How to Find a Network Security Key - Complete Guide

What is a Network Security Key?

A Network Security Key, also referred to as a Wi-Fi password, is a crucial component for gaining access to a wireless network, ensuring its security. If you're encountering difficulties connecting to your Wi-Fi, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will how to find a network security key for router. Before delving into the steps, let's take a moment to understand the different types of Network Security Key. If you're already familiar with this information, feel free to skip ahead to the Steps section. Rest assured that by the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge to retrieve your network security key and get your Wi-Fi connection up and running smoothly.

Types of Network Security Keys?

There are mainly three types of Network Security Keys which we can use it for connecting our devices like Mobile phones, PC, Printers and etc. Lets understand in a brief: 

1. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy):

WEP was the original wireless security protocol introduced in the late 1990s. It uses a pre-shared key (PSK) that can be entered as a series of hexadecimal or ASCII characters. However, WEP is now considered to be insecure and vulnerable to various hacking techniques. It is no longer recommended for use.

Learn More About Why You Should Not Use WEP  WEP Security Issues

2. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): 

WPS is a feature designed to simplify the process of connecting devices, such as printers, to a wireless network. It provides an easier way to establish a secure connection without needing to manually enter a network security key. WPS supports two connection methods: PIN and Push Button.

• PIN Method: With the PIN method, a PIN key is used to authenticate the device to the wireless network. The device, such as a printer, displays a PIN on its control panel, and the user enters this PIN into the router's configuration interface or a device management utility to establish the connection.

• Push Button Method: The Push Button method involves pressing a physical or virtual button on both the device and the wireless router within a certain timeframe. The devices then exchange information automatically, and the connection is established without the need for entering any keys.

If you want to know how to connect Printers with WPS? Follow the below link for reference  How to Connect Printers with WPS

3. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): 

WPA is a more secure and advanced encryption protocol that replaced WEP. There are two versions of WPA: WPA-Personal and WPA2-Personal. WPA-Personal uses a pre-shared key (PSK) similar to WEP but employs a stronger encryption algorithm known as TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol). WPA2-Personal, on the other hand, utilizes the even more secure AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm.

It is important to note that WPA2-Personal is currently the recommended standard for securing wireless networks. WPA3, the latest iteration of Wi-Fi security, offers even stronger protection, but it may not be universally supported by all devices and routers now.

How To Find Password On Router, and Windows

How to find a Network Security key for router?

If you got a new router from your ISP or online, then you probably looking for Wi-Fi password for connecting first time.

Where to find the network security key on the router:

The Network Security Key is mentioned on the back on your router and it could be labeled as "Wi-Fi Password" or "Network Key" or "WEP/WPA Key" or "Passphrase" or could be possible "QR Code".

This is an example of Netgear Nighthawk Router back panel

If you want to know, how to change Wi-Fi Password then you can visit this KB article for reference  how to change Router's WIFI name and Password

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How to Find a Network Security Key on Windows?

How you can find your Wi-Fi Password from Windows 10/11, this method will only if PC is already connected to your network and you are just trying to retrieve it from settings to connect other devices:

For Windows 10/11 users, take the following procedures to determine your network's passphrase:

• Navigate to the Start menu.
• Select Network Connection from the drop-down menu.
• Navigate to Network and Sharing Centre.
• Navigate to the wireless network icon.
• Navigate to Wireless Properties.
• Navigate to the Security tab.
• When you choose Show Characters, you'll be able to view your network security key.

For Windows 7 users, take the following procedures to determine your network's passphrase:

• Launch the Start menu.
• Navigate to the Control Panel.
• Under Network and Internet, choose View Network Status and Tasks.
• Locate your wifi network by clicking Manage wifi Network on the left side menu.
• Right-click on the wireless network and choose Properties.
• Check the option to show characters in the security tab. 

It'll show you the network security key you're looking for. The same key can also be used to connect additional devices to the network.

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