Network and Internet Change Wi-Fi Network Profile Connection and Security Settings in Windows 11

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Wi-Fi_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to change the connection and security settings of an existing known Wi-Fi network profile in Windows 11.

Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and standard that uses high-frequency radio waves to provide wireless Internet and network connections to your Windows device.

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network for the first time, Windows will automatically add a profile for the Wi-Fi network in "Manage known networks". The saved profile contains the SSID (network name), security key (password), and connection and security properties used to connect to this specific Wi-Fi network.

Sometimes you may need to update or change connection and security settings of an existing known Wi-Fi network profile without deleting the profile and starting over. For example, change the password (security key) or use WPA3 instead of WPA2 security type for the profile to match any changes made to the adapter settings.


Here's How:

1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Network & internet on the left side, and click/tap on Wi-Fi on the right side. (see screenshot below)

Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-1.png

3 Click/tap on Manage known networks. (see screenshot below)


Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-2.png

4 Click/tap on the known Wi-Fi network profile (ex: "Brink-Router2") you want to make changes to its connection and/or security settings. (see screenshot below)

Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-3.png

5 Click/tap on the Edit button for Advanced Wi-Fi network properties. (see screenshot below)

Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-4.png

6 In the Connection tab, make the changes below you want for this Wi-Fi network: (see screenshot below)
Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-5.png

7 In the Security tab, make the changes below you want for this Wi-Fi network, and click/tap on OK (see screenshot below)
  • Select the Security type in the drop menu.
  • Select the Encryption type (if applicable) in the drop menu.
  • Type the Network security key (password).
Change_Wi-Fi_network_profile_settings-6.png

8 You can now close Settings if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 
Last edited:
Hello !
:unsure: If I change the security key on my network while connected in WiFi... Will I be immediately disconnected ? :unsure:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-14600K (3.50 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI B760M GAMING PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SDD Kingston NV3 - 2 To
    Seagate BarraCuda - 4 To - 256 Mo
    PSU
    Fox Spirit HG 650
    Case
    Fractal Design Node 804 Black Window
    Cooling
    be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black
    Keyboard
    azerty
    Browser
    Chrome
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    THINKPAD-7HMUUS84
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10400H CPU @ 2.60GHz (2.59 GHz)
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160
Hello !
:unsure: If I change the security key on my network while connected in WiFi... Will I be immediately disconnected ? :unsure:

Hello, :alien:

Usually only when trying to connect.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
It did not work for me.
My PC was disconnected asa I changed the password.
I switched off the modem - restarted the PC - could not connect with the new password even though it was correctly entered in “show key”
I “forgot” the network to start from scratch again.
I had to revert to the key printed on the modem, the key is as long as a rainy windy day

Could be because I’m in France.
I found this on the web (translated)
To change the password of a Wi-Fi network saved on Windows 11, you must do so through the network management interface, as Windows does not allow you to directly change the Wi-Fi network password itself via a dedicated option in the settings.
Changing the password saved on your computer is a separate step from changing the password of your router or internet box.
To update the saved password on Windows 11, you need to access the wireless network properties via Settings or the Control Panel, and then change the security key in the Security tab.
However, this action does not change the password of the physical Wi-Fi network; it simply updates the copy stored on your computer. To change the actual Wi-Fi network password, you must log in to the management interface of your router or internet box via a web browser, using the administrator credentials provided by your internet service provider.


As I requested a change of router, I’ll wait for the new one to make a new try...
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-14600K (3.50 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI B760M GAMING PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SDD Kingston NV3 - 2 To
    Seagate BarraCuda - 4 To - 256 Mo
    PSU
    Fox Spirit HG 650
    Case
    Fractal Design Node 804 Black Window
    Cooling
    be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black
    Keyboard
    azerty
    Browser
    Chrome
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    THINKPAD-7HMUUS84
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10400H CPU @ 2.60GHz (2.59 GHz)
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160
It did not work for me.
My PC was disconnected asa I changed the password.
I switched off the modem - restarted the PC - could not connect with the new password even though it was correctly entered in “show key”
I “forgot” the network to start from scratch again.
I had to revert to the key printed on the modem, the key is as long as a rainy windy day

Could be because I’m in France.
I found this on the web (translated)
To change the password of a Wi-Fi network saved on Windows 11, you must do so through the network management interface, as Windows does not allow you to directly change the Wi-Fi network password itself via a dedicated option in the settings.
Changing the password saved on your computer is a separate step from changing the password of your router or internet box.
To update the saved password on Windows 11, you need to access the wireless network properties via Settings or the Control Panel, and then change the security key in the Security tab.
However, this action does not change the password of the physical Wi-Fi network; it simply updates the copy stored on your computer. To change the actual Wi-Fi network password, you must log in to the management interface of your router or internet box via a web browser, using the administrator credentials provided by your internet service provider.


As I requested a change of router, I’ll wait for the new one to make a new try...

Correct. Using the option in this tutorial will only change the Wi--Fi password used by the profile saved on the computer to connect with. It does not change the actual adapter's password.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
OK thanks !
Since the tutorial ended with That's it, I figured that was it !!!
I learn slowly :rolleyes:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-14600K (3.50 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI B760M GAMING PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SDD Kingston NV3 - 2 To
    Seagate BarraCuda - 4 To - 256 Mo
    PSU
    Fox Spirit HG 650
    Case
    Fractal Design Node 804 Black Window
    Cooling
    be quiet! Pure Rock 3 Black
    Keyboard
    azerty
    Browser
    Chrome
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    THINKPAD-7HMUUS84
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10400H CPU @ 2.60GHz (2.59 GHz)
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160
OK thanks !
Since the tutorial ended with That's it, I figured that was it !!!
I learn slowly :rolleyes:

No worries. This is more for changing the profile settings on the computer to match if the adapter settings were changed.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender

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