Wi-Fi passwords are essential for securing your wireless network and protecting your data from unauthorized access. They act as a barrier to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your network, thus ensuring that only trusted users can access the internet and your connected devices. Passwords also help maintain the integrity of your network, safeguarding it from potential cyber threats and attacks.
Where Are Wi-Fi Passwords Stored in Windows?
A Windows computer securely stores the passwords for every Wi-Fi network it connects to, encompassing both the present active network and previously accessed ones. Several convenient methods exist to recover these passwords in case of forgetfulness.
The password for the currently active Wi-Fi network gets stored within the Wireless Network Properties, accessible through the Control Panel. There are three primary avenues to reach the Wireless Network Properties within the Control Panel:
- Directly from the Control Panel.
- Through the Settings app.
- Via the Run Command box.
Reasons for Needing Wi-Fi Password
There are several reasons why you might need to find your Wi-Fi password:
- Connecting a new device: When you want to connect a new device to your Wi-Fi network, you need the password to establish the connection.
- Sharing with a guest: If a guest or a family member needs to access your Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to provide them with the password.
- Troubleshooting: Sometimes, you may need to verify the password for troubleshooting purposes or to ensure that you’re using the correct one.
- Changing the password: If you decide to change your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to know the current one to update it.
Overview of Methods to find Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11
In this article, we’ll cover four methods to find the Wi-Fi password in Windows 11:
- Using Windows Settings
- Using Control Panel
- Using Command Prompt
- Using PowerShell
These methods are suitable for different levels of expertise and can be used depending on your preference and familiarity with Windows 11.
Method 1: Using Windows Settings
Open Windows Settings
Press the Windows key or click on the Start button and select the Settings icon (a gear symbol) to open the Windows Settings app. You can also search for “Settings” in the search bar and click on the app in the search results.
Navigate to Network & Internet settings
Once the Settings app is open, click on the “Network & Internet” option. This will take you to the Network & Internet settings page, where you can manage various network-related configurations.
Access Wi-Fi properties
In the Network & Internet settings, click on the “Wi-Fi” tab on the left side. Next, click on the “Manage known networks” link to see a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past. Find the network whose password you want to view, click on it, and then select “Properties.”
View Wi-Fi password under Security settings
In the Wi-Fi properties window, scroll down to the “Security” section. Here, you’ll see the “Network security key” field with the Wi-Fi password hidden behind asterisks. Check the box next to “Show characters” to reveal the Wi-Fi password. Note down the password or copy it to use it as needed.
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Method 2: Using Control Panel
Open Control Panel
Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel app in the search results to open it. You can also access the Control Panel by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Control Panel” from the context menu.
Access Network and Sharing Center
In the Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet” and then select “Network and Sharing Center.” This section allows you to manage your network connections and settings.
Find your Wi-Fi connection
In the Network and Sharing Center, locate the “Active Networks” section. You should see your Wi-Fi network listed there with the network name (SSID). Click on the Wi-Fi network’s name to open its properties.
Open Wireless Properties
In the Wi-Fi Status window, click on the “Wireless Properties” button to access the properties of your Wi-Fi connection.
View Wi-Fi password under Security tab
In the Wireless Properties window, navigate to the “Security” tab. You’ll see the “Network security key” field with the Wi-Fi password hidden behind asterisks. Check the box next to “Show characters” to reveal the Wi-Fi password. Note down the password or copy it to use it as needed.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt
Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges
Press the Windows key and type “Command Prompt” in the search bar. Right-click on the Command Prompt app in the search results and select “Run as administrator” to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Input command to display network profiles
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- Copy code
- netsh wlan show profiles
This command will display a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past.
Identify target Wi-Fi network
From the list of network profiles, locate the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to find. Note down the network’s name (SSID) for the next step.
Input command to display Wi-Fi password
Type the following command in the Command Prompt, replacing “NETWORK_NAME” with the name of the target Wi-Fi network:
- Copy code
- netsh wlan show profile name=”NETWORK_NAME” keyMaterial
- Press Enter to execute the command.
View Wi-Fi password in command output
The command output will display various details about the Wi-Fi network. Look for the “Key Content” field under the “Security settings” section. The Wi-Fi password will be displayed next to “Key Content.” Note down the password or copy it to use it as needed.
Method 4: Using PowerShell
Launch PowerShell with administrative privileges
Press the Windows key and type “PowerShell” in the search bar. Right-click on the Windows PowerShell app in the search results and select “Run as administrator” to launch PowerShell with administrative privileges.
Input command to display network profiles
In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
- mathematica
- Copy code
- Get-NetWLANProfile
This command will display a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past.
Identify target Wi-Fi network
From the list of network profiles, locate the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to find. Note down the network’s name (SSID) for the next step.
Input command to display Wi-Fi password
Type the following command in the PowerShell, replacing “NETWORK_NAME” with the name of the target Wi-Fi network:
- mathematica
- Copy code
- (Get-NetWLANProfile -Name “NETWORK_NAME” -AllUser).SecurityMaterial.Keys.KeyMaterial
- Press Enter to execute the command.
View Wi-Fi password in PowerShell output
The Wi-Fi password will be displayed in the PowerShell output. Note down the password or copy it to use it as needed. (screenshot)
Tips and Warnings
Ensure Wi-Fi is connected to the network
Before attempting to find your Wi-Fi password, make sure your device is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Some of the methods mentioned above may not work if you’re not connected to the network.
Be careful when sharing Wi-Fi passwords
When sharing Wi-Fi passwords, be cautious about who you share it with, as this information could be used to compromise your network’s security. Only share your password with people you trust.
Keep passwords secure
Store your Wi-Fi passwords securely and avoid writing them down in easily accessible places. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords and ensure their security.
Regularly update Wi-Fi password for security
For optimal security, it’s essential to update your Wi-Fi password regularly. This practice helps protect your network from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered four methods to find the Wi-Fi password in Windows 11: using Windows Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Depending on your expertise and comfort level with Windows 11, you can choose the method that suits you best. Remember to keep your Wi-Fi passwords secure and update them regularly to maintain the security of your wireless network. Don’t hesitate to explore other Windows 11 features and functions to enhance your user experience.
