How To View Saved Wi-Fi Passwords In Windows 10/11

Continuing our previous article about way to view password on iPhone and iPad. This article provides guidance on how to access your saved Wi-Fi password on computer in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Continue reading, it’s simpler than you anticipate!

Key Takeaways

• You can see Wi-Fi passwords stored by cookies in Windows 10 and 11 using Command Prompt, Network Settings, or the Control Panel.
• For Windows 10, use “netsh wlan show profile” command in Command Prompt or go through Network & Sharing Center in settings.
• In Windows 11, check Wi-Fi passwords via Settings App under Network Security key or use the Control Panel method.
• Change your Wi-Fi password often to keep it safe. Use a strong mix of characters.
• Keep your passwords secure by storing them safely and only sharing with people you trust.

Steps to Access Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 10

Using Command Prompt

To see saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows, you’ll use Command Prompt. This tool lets you view the passwords of networks you’ve connected to.

1. Open Command Prompt as an admin. You can do this by searching “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and choosing “Run as administrator“.
2. Type “netsh wlan show profile” and press Enter. This command lists all Wi-Fi networks you’ve joined.
3. Find the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi network whose password you want. Note it down.
4. Next, type “netsh wlan show profile name=”SSID” key=clear” but replace “SSID” with the network’s name.
5. Press Enter. The screen shows details about the network.
6. Look for “Key Content“. Next to it is the Wi-Fi password in plain text.

This method shows your Wi-Fi passwords without needing extra software. Use it carefully and only for networks you own or have permission to access.

Through Network Settings

You can also view saved Wi-Fi passwords through Network Settings in Windows. This method is simple and doesn’t require you to type any commands.

1. Click the start button on your Windows PC.
2. Select “Settings” from the menu that appears.
3. Choose “Network & Internet.”
4. Look for “Status” on the left side and click it.
5. Scroll down and click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
6. In the new window, find your Wi-Fi network listed under “Connections” and click it.
7. A Wi-Fi status window pops up. Click on “Wireless Properties.”
8. Move to the “Security” tab in the next window.
9. Check the box next to “Show characters.” This will reveal your network’s password in the “Network security key” field.

Now let’s move to how things work in Windows 11.

Steps to Access Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 11

Using Settings App

To view saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 11, the Settings app is your friend. It lets you find Wi-Fi passwords easily without much hassle.

1. Press the Start button and select Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Choose Wi-Fi from the list on the left.
4. Scroll down and click on Manage known networks.
5. Find the network whose password you want to see, and click on it.
6. Select Properties.
7. Under Security Settings, look for the Network security key.
8. Here, you’ll see a check box named Show characters. Click it to reveal your Wi-Fi password.

This method does not require command-line skills or deep computer knowledge. Just follow these steps, and you can access your saved Wi-Fi passwords anytime in Windows 11 using the Settings app.

Via Control Panel

After checking out how to view Wi-Fi passwords using the Settings App, let’s switch gears and see how to do it through the Control Panel. This method works great on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Open “Control Panel” by typing it in the search bar next to the Start menu or by keyboard shortcut: Windows + X.
2. Click on “Network and Internet.” This is where all your network settings live.
3. Select “Network and Sharing Center.” You’ll find options related to your connections here.
4. Look for your current Wi-Fi network and click on its name next to Connections.
5. A new window pops up. Click on “Wireless Properties.”
6. Navigate to the Security tab at the top of this window.
7. Here, you’ll see a field named “Network security key.” This is your saved Wi-Fi password.
8. Check the box that says “Show characters.” Your Wi-Fi password will now be visible.

This approach lets you easily view passwords for networks you’re currently connected to or have previously connected to, ensuring you always have access when needed.

Tips for Managing and Securing Your Wi-Fi Passwords

Change your Wi-Fi password often. This keeps hackers away. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it strong. Do not use easy passwords like “123456” or “password.” Keep your router’s software up-to-date.

Makers send updates to fix security problems.

Keep a list of your Wi-Fi passwords in a safe place. You can use apps that protect them with another password or encryption. Share your Wi-Fi password only with people you trust. For guests, create a guest network if possible.

This way, they can’t access other devices connected to your main network.

Conclusion

Finding your saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 10 or 11 is easy. You learned two ways to do this on each system. This helps when you need to connect a new device without asking for the password again.

Keep your Wi-Fi passwords safe and manage them well. Now, you can view any saved Wi-Fi network’s password on your computer!