reasons:

1. The device firmware is outdated: Check for updates on your smartphone, printer, or TV.
2. Incompatible Wi-Fi adapterDevices with chips Broadcom 43xx or Realtek RTL8188 (popular in budget laptops before 2017) may not support WPA3.
3. Router error: Reboot your router or reset it to factory settings.

Solution: Switch to hybrid mode WPA2/WPA3.

How do I check if my router supports WPA3?

Verification methods:

• 📋 Sticker on the router: Look for logos Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3 or Wi-Fi 6.
• 🌐 Official website: Enter your router model + "WPA3 support" into the search engine. For example, "TP-Link Archer C80 WPA3".
• 🔧 Router interface: Go to security settings - if there is an option WPA3, then it is supported.

List of popular routers with support WPA3:

• ASUS RT-AX88U
• TP-Link Archer AX6000
• Keenetic Ultra
• Netgear Nighthawk RAX120

What should I do if my internet speed has slowed down after changing the protocol?

Possible causes and solutions:

Cause	Solution
Legacy encryption (TKIP)	Switch to AES in the router settings.
Channel congestion	Change the Wi-Fi channel to 6, 11 or 40 (manually).
Low channel width	Install 80 MHz (for Wi-Fi 5/6) or 40 MHz (for Wi-Fi 4).
Conflict of standards	Turn on the mode 802.11n/ac/ax (turn off 802.11b).

Also try disabling QoS (Quality of Service) in the router settings - sometimes this function conflicts with new protocols.