How to Secure Your Windows Wi-Fi Connection

Protect your Windows PC from network threats by configuring advanced Wi-Fi security settings, disabling auto-connect, and hardening your privacy.

1. Disable automatic connection to open networks. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I. Navigate to Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Select Known networks and toggle off 'Connect automatically when in range' for any public or untrusted hotspots.
2. Enable random hardware addresses. Within the Wi-Fi settings menu, toggle 'Random hardware addresses' to 'On'. This feature rotates your MAC address, preventing network observers from tracking your device's activity across different networks.
3. Configure network profile as Private. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Click on the properties of your active network. Set the Network profile type to 'Private' to ensure your PC is hidden from other devices on the same network.
4. Verify Wi-Fi network security protocol. View the properties of your connected Wi-Fi network in Settings. Ensure the 'Security type' is listed as WPA3-Personal or WPA2-AES (CCMP). If your router uses WPA or WEP, access your router's administration portal to upgrade the encryption standard.
5. Enable Windows Firewall for public networks. Search for 'Windows Defender Firewall' in the Start menu. Click 'Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off'. Ensure both Private and Public network settings are set to 'Turn on Windows Defender Firewall'.