802.1X authentication is a network access control protocol for securing wired and wireless networks. It provides an authentication mechanism to devices wishing to connect to a LAN or WLAN. In a Windows environment, 802.1X authentication can be configured using built-in tools and settings. This article will guide you through setting up 802.1X authentication on a Windows machine.

Examples:

1. Enable Wired AutoConfig Service:

   Before configuring 802.1X, ensure that the Wired AutoConfig service is running. This service is essential for 802.1X authentication on Ethernet connections.

   • Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
   • Type services.msc and press Enter.
   • In the Services window, locate "Wired AutoConfig".
   • Right-click on "Wired AutoConfig" and select "Properties".
   • Set the Startup type to "Automatic", then click "Start" and "OK".

2. Configure 802.1X Authentication for Wired Networks:

   • Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Network and Sharing Center".
   • Click on "Change adapter settings".
   • Right-click on the Ethernet adapter you want to configure and select "Properties".
   • Click on the "Authentication" tab.
   • Check the box for "Enable IEEE 802.1X authentication".
   • Choose "Microsoft: Protected EAP (PEAP)" from the dropdown menu.
   • Click on "Settings" to configure PEAP settings (e.g., validate server certificate, select authentication method).
   • Click "OK" to apply the settings.

3. Configure 802.1X Authentication for Wireless Networks:

   • Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Network and Sharing Center".
   • Click on "Manage wireless networks".
   • Right-click on the wireless network you want to configure and select "Properties".
   • Click on the "Security" tab.
   • Set the security type to "WPA2-Enterprise" and encryption type to "AES".
   • Choose "Microsoft: Protected EAP (PEAP)" from the dropdown menu.
   • Click on "Settings" to configure PEAP settings (e.g., validate server certificate, select authentication method).
   • Click "OK" to apply the settings.

4. Command Line Configuration:

   You can also use the netsh command to configure 802.1X settings via the Command Prompt.

   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

   • Use the following command to enable 802.1X on a specific interface:

     netsh lan set interface name="Ethernet" admin=enabled

   • To set the authentication mode, use:

     netsh lan set interface name="Ethernet" authmode=8021X

   • Configure the EAP type:

     netsh lan set profileinterface name="Ethernet" authmode=8021X eap="PEAP"

   Adjust the interface name ("Ethernet") to match the name of your network adapter.