In this article, we explore a comprehensive tutorial featuring procedures to change wireless security on a laptop. Here we explore inevitable steps to take in changing the security/password of a wi-fi router using your laptop. You would also learn how to change your Wi-fi router’s security type here. The steps taken are listed below.
1. Open Your Router’s Configuration Page
You can access your Router configuration page if your laptop is connected to the router. You can connect your laptop to your router using an Ethernet cable or The Router password. In a situation where you have forgotten the password, using an Ethernet cable is preferable because you will not be required to input any password.
After you might have connected your laptop to your router, you are to input the IP address on your browser, to gain access to its software platform. The Standard Router Addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.2.1, or 10.0.1.1(Apple) or 10.0.0.1. Enter any of these Addresses and hit enter.
If you find it difficult to access your Router’s software platform using the already mentioned IP addresses, you can source for the exact I using the command prompt. Once Command prompt is opened, type ipconfig and hit enter. Now look for active connection in the list and find your Router Default Gateway address. The Default Gateway is your Router’s IP address.
If you are still finding difficult to source for your Router’s gateway address, you advised to reset your router for about 30 seconds, to restore it back to factory settings. After which you are to look up the default address for your Router’s model and enter it into your browser URL box
2. Enter Your Router’s Username and Password
Apart from the normal connection password, you are required to input a special username and password, to gain access to the admin platform. Please note that the default Username for most routers is “admin” or “userAdmin” and the default password is “admin”, “password” or your current Wi-Fi’s password. If you changed your the username and password before now, you are required to input the one you enrolled.
3. Open The Wireless Section
Once you have successfully gained entry to your Router’s software platform using your browser, you ate presented with different tabs that perform different functions. Since you want to change your Router’s wireless security, you are required to click on the Wireless tab.
4. Change the password
By now you should be in the Wireless tab on your Router’s admin page. In the Wireless tab, Look for the box labeled “Password”, “Passphrase” or “Shared Key”. Some Routers require you re-enter the admin password, for confirmation. You are advised to create a very strong password, featuring letters, numbers, and symbols.
5. Change Your Security Type
Please note that there are three main types of wireless encryption: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. If you desire the most secured network, you are required to make use of WPA2. Using this network type, you may experience problems connecting to older devices. If you run into these problems, you are advised to switch to WPA.
6. Change Your Network Name
If you desire to have a unique Router name, you have the option to set a unique name here. This will make discovery very easy, you won’t have to guess your Router’s name, in a situation where they are many similar Routers in the same space.
7. Save your Settings
After you might have successfully carried out all the steps listed above, the next step will be to save the changes you made to the security setting. This way all changes made will take effect. The save button is usually located on the top or bottom of the page. Locate it and click on it to save changes. You can now go ahead to test the new password.
There You have it – a comprehensive list of procedures to change wireless security on a laptop. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.