On Windows 10, when you connect to a Wi-Fi network, you usually use a passphrase (password) that grants you access to the network, which also applies a security template to keep the communication secure.
Although once you’re connected, you typically don’t have to worry about the connection security. It’s important to know the security type to determine whether your device is using a secure connection. In addition, it can help you troubleshoot problems, when you can’t connect after the security type changes in the network.
In this guide, you’ll learn three ways to quickly determine the security type of your Wi-Fi connection on Windows 10.
- How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Settings
- How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Control Panel
- How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Command Prompt
How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Settings
Use these steps to check the security type of your current Wi-Fi connection on Windows 10:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Wi-Fi.
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Select the network connection.
Wi-Fi settings on Windows 10 -
Under the “Properties” section, confirm the wireless connection “Security type.”
Wi-Fi security type settings
Once you complete the steps, you’ll know the type of security your device is using to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Control Panel
Use these steps to determine the wireless connection security type with Control Panel:
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Open Control Panel.
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Click on Network and Internet.
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Click on Network and Sharing Center.
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Click the Change adapter settings option from the left pane.
Change adapter settings option in Control Panel -
Double-click the wireless adapter.
Wi-Fi adapters in Control Panel -
Under the “Connection” section, click the Wireless Properties button.
Wireless properties in Control Panel -
Click the Security tab.
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Confirm the wireless “Security type.”
Wi-Fi security type in Control Panel
After you complete the steps, you’ll be able to understand the Wi-Fi security type currently in use, and you’ll see the settings to change the security as needed.
How to confirm Wi-Fi security type using Command Prompt
Use these steps to check the Wi-Fi security type with netsh using Command Prompt:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to check the Wi-Fi security type and press Enter:
netsh wlan show interfaces
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See the “Authentication” field to verify the Wi-Fi security type.
Wi-Fi security type information in Command Prompt
Once you complete the steps, the command will show whether your device is currently using WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, or 802.1X security.
Although it’s important to understand the Wi-Fi security type, starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 will show you a warning if you’re connecting using an unsecured security types, such as WEP and TKIP.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].