Where to find your WiFi settings in Windows 10

Your WiFi username (called the network name or SSID) and password live in your router's admin panel, not in Windows itself. Windows 10 lets you see and forget networks, but to actually change what your network broadcasts or who can join it, you need to log into the router directly — usually through a web browser on any device connected to that network.

The router is a physical box, often provided by your internet service provider or purchased separately. It has a sticker on the bottom or back with a default IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), a username, and a password. That's what you'll use to get in and make changes.

Windows 10 itself stores the password you use to connect to the network, but changing that password means changing it at the source — the router — not in Windows. Once you change it on the router, Windows will ask for the new password the next time you try to connect.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi network name and password are controlled by your router's admin panel, which you access through a web browser, not through Windows 10.
  • Find your router's IP address, username, and default password on the sticker attached to the router itself.
  • Log into the router using that IP address in your browser's address bar, then look for wireless settings or WiFi settings to change the network name and password.
  • After you change the password on the router, Windows 10 will forget the old connection and ask you to enter the new password when you reconnect.
  • If you've forgotten your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.

Finding your router's login information

Look for a sticker on your router — usually on the bottom, back, or inside the battery compartment if it's a portable model. The sticker will show three pieces of information: the IP address (the web address you type into your browser), the default username (often "admin"), and the default password.

Write these down or take a photo. If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the router's manual or search online for your router's model number (printed on the sticker or the device itself) plus "default login". Most manufacturers publish this information publicly.

If you've changed the admin password before and can't remember it, you'll need to reset the router. This erases all your settings, including your custom WiFi name and password, and returns the router to factory defaults. To reset, locate the small reset button (usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin), hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release. The router will restart and return to its default state.

Logging into your router from Windows 10

Open any web browser — Edge, Chrome, or Firefox all work. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address from your router's sticker. For example, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. You should see a login page.

Enter the username and password from the sticker. Most routers use "admin" as the username and either "admin" or "password" as the password, but yours may differ. If the default credentials don't work, you've likely changed them before, and you'll need to reset the router as described above.

Once you're logged in, you'll see a dashboard or control panel. The layout varies by manufacturer — some use tabs across the top, others use a menu on the left side. Look for a section labeled "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network", or "Settings". This is where you'll find the options to change your network name and password.

Changing your network name (SSID)

In the wireless or WiFi settings section, find the field labeled SSID, Network Name, or Wireless Network Name. This is the name that appears when you look for available networks on your phone or computer. Click in the field and replace the current name with whatever you'd like to call your network.

Choose a name that's straightforward for you to remember but doesn't broadcast sensitive information. For example, "HomeNetwork" is fine; "JohnSmith-House-123MainSt" is not. Avoid special characters like @ or # — stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.

After you type the new name, look for a Save or explore button. Click it. The router will restart or update its settings, which usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Your old network name will disappear from available networks, and the new one will appear.

Changing your WiFi password

In the same wireless settings section, find the field for Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK). This is the password people enter when they connect to your network. Click in the field and enter a new password.

Make your password at least 12 characters long and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: BlueSky#2024Home. Avoid dictionary words, birthdates, or sequences like "123456". Write it down or store it somewhere safe — you'll need it to reconnect all your devices.

Check that the Security Type or Encryption setting is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are the current find standards. Older routers may offer WEP or WPA, which are weaker — if you have the option, choose WPA2 or WPA3. Then click Save or explore. The router will restart.

Reconnecting Windows 10 to your new network

Once the router restarts, open the WiFi menu in Windows 10 by clicking the network icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar. Your old network name will no longer appear. Find your new network name in the list, click it, and select Connect.

Windows will ask you to enter the new password. Type it exactly as you set it on the router — passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueSky#2024Home" is different from "bluesky#2024home". Click Next and Windows will connect.

If you have other devices on your network — phones, tablets, smart speakers, printers — you'll need to reconnect each one with the new password. Go to that device's WiFi settings, find your network, and enter the new password.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you can't reach the router's login page, make sure you're connected to the network (or connected via ethernet cable if your computer has one). Check that you typed the IP address correctly — 192.168.1.1 is common, but some routers use 192.168.0.1 or 10.0.0.1. If you're still stuck, try the IP address printed on your router's sticker.

If you're logged into the router but can't find the wireless settings, look for a menu item that says "Advanced", "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network". Some routers hide these settings behind a "More Settings" or "informed Mode" button. If your router has a mobile app, you can also change the network name and password through the app instead of the web browser.

If Windows connects to the new network but the internet doesn't work, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If other devices can't connect with the new password, double-check that you entered the password correctly on the router — spaces and special characters matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi password disconnect all my devices right away?

Yes. Once you save the new password on the router, all devices currently connected will lose the connection. They'll stay disconnected until you manually reconnect each one with the new password. Plan the change for a time when you can update all your devices — phones, computers, tablets, smart home devices, and printers.

What if I forgot the password I just set?

Log back into the router's admin panel and check the wireless settings — the password is usually displayed there (sometimes hidden behind a "show password" button). If you've forgotten the router's admin password, you'll need to reset the router to factory defaults, which erases your custom network name and password and returns everything to the manufacturer's defaults.

Can I change my WiFi password from my phone instead of a computer?

Yes, if your router has a mobile app. Search your phone's app store for your router's brand name and read the official app. Log in with your router's admin credentials, and you should be able to change the network name and password from there. The process is similar to using a web browser.

Is it safe to use the default password that came with my router?

No. Default passwords are publicly known, and anyone in range of your network could look them up and connect. Change your password to something unique as soon as you set up the router. The same goes for the admin password — change it from the default so only you can log into the router's settings.

What should I do if I can't log into the router at all?

First, confirm you're typing the correct IP address and username and password from the sticker. If those don't work, the admin password may have been changed previously. Your only option is to reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which returns it to factory defaults. After that, use the credentials from the sticker to log in again.