wireless networking Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to quickly retrieve a forgotten WiFi password from your Windows PC

Posted on October 31, 2022

I receive dozens of questions every week from readers of the “Tech Q&A” section of this blog, and a question I get fairly often is “How do I retrieve my forgotten WiFi password?“.

It’s very easy to forget your WiFi password (aka Network Security Key) if your devices store it and log you into the network automatically.

Some people go months, or even years without typing in their WiFi password, only to discover they can no longer remember it when it comes time to connect a new computer or mobile device to the network.

If you’ve forgotten the password to your own WiFi network, I strongly recommend that you retrieve it from your PC and write it down for future reference.

Luckily, that’s very easy to do as long as your Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 PC is currently logged into the network. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Scam Alert: Beware dangerous ‘Evil Twin’ WiFi networks

Posted on July 3, 2022

Have you ever used a hotel’s secure Wi-Fi network while staying there as a guest?

How about the secure Wi-Fi network that serves the building you work in – or even the network at your church?

Many of us routinely use these types of secured Wi-Fi networks without giving them a second thought, because…well, they’re encrypted, and therefore safe, right?

As a general rule these secured networks are indeed safe and we can use them without having to worry about having our usernames, passwords and personal info being stolen.

But there’s also a danger with using secured Wi-Fi networks that you need to know about…

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can you recommend a good wireless network card for my desktop computer?

Posted on June 27, 2019

Question from Donna Q.: The wireless network adapter in my Gateway desktop computer has stopped working and I need to replace it. I looked on Amazon and BestBuy.com and there are so many to choose from!

I have a Netgear AC 1600 router so I’d like to get a wireless adapter than can connect to it at the fastest speed possible. I’m not all that concerned with price as long as it’s a really good product.

I would appreciate it if you could give me a recommendation. Thanks.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Netgear WiFi Analytics – Tune your WiFi network for better performance with this fantastic free app

Posted on January 25, 2019

Does your WiFi network seem slower than it should be?

Do you struggle with poor, unstable connections?

Are you unable to use your devices at all in a distant room?

Many wireless networking issues can be fixed simply by making a tweak or two to your router, but the trick is knowing exactly what’s causing the issue and what you need to tweak.

Our friends at Netgear have developed an awesome free app for your Android devices that can help take some of the guesswork out of diagnosing and fixing many WiFi networking issues. [Read more…]

Windows 10: Protect your wireless network by disabling Wi-Fi Sense

Posted on March 29, 2016

If you’re running Windows 10 on your PC, you might not be aware of it but you’re probably sharing your Wi-Fi connection with literally thousands of people you don’t even personally know.

Yep, you read that right. A new Windows 10 feature called Wi-Fi Sense gives everyone on your Facebook Friends List along with all of your Outlook.com and Skype contacts complete access to your wireless network. [Read more…]