In layman terms, the Network Security Key is nothing but your Wi-Fi Password. You need this key/password/code to gain access to a local area network. Having a security key protects our network and devices from unauthorized access. It ensures that users’ digital information is safe and prevents them from various online threats.
To understand better: If you wish to access a website or an account online while you are in a restaurant, you need to get a Network Security Keys of that particular network to establish a successful connection.
Most Common Types Of Network Security Key:
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2).
How Do I Find The Network Security Key On My Router?
Each Internet Service Provider & Manufacturer attaches a Network Security Key on your router’s bottom or back. It can be available as:
- Password
- Network Key
- WPA Key
- Wireless Password
Once you find the Network Key, you can easily connect yourself and others right away to your Wi-Fi connection.
How Do I Find The Network Security Key On Windows 10?
If you cannot find the key on your Router, you can follow the straightforward steps here to find it on your Windows 10 PC.
Step 1- Right-click on the Start Menu icon & go to Network Connections. It can be usually found in between Device Manager & Disk Management options.
Step 2- Click on Network and Sharing Center under Advanced network settings.
Step 3- Now, Click on your Wi-Fi network’s name and hit the ‘Wireless Properties’ button.
Step 4- As soon as the next pop-up menu appears on the screen, navigate to the Security tab, and check the ‘Show characters’ box.
That’s all! This way, you’ll be able to find the Network security key on Windows 10 PC.
How Can I Find The Network Security Key On Windows 7 PC?
Follow the straightforward steps here to find the security key, if you are using Windows 7 PC:
Step 1- Hit the Start button and navigate to the Control Panel.
Step 2- Select the ‘Network and Internet’ option > click on View network status and tasks.
Step 3- From the left panel, you need to select the option: Manage Wireless Networks.
Step 4- Now simply find your wireless network and right-click on it to choose its Properties.
Step 5- Head towards the Security tab and check the “Show characters” box.
Now that you have discovered the Network Security Key, you can easily connect other devices to your network without any hassles on Windows 7 PC.
Tips For Maximizing Home Wireless Network Security:
Implement all the tips mentioned below to secure your home network & prevent unauthorized access to an Internet connection.
1. Set A Complex Password
Your Wireless Router comes with a default username & password to gain connection for the first time. But make sure you change the credentials as soon as possible. Set something unique & strong that cannot be guessed by anyone else. An excellent password should contain a combination of numbers, special symbols, uppercase & lowercase characters.
You Might Find This Useful: How To Create Strong Passwords & Remember It?
2. Turn Off Wireless Home Network When Not In Use
Make sure you deactivate your Wireless Home Network when it’s not in use. When you deactivate the network devices, it reduces the chances of bad guys entering into your network & at the same time, it minimizes the probability of device damage that can happen due to electric power surges.
3. Deactivate The Remote Access
Though most routers allow users to access their interface from a connected device only, some would enable access from remote systems. So, make sure you disable the remote access settings & eliminate the loopholes that hackers might use to access your network connection from a remote device.
4. Set Up A Firewall
A firewall is a dedicated security system that helps users check unauthorized access to or from a network. It creates a barrier between your computer & hackers, so they cannot invade privacy or harm your device. To add an extra layer of security to your PC, you can check out our complete list of Best Firewall Software For Windows 10, 8 & 7.
Additional Tip: Use A Powerful VPN Service Using a reliable VPN service like Systweak VPN is an ultimate choice to get greater online security. With the Best VPN Service running on your Windows PC, you can use an encrypted network remotely and hide things such as IP Address, Location, Passwords, and other Data from potential hackers. Here’s How Systweak VPN Can Help You? |
So, this was our simple step-by-step guide to find Network Security Key on Windows 10 & 7 PC and how you can enhance your Home Wireless Network Security? If you have any questions or tips in mind that could be added to this list, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!
Forb
Nice read. Is there a way I can protect this key?Gajendra singh
I was looking for finding the network security keyMridula
Its easier to find out Network Security Key nowDavid Morrison
That was quite simple way to find the Network Security Key. Earlier i had to type a bunch of commands in the elevated CMD.