How to Change a Network Password

A "network password" is a combination of alphanumeric, or numeric-only, characters network that users must enter in order to access a local area network. Wireless routers use this password to protect the network from unauthorized users who could potentially steal bandwidth from the network, access sensitive data, and view the information being sent to and from the network's router. To change your network password, you must log on to the router's URL and access its security settings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Web browser
• Router URL
• Router's default username and password

1. Type the router's URL into your web browser. To access and change any settings on your router, you must log into the router's URL. This will allow your computer to communicate with the router and access the router's main page. When accessing the router's URL, use the same computer that was used to install the router. If you do not know the router's URL, look for this information in the router's manual or on the manufacturer's website. After entering the URL into the web browser's address bar, press "Enter" or click the "Go" button on the browser.

2. Input the router's default username and password. Once you enter the router's URL into your web browser, a dialog box will appear requiring you to input the router's username and password. (Note that this password is not the network password.) Unless you have previously changed the router's username and password, input the default ones. Many browsers have the default username of "admin" and have the password set as "password" or have no password at all. To find out your router's username and password, check the documentation that came with your router or check the manufacturer's website. Click "OK" to proceed to the router's main page.

3. Access the router's security settings. Depending on your brand of router, there will be tabs or links on the router's main page. One of these will contain the page for changing your security settings. Find and click the link or tab. This page will contain several textboxes, one of which will contain the SSID (name of the network) and two textboxes for changing the network password.

4. Select an encryption type and change the network password. Most new routers offer WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy) security or WPA security. To create a password using letters and/or numbers, you must choose the WPA security setting. Change the network password by typing in a new password in the two textboxes. When you are finished, click "OK."

5. Save your changes and log out. After changing the network password, you must click "Save" or "Apply" to keep the password change. Log out of the router by clicking the "Logout" or "Exit" link on the router's main page. If you leave the main page open for a certain period of time, you may automatically be logged out of the router.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are trying to change your password in Windows rather than change your local area network's password, simultaneously press the "Ctrl," "Alt," and "Del." Click "Change Password," then input your old password and a new password in the corresponding textboxes. Click "OK" to finish. Make sure to update your wireless devices with the new password in order to continue using them on your network.

References

• Tech Recipes - XP Pro: How to Change Your Network Password
• Practically Networked -- Securing Your Wireless Network

Resources

• Microsoft.com -- Wireless Network Security: Prevent Wireless Hijacking
• Microsoft.com -- Strong Passwords and Password Security
• WiFi Alliance