Steps to Resolve the “Your Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Secure” Warning on Windows

You’ve protected your Wi-Fi network with a robust password and encryption, yet Windows still warns you about its security? This could indicate that your router is relying on an obsolete encryption standard. This guide will walk you through updating your encryption settings to ensure your data remains secure from unauthorized access.

Understanding Wi-Fi Encryption Protocols

Wi-Fi encryption protocols act as essential security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to wireless networks. Since the introduction of the WEP protocol by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 1999, multiple updates have been made to enhance wireless security. Each emerging protocol has significantly increased network safety compared to its predecessors.

• WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): The earliest encryption standard, now deemed weak and highly insecure. It’s become exceedingly uncommon.
• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Designed to replace WEP, it offers improved security than WEP through the use of TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), although it remains inadequate by today’s standards.
• WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2): This standard employs AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for strong encryption and robust data protection, making it one of the safer options.
• WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3): Introduced in January 2018, WPA3 offers the highest level of security, supporting AES-256 for comprehensive protection.

To check the Wi-Fi encryption protocol on your Windows device, navigate to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Hardware Properties -> Security type. The connection should display WPA2 if it’s using an updated standard.

While most modern routers utilize either WPA2 or WPA3, there are still instances where WEP, a standard established over two decades ago, might be in use. WPA-TKIP is also outdated and no longer considered secure.

Why Does Windows Display “Your Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Secure”?

Windows issues a warning when attempting to connect to networks that employ older encryption standards like WEP or TKIP. This alert, particularly relevant for Windows 10 and 11 users, is a precaution indicating that connections to these less secure protocols may not be possible soon.

The warning reads:

“[Network Name] isn’t secure. This Wi-Fi uses an older security standard that’s being phased out. We recommend connecting to a different network.”

This notification serves to inform you that the network relies on outdated WEP or WPA-TKIP encryption methods.

WEP has always been a poor choice for encryption, and the Wi-Fi Alliance officially retired it in 2004. A year later, the FBI demonstrated how easily it could be compromised, showcasing its many vulnerabilities.

The Wi-Fi Alliance intended to phase out WEP in favor of WPA-TKIP, yet this protocol has many shared vulnerabilities. Gaining access to one often means you can access the other.

There are several additional reasons why Windows or its apps may flag a network as “not secure.” For instance, if your Wi-Fi password is weak or overly predictable, a warning will likely be triggered. I personally received a weak Wi-Fi password alert from my Avast antivirus software.

Another potential cause for the warning could be outdated firmware on your router. It’s advisable to keep your router’s firmware updated, mainly if you own a reliable brand like TP-Link or Netgear, which frequently provides updates.

Resolving the “Your Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Secure” Alert on Windows

If you encounter this message while attempting to connect to your home network, enhancing the encryption method should resolve the issue. Follow the steps below based on whether you’re on a private or public network.

Private Network

Input your router’s IP address in your browser’s address bar, or for Netgear routers, simply enter routerlogin.net. Otherwise, consult your router’s manual for the specific web address.

Once there, log into your router using your credentials (check the manufacturer’s website for the default if no password is set). Find the web interface, and select the most robust encryption option available, such as WPA2 + PSK. Save your settings afterward.

Keep in mind that the method for modifying encryption protocols may vary by router brand; thus, checking the manufacturer’s website for specific directions is beneficial. Ideally, select WPA3 if available, as it is the strongest option. If WPA3 is not an option, WPA2 with AES is preferable, while WPA (TKIP) should only be used as a fallback.

Public Network

For public Wi-Fi contexts where you don’t have access to the router settings, you can secure your connection through Windows settings. Navigate to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi -> Hardware Properties -> Advanced Wi-Fi Network Properties. Click Edit to bring up a new dialogue.

Go to the Security section and switch the Encryption type to the most secure option, ideally WPA-3. You will need to re-enter the Network security key (Wi-Fi password). Note that the password for the stronger encryption might differ from that of the weaker one.

If changing the encryption type proves impossible, your only recourse is to switch to a different Wi-Fi network.

What to Do When Unable to Resolve the “Your Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Secure” Alert

If you find yourself unable to fix the “your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure” warning on Windows, consider the following tips to enhance your security:

• Utilize a VPN: A top-tier virtual private network offers enhanced protection against unauthorized Wi-Fi access and eavesdropping.
• Implement an antivirus solution: A robust antivirus program equipped with a firewall significantly boosts your network’s security. For optimal results, pair a third-party antivirus with Windows Defender.
• Invest in a new router: If your options are limited to WEP or WPA-TKIP, acquiring a new router may be your best solution. Several budget-friendly models are available capable of handling the connectivity needs of a medium-sized home with numerous devices.

Regardless of the steps you take to eliminate dependence on these outdated protocols, act swiftly. Not only are they highly susceptible to breaches, but support for them on Windows devices will likely be phased out soon. If you’re considering a router purchase, Wi-Fi 7 represents the future of secure networks.

Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

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