In this blog, we’ll break down what the “underline network security key not valid” error means, explore the common reasons behind it, and provide you with straightforward solutions to get you back online quickly.
To begin with, here are several methods to fix the issue of “underline network security key not valid:
- Check your Wi-Fi password
- Check your network settings
- Update your router’s firmware
- Reset your router
- Check for conflicts with other devices
- Change the Wi-Fi channel
- Check for MAC address filtering
- Reset your network settings
However, this is just an overview. As you continue reading the blog, you’ll find that we have provided detailed step-by-step instructions for each of these methods to fix the issue of “underline security key not valid”.
Therefore, we encourage you to read on for more comprehensive information.
What does it mean when it says ‘Underline Network Security Key Not Valid’ ?
When you encounter the message “Underline Network Security Key Not Valid,” it typically means that the password you are entering to connect to a Wi-Fi network is incorrect or not recognized by the network.
As a result, this error can prevent you from accessing the internet and can be frustrating, especially if you are sure you have the correct password.
Reasons for the “Network Security Key Not Valid” Error
Incorrect Password:
- First and foremost, the most common reason for this error is that the Wi-Fi password (network security key) is being entered incorrectly. This can include typos, incorrect capitalization, or using the wrong characters.
Network Configuration Changes:
- Secondly, if the Wi-Fi password has been changed recently (either by you or someone else with access to the router), and you are still using the old password, you will receive this error.
Router Issues:
- Thirdly, sometimes, the router may have issues that cause it to not recognize valid passwords. This can happen due to firmware bugs or temporary glitches.
Device-Specific Problems:
- Furthermore, the device you are using to connect may have its own issues, such as outdated drivers or corrupted network settings, which can lead to problems recognizing the network security key.
Network Adapter Settings:
- Additionally, incorrect settings in the network adapter on your device can also lead theUnderline Network Security Key Not Valid error . For example, if the wireless mode is set incorrectly, it may not connect properly.
MAC Address Filtering:
- Moreover, if MAC address filtering is enabled on the router, and your device’s MAC address is not on the allowed list, you may encounter this error even if the password is correct.
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Interference or Signal Issues:
- In addition, in some cases, interference from other devices or a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause connection issues, leading to the error message.
Corrupted Network Profile:
- Lastly, if the network profile on your device is corrupted, it may not be able to authenticate with the network, resulting in the “Network Security Key Not Valid” error.
How to fix ‘Underline Network Security Key Not Valid’ Issue ?
Fixing the “Underline Network Security Key Not Valid” issue involves several troubleshooting steps to ensure that you can connect to your Wi-Fi network successfully.
Here are detailed methods to resolve this problem:
Method 1: Verify the Network Security Key
Check the Wi-Fi Password:
- Firstly, ensure you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password. This is often case-sensitive.
- Additionally, if you have access to the router, you can find the password on a sticker on the device or in the router’s settings.
Reconnect to the Network:
- To begin, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Then, click on your network and select Forget.
- Finally, reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the correct password.
Method 2: Restart Your Devices
Restart Your Computer:
- First, click on the Start menu, select Power, and then choose Restart.
Restart Your Router:
- Begin by unplugging the power cable from your router.
- Next, wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and allow it to reboot.
Method 3: Update Network Drivers
Open Device Manager:
- To start, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate Network Adapters:
- Once there, expand the Network adapters section.
Update Driver:
- Subsequently, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
- Finally, choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
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Method 4: Reset Network Settings
Open Settings:
- Firstly, go to Settings > Network & Internet.
Network Reset:
- Secondly, scroll down and click on Network reset.
- After that, click on Reset now and confirm the action. This will remove all network adapters and reset network settings to default.
Reboot Your Computer:
- To complete the process, restart your computer after the reset.
Method 5: Change Wireless Mode on Router
Access Router Settings:
- Firstly, open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Secondly, log in with your admin credentials.
Locate Wireless Settings:
- Once logged in, find the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section.
Change Wireless Mode:
- Next, look for an option to change the wireless mode (e.g., from Mixed to 802.11n or 802.11g).
- Finally, save the changes and reboot the router.
Method 6: Disable MAC Address Filtering
Access Router Settings:
- First, open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address.
- Then, log in with your admin credentials.
Locate MAC Filtering:
- Once logged in, find the MAC Filtering or Access Control section.
Disable MAC Filtering:
- Next, if MAC filtering is enabled, disable it or add your device’s MAC address to the allowed list.
- Finally, save the changes and reboot the router.
Method 7: Check for Windows Updates
Open Settings:
- First, go to Settings > Update & Security.
Check for Updates:
- Next, click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
Restart Your Computer:
- Finally, to apply the changes, restart your computer after the updates are installed.
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Method 8: Use the Network Troubleshooter
Open Settings:
- Firstly, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Run the Troubleshooter:
- Secondly, click on Additional troubleshooters.
- After that, select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Finally, follow the prompts to diagnose and fix the issue.
Method 9: Reset TCP/IP Stack
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- First, right-click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Run the Following Commands:
- Next, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh winsock reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
Restart Your Computer:
- Finally to complete the process, restart your computer after executing the commands.
Method 10: Check Router Firmware
Access Router Settings:
- First, open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address.
- Then, log in with your admin credentials.
Check for Firmware Updates:
- Once logged in, look for a section labeled Firmware Update or Router Upgrade.
- After that, follow the instructions to check for and install any available firmware updates.
Reboot the Router:
- To apply the changes, reboot the router after updating.
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Conclusion
Encountering the “Underline Network Security Key Not Valid” error can be frustrating, but it’s often a solvable issue. We’ve explored various reasons for this error, from simple password mistakes to more complex router issues.
The good news is that there are multiple solutions available, ranging from basic steps like double-checking your Wi-Fi password to more advanced methods like updating router firmware.
Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting network issues. Start with the simplest solutions, such as restarting your devices or verifying your password, before moving on to more complex fixes.
If you’ve tried these methods and still can’t connect, don’t hesitate to contact your internet service provider or a tech-savvy friend for additional support.
Source: [ microsoft, cloudradius, reddit ]
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
To fix the “network security key isn’t correct” issue, verify that you are entering the correct Wi-Fi password, including case sensitivity. If the password is correct, restart your router and device. If the problem continues, reset your network settings or update your network drivers.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click on Network and Sharing Center. Select your Wi-Fi network, click on Wireless Properties, then go to the Security tab to change the network security key. Enter the new password and click OK to save the changes.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click on Network and Sharing Center. Select your Wi-Fi network, click on Wireless Properties, then navigate to the Security tab. Check the box that says Show characters to reveal your network security key.
