Getting the “Your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure” prompt on your computer? If your computer is connected to a Wi-Fi that is not secure using a password, Windows warns you with this prompt. Connecting to an unsecure Wi-Fi is never recommended due to potential risk it involves. If you are getting this warning message on your device, you must give it utmost importance.
Why Windows is showing up the ‘Your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure’ message?
In simpler words, the necessity of Wi-Fi security stems from the risk of leaking personal information and various cyber threats. An unsecured or open Wi-Fi is a gateway for all the malicious cyber threats like, data theft, malware attacks and other sort of online mishaps.
So, if you are connected to an open Wi-Fi or an access point with low security, Windows automatically recognizes it and warns the user with the unsecure Wi-Fi message. You can address this problem by adjusting the Wi-Fi settings properly.
Fix 1 – Change the Wi-Fi Security Type
Even if the access point that you have connected is password-protected, this message may show up. This means the Wi-Fi security is not up to the mark.
Step 1 – You will Wi-Fi access point credentials for this. You can get them from the backside of your Wi-Fi. You may gather this information using the Wi-Fi router manufacturer’s information online as well.
It should contain administrative access address. Note it down from there.
Example –
192.168.1.1
Step 2 – Open it up on a browser.
Step 3 – Now, log in to the router console page using your User ID, password.
Step 4 – Go to the “Wireless” settings in there.
Step 5 – Set the “Security” settings of the Wi-Fi and choose anything between the “WPA2-PSK [AES] or WPA3-Personal” from the drop-down list.
Once you have chosen the correct level of security, save the changes in the Wi-Fi settings. Your Wi-Fi will reboot. You won’t get the unsecure prompt again.
NOTE – WPA 2[AES] level of encryption provides the optimum level of security for your standard browsing. This is considered optimal for home networks or non-organizational networking purposes.
WPA 3 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi Security protocol that you apply on router. We recommend any iterations of WPA 3, like WPA 3-Personal, WPA3-Personal+WPA2-PSK [AES].
Fix 2 – Use the private network type
Private network is considerably more secure than the public networks. While you are on a public network connection, like while you are connected to an Airport or Railway station Wi-Fi, Windows may show up this message.
NOTE – Do this only if you are connected to your personal. Don’t switch settings of any unknown Wi-Fi.
Step 1 – On your Windows Settings console, load up the “Network & Internet” settings.
Step 2 – Then, open up the “Wi-Fi” tab.
Step 3 – Tap the name of the Wi-Fi that you are currently connected to load its settings.
Step 4 – Switch to the “Private” mode, if the connected Wi-Fi is a trusted access point.
See if this offers any resolution to your issue.
Fix 3 – Reset the IP configuration from CMD
You can reset the network configuration directly from the terminal.
Step 1 – Start by searching for “cmd” from the taskbar.
Step 2 – Next, right-click the “Command Prompt” and tap “Run as administrator“.,
Step 3 – After loading up the console as the administrator, execute these set of codes.
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset
After executing these codes, you may close the CMD terminal. Just a simple system restart should do the job.
Fix 4 – Use a VPN
Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security to the network. You may consider using a VPN system that bypasses the locally applied restrictions. This also makes the network routing more secure, where unsolicited eyes can’t pry on your network routing information, making it a bit more secure.
Fix 5 – Get a new router
If you don’t see the optimal level of security like, WPA 2 PSK [AES] and only the WPA security protocol on your older router configuration page, you must consider getting a new one. The latest version of router, irrespective of your budget, will get at least WPA 2 iterations of the security protocol. Once set up the new router, you will never get the “Your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure” message again.
Hope this works!