When Avast says my router is not configured correctly, it has likely detected settings within your network that it feels need improvement.
If there is a weak point in your network, it’s your router since it’s the device that directly connects to the internet.
This may not necessarily be an issue, but it’s a message that you can’t ignore.
When you see the "Avast Router not configured correctly" message, check on your settings. On a wireless network, check for missing crucial configurations like weak security. Ensure that your WiFi network is set up properly with a strong password.
Why Avast Says My Router is Not Configured Correctly
There are several reasons why Avast will show you this message. All of them are to improve the overall security of your network.
It will take some effort to resolve this, but this will ensure a secure home network so that hackers cannot take advantage.
1. Weak WiFi Security
If your WiFi security is weak, Avast will show you this message. It knows if your WiFi network has a strong password.
It also knows if you did not set any type of encryption. Not doing so leaves your network vulnerable to attacks. That’s why it recommends you configure your router correctly.
2. Outdated Network Drivers
It’s not just the absence or weak WiFi password that leaves your network vulnerable.
If you have not updated your network drivers in a while, hackers can take advantage of it.
They can access your network via a WiFi card that does not have the latest drivers.
3. Router Firmware
Your router is the device that connects your entire network to the internet.
If you do not upgrade its firmware, it’s a point of entry for hackers or anyone who wants to access your sensitive data.
How to Fix Avast Says My Router is Not Configured Correctly
Now that you know what causes the Avast says my router not configured correctly, you will be able to take the necessary steps to resolve it.
Solution #1: Update the WiFi Card’s Drivers on Your Computer
Any device that connects to your router has a network card. It’s an essential piece of hardware, and you need it to have the latest software, so your computer runs as smoothly as possible.
If they are outdated, they can cause issues and become an open door for hackers to target.
If you are using a laptop, you can be sure it comes with a WiFi card that will need updating. The same goes for MacBook.
- Go to your Device Manager.
- Select the WiFi card on the list.
- Right-click on it to show more options.
- Click Update driver.
This will start the update process. It will find the latest drivers online, download, and install them in the background. All you need to do is wait for the process to finish.
Note: If you have automatic updates turned on, it’s likely you already have the latest version of the drivers.
However, you can always perform this step if you want to make sure.
Solution #2: Perform a Network Scan
Securing your network and configuring your router correctly does not end with one step.
Since you’re in the process of doing it, why not go all in and run a network scan.
This is a quick step that looks at all the other devices in your network so you can identify them.
If you see one that’s not supposed to be there, you will need to disconnect it, so it does not use your internet connection, or worse, try to get your sensitive personal data.
- Open the Command Prompt window.
- Type ipconfig and take note of your computer’s IP address.
- Enter the arp -a command to know the other devices connected to your network.
- Look for suspicious devices that are connected to your network.
Note: If you have a small enough home network, tracking every device on the list should be easy.
If there are more devices connected to your network than you can count, you can perform the ipconfig command on each device to know their IP address.
You can kick out the suspicious device off your network by logging in to your router’s dashboard.
Solution #3: Flush the DNS Settings
One of the easiest ways to improve your network and router security is regularly flushing your DNS cache.
From time to time, suspicious and malicious IP addresses are stored in your network’s cache and can affect connectivity and security.
Flushing your DNS settings will clear up any IP addresses and other DNS records, which should help resolve various issues like Avast’s Router Not Configured Correctly notification.
Doing this regularly helps prevent DNS spoofing and keeps your internet behavior private, which can dramatically improve your network security.
Here are the steps on how to flush your DNS settings:
- Press Win + X simultaneously to access Windows Settings.
- Select Command Prompt (Admin) for administrator access.
- In the Command Prompt window, type in ipconfig /flushdns.
- Wait for the message that says DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
Note: You can also try releasing your IP address by typing in ipconfig /release.
This should work with the flush DNS command to ensure that your IP address is refreshed.
Solution #4: Enable WPA2 or WPA3 Encryption on Your WiFi Network
If you are on a wireless network, you must encrypt your WiFi password. Most network setups will usually leave this unencrypted and your WiFi not secure.
This will open up a gap for intruders and attackers where they will be able to get more information from you.
Leaving your WiFi unsecured will cause your Avast to show the My Router is Not Configured Correctly notification. It may not disrupt your day-to-day internet activities, but knowing this can surely worry you.
Enabling WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your WiFi network will do the trick and resolve this issue so it will not bother you anymore.
Here’s how to activate encryption on your router:
- Access your router settings via a web browser.
- Type in your router username and password provided to you by your ISP.
- Once in your router’s dashboard, go to Security.
- Turn on WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
- Use a strong WiFi password (at least 10 characters).
Note: Make sure to use a password that’s not used to access any of your other accounts online.
Solution #5: Reset Your Router to Factory Settings
If you have changed some of the settings on your router, which caused the Router not configured notification correctly to appear, changing it back should do the trick.
However, there are times when you set your router so differently that it’s difficult to revert it manually.
The quickest way to do it would be to perform a hard reset of your router so it reverts to its factory settings.
It may not seem the most intuitive solution to keep your network secure. However, if you change enough settings, this is the wisest step to do.
You might have messed up some important security settings, and getting it back to factory settings can resolve the issue.
- Look for the physical reset button on your router.
- It’s usually located at the back beside the power adapter.
- Get a pin or something pointy and push the button with it.
- Hold it for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Wait for your router to restart.
Note: You will need to set up your WiFi name and password again. This is an excellent chance for you to activate WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
Solution #6: Update the Firmware of Your Router
This notification on Avast can also appear when you continue to use a router with outdated software.
Consider updating your router’s firmware if you have tried all the other troubleshooting steps and still get the error notification on your Avast dashboard.
Here are the steps on how to update your router’s firmware to the latest version:
- Type in your router’s IP address on your web browser.
- Enter your router’s username and password provided by your ISP.
- Find the Software, Firmware, or Update section.
- Update the firmware and wait for the process to finish,
Note: Some routers will require you to download their firmware manually on the manufacturer’s website.
Search for it there, download the latest version, and upload it on your router’s dashboard.
Thus, if you are experiencing your Avast saying your router is not configured correctly, there is something wrong with your network setup. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your WiFi network or make sure that your router uses the latest firmware for it to offer you the best security.
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Last Thoughts
If Avast says my router is not configured correctly, chances are it’s not. You may have changed some settings that activated this notification.
It’s best not to panic when you first see this message, but you will also need to get to work to fix it.
These troubleshooting steps will help you resolve this issue in no time. However, if you tried everything and still get this message, you can reach out to Avast’s technical support so they can help you better.
You can also contact your router’s customer support to find out the cause of this issue.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.