When connecting to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 11 and Windows 10, you may see the message “This Wi-Fi network uses an outdated security standard…”. This security standard may not provide protection, or is no longer in use. There may also be a recommendation to connect to another network. What to do in this situation and how to fix this error, I will describe in detail in this article.
To make it clear what is at stake and you are sure that you have the same problem, I am attaching screenshots. So my Windows 11 swears on a Wi-Fi network with an outdated security standard. Moreover, a warning is displayed even before connecting to the network.
After connecting, a notification will appear that the Wi-Fi network is not secure. In Windows 10, the notification looks much the same.
However, you can continue to use your Internet connection through that network. Everything will work.
Why does Windows say that the Wi-Fi network uses an outdated security standard?
Many models of routers and access points allow you to set an outdated standard for wireless network security and encryption in the Wi-Fi network settings. This is usually the WEP security standard and TKIP encryption. So, if your router has such wireless network security settings, then Windows 11 and Windows 10 will not like it and you will see this notification. I have already written in more detail about the security settings of Wi-Fi networks: the type of security and encryption of the wireless network. Which to choose?
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network with an outdated security standard is really not very secure. Such networks can be easily hacked. And the information that is transmitted through them can be intercepted by intruders. What does this apply to both home Wi-Fi networks and public ones.
How to fix it?
From the Windows operating system itself, there is no way to fix this. But there are two other solutions:
- If you see this message when you connect to a public network, someone else’s, to the settings of which you do not have access, then it is best to simply not connect to this network. Find another network, or distribute the Internet from your phone.
- If the network is yours, you have access to the settings of this router, then I strongly recommend changing the router settings and setting a new and safe security standard. This is needed not only for Windows 11 or Windows 10, but also for other devices that will connect to this network.
Changing the router settings is not difficult. You need to connect to the router from any device and open its web interface through any browser. The address for entering the settings is almost always indicated at the bottom of the router. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (link for detailed instructions).
In the web interface of the router, you need to find a section with Wi-Fi network settings, or with security settings (sometimes they are placed in a separate section) and there will set WPA2-PSK protection and select AES encryption. If there is only WPA2, then WPA/WPA2-PSK. Better yet, install WPA3 / WPA2 if your router has such an item. This is how it looks on TP-Link routers with a new web interface:
You may also need to enter a new password. Read more in the article how to change or set the Wi-Fi password on TP-Link. We also have separate instructions for setting a Wi-Fi network password on ASUS, D-Link, Tenda, Netis, Keenetic routers.
After saving the settings and rebooting the router (not all models need to be reloaded) reconnect to your network. Everything should be fine, you will not see messages about the outdated Wi-Fi network security standard. Sometimes you need to forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it, enter the password, as there may be an error, the network settings saved on this computer do not meet the requirements of this network.