Instructions in this article apply to setting up WPA in Windows XP and later to secure your home network against unwanted users.

What to Know

  • Verify that your router and network adapters support WPA, then apply compatible settings on each device.To run both WPA and WPA2 on the same network, ensure the access point is configured for WPA2 mixed mode.

What You Need to Use WPA for Windows

You will need the following to set up WPA for Windows:

  • A Wi-Fi wireless router (or another access point)
  • At least one client running Windows XP or later with a Wi-Fi network adapter
  • Internet connectivity to download software updates

How to Configure WPA for Microsoft

Follow these instructions to set up WPA on Wi-Fi networks with Windows computers:

WPA should not to be confused with Microsoft Product Activation (also known as Windows Product Activation), a separate technology that is also included with Windows.

  • Make sure each computer on the network is running the latest service pack for their version of Windows. Visit the Windows Service Pack Update Center page to download the latest updates for your OS.
  • Verify that your wireless network router (or another access point) supports WPA. If necessary, visit the manufacturer’s website for information on how to upgrade the firmware and enable WPA. Because some older wireless access points do not support WPA, you may need to replace yours.
  • Verify that each client’s wireless network adapter also supports WPA. Install the latest device drivers from the adapter’s manufacturer if necessary. Because some wireless network adapters cannot support WPA, you may need to replace them.
  • Verify that the network adapters are compatible with either the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service or the Natural Wi-Fi API. Consult the adapter’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for details about these services, then upgrade the driver and configuration software to support it if necessary.
  • Apply compatible WPA settings on each Wi-Fi device. These settings cover network encryption and authentication. The WPA encryption keys (or passphrases) chosen must match exactly between devices.

For authentication, two versions of Wi-Fi Protected Access exist called WPA and WPA2. To run both versions on the same network, ensure the access point is configured for WPA2 mixed mode. Otherwise, you must set all devices to WPA or WPA2 mode exclusively.

Make sure each computer on the network is running the latest service pack for their version of Windows. Visit the Windows Service Pack Update Center page to download the latest updates for your OS.

Verify that your wireless network router (or another access point) supports WPA. If necessary, visit the manufacturer’s website for information on how to upgrade the firmware and enable WPA. Because some older wireless access points do not support WPA, you may need to replace yours.

Verify that each client’s wireless network adapter also supports WPA. Install the latest device drivers from the adapter’s manufacturer if necessary. Because some wireless network adapters cannot support WPA, you may need to replace them.

Verify that the network adapters are compatible with either the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service or the Natural Wi-Fi API. Consult the adapter’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for details about these services, then upgrade the driver and configuration software to support it if necessary.

Apply compatible WPA settings on each Wi-Fi device. These settings cover network encryption and authentication. The WPA encryption keys (or passphrases) chosen must match exactly between devices.

Wi-Fi products use different naming conventions to describe types of WPA authentication. Set all equipment to use either Personal/PSK or Enterprise/*EAP options.

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