Sooner or later, we all have to access the router in windows to make some adjustments. The thing is, since it's something we don't do very often, when the time comes we don't really know how to do it.
If you have ever needed to access your router's settings to make some configurations, keep reading, because we are going to tell you what you have to do to access it.
Why might it be necessary to access the router?
Although logging into your router may seem like a very technical skill intended only for those who know this technology, the truth is that it is not. In fact, it is a very useful skill that all of us who are regular computer users should have. Because thanks to it we can have greater control over our internet connection and customize it according to our needs.
From your router you can:
- Change the WiFi network password. Experts recommend that we change the default password, and to do so, we have to log into the router.
- Set up a guest network. This allows you to share your connection with visitors without exposing your main network.
- Set parental controls. Limiting access to certain websites to the youngest members of the household.
- Optimize the WiFi signal. Adjust the signal strength to improve coverage in your home.
- Configure connected devices. You can add new devices to the network such as printers, virtual assistants or security cameras.
- Diagnose connection problems. Through the router you can identify and solve common problems such as a slow connection or internet drops.
- Enable advanced features. For example, VPN, QoS or DMZ.
How to access the router in Windows
Before explaining how to access this device, it is important to keep in mind that each model is different, so the settings within it may vary slightly from what we will see. However, we are going to give you some generic instructions that we hope will help you access the router and make the changes you need quickly and easily.
The IP to access the router
The IP address that allows you to enter the router configuration is usually 192.168.1.1 O well 192.168.0.1, but may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of appliance you are using.
To find out which is the correct IP in your case, look at the back or bottom of the router. There should be a label there that says:
- IP address of the router.
- Username.
- Default password.
If you have your router's user manual, the IP is also listed there. Additionally, some ISPs include software that allows you to find your router's IP.
Another alternative if you use Windows is to open the symbol of the system y escribir "Ipconfig", then press Enter and look for the default gateway, which is usually the router's IP.
router access
Once you have located the IP, all you have to do is open your computer's browser and type it in the address bar. As is, without using «http».
If the address is correct, a window will appear asking for the username and password of the router. As we have seen before, these details are on the device itself. If for whatever reason you do not have them at your disposal, you can search for them on the Internet by indicating the model of router you are using. If this does not work either, contact your Internet provider to provide you with the details.
Set up the internet connection
This is how quick and easy it is to access the router in Windows. As we said, you don't need to be an expert, you just need to know the IP address, the username and the password.
Once you enter the router you will find a configuration panel that usually has a fairly simple design and from which you can perform different operations.
Some of the most essential and practical are these:
Change the name of the WiFi network
Within the router configuration you will easily find a section that refers to the network name. This is the name that identifies your WiFi when making connections to it.
You can change the SSID name default to the one you prefer. From then on, when you search for WiFi networks, that name will appear. So make sure it is easily recognizable for you.
Change Wi-Fi password
Cybersecurity experts always recommend changing your Wi-Fi password, because the default one can be vulnerable.
From the configuration panel of your router you have to search for the term "WPA", which is the technical name for the WiFi password. Go to that section and make the adjustments you consider necessary.
Ideally, you should set a strong password that is not easy to guess. The more random it is, the better. Just write it down on a piece of paper so you don't forget it.
Change the WiFi channel
By changing the channel you can get more browsing speedThis does not depend so much on the type of channel itself as on its level of saturation. If you find one that is less used, your browsing will be faster.
Normally, your router is set to automatically search for a channel, and this usually works fine. However, if you've noticed that your connection isn't working as well as it should, you can make adjustments.
This setting can be a bit more complex, so we don't recommend messing with anything if you don't know exactly what you're doing. But it's important to know that you have this option available to you if you need it.
In any case, whenever you make adjustments to your router settings, be sure to do a Backup so that you can recover it in the future if something happens that causes you to have to reset the device.
As you can see, accessing your router on Windows is very simple. We invite you to try accessing it and familiarize yourself with the router's control panel, because you might need it in the future.