How To Change Your Network Security Key?

Network Security Key is a code number that protects your computer from unauthorized users. If someone invades your home system, then this key helps to beat that intruder. You can change or reset your security key any time you want, but first of all, you should know the current security key of your network.

Suppose you are using Windows Vista operating system on your computer and facing a problem changing the security key of your wireless internet connection. In that case, this article will help you to solve this problem. I’ll give some ways through which you can easily access to change the network security key.

How Does Network Security Key Work?

Network Security Key provides you another layer of security by authenticating your identity when trying to connect with WPA2-PSK wireless networks. WPA2-PSK is the latest encryption standard for wireless network security based on the 802.11i draft, which is used to secure your computer or laptop from unauthorized access within wireless range.

Go through the next section for more information about changing WLAN or WPAN security settings for better performance.

Ways To Change Network Security Key

There are two methods available via which you can quickly access to change the network security of wireless local area networks (WLANs) or wireless personal area networks (WPANs). These two methods are given below:

1) Via Network Connection Settings

The first method to change your network security key is by using Network connection settings. Follow these steps to do it:

1. Go to the start menu and click on the control panel option.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Network Connections, or you can directly open this window by typing ‘Network connections’ into the search box at the bottom of most windows.
3. Once you open the “Network Connections” window, right-click on your Wireless Connection with SSID (usually, it is not visible, so you need to write your SSID).
4. Now choose ‘Properties.’
5. A new window will appear. Choose tab ‘Security.’
6. After that, click on the button ‘Wireless Properties’ available near the bottom of the window.
7. Another new window will appear with ‘Network security key’ in it. Here you can change your Network Security Key. To do this, click on the ‘Change’ button, enter your desired key or password, and press the okay button when done changing.
8. Then click OK to save changes.

2) Via Windows Command Prompt

The second method to change your network security key is by using Windows Command Prompt. Follow these steps to do it:

1. Go to the start menu and click on the ‘run’ option (windows logo key+R).
2. A small window will appear, type ‘cmd‘ in the window’s text box and press the enter button present at the bottom. It will open up the command prompt window for you.
3. Now type netsh WLAN show ssid in the command prompt window and press enter button.
4. Here you can see all the required information about your wireless connection with SSID.
5. Type netsh WLAN show profile name=profile_name key=clear in command prompt window where profile_name is the name of your wireless connection and press enter button.
6. Here you can see the required information about your profile profile_name.
7. Lastly, type netsh WLAN set security ssid=ssid key=passphrase keyusage=both in command prompt window where SSID is SSID of your wireless connection and passphrase is password or key which you want to use for this particular connection.
8. Then press the enter button to save changes.
9. Lastly, just go back to the Network & Sharing Center.
10. Now click on the desired network with SSID (usually, it is not visible, so you need to write your SSID).
11. Go to Wireless Properties.
12. Just click on the Security tab.
13. Your new configured security key will be visible in the Network Security Key box.
14. Click the okay button to save changes.

Use of Network Security Key

Every wireless router has an access code called a security key. It provides the highest level of internet protection so you can get rid of hackers or anyone’s attempt to intrude into your personal or business information. So, you should change the security key regularly for better network performance.

You can use Network Security Key in different ways like:

• To secure your computer from any intruder who wants to capture all your complex work data and critical files stored on your PC.
• If you are using a  wireless connection on your computer, this key protects it from unauthorized wireless users.
• Sometimes the network drops some data packets while sharing through WIFI Hotspot mode because it is accessible, but it is more vulnerable than wired connections. The Network Security Key also prevents intruders from using your WIFI Hotspot to access the internet.

Conclusion

Network Security Key is a combination of alphanumeric characters provided by the Access Point or Router to secure your computer or wireless devices while accessing the internet network. 

It will not let unauthorized users use your network without knowing this key. The users should know all the required details about Network Name, SSID, Encryption type, and other things to complete the authentication process for authorizing their computers or devices on that particular wireless network’s signal range.