How to Check WiFi Password in Windows 11 CMD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to connect a new device to your Wi-Fi network, but you can’t remember the password? Don’t worry; it’s a common problem. If you’re running Windows 11, you can easily retrieve your Wi-Fi password using the Command Prompt. Let’s take a quick look at how you can do this without breaking a sweat.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Check Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 CMD

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to see the Wi-Fi password for the network you’re currently connected to. This can be super helpful if you need to share the password with someone else or connect a new device to your network.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To begin, you’ll need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Opening Command Prompt as an administrator is crucial because some commands require elevated permissions to execute. To do this, search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Enter the Show Profile Command

Next, type the command netsh wlan show profile and press Enter.

This command will display a list of all Wi-Fi profiles saved on your computer. These profiles contain details about all the networks you’ve connected to in the past.

Step 3: Identify Your Network Name

From the list, identify the name (also known as SSID) of the network whose password you want to find.

The network name is essential because you’ll need it for the next command to retrieve the password. Make sure you spell it exactly as it appears in the list.

Step 4: Enter the Key=Clear Command

Now, type the command netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR NETWORK NAME" key=clear and press Enter. Replace "YOUR NETWORK NAME" with the actual network name from Step 3.

This command will display various details about the network, including the password (listed as the Key Content) under the Security settings.

After completing these steps, you’ll see the Wi-Fi password displayed on your screen under the "Key Content" section. You can now use this password to connect other devices to your Wi-Fi network.

Tips for Checking Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11 CMD

• Make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to check the password for; otherwise, it may not appear in the list.
• Double-check the spelling of your network name when entering it in the command; a typo can result in an error.
• If you have multiple networks saved on your computer, you can find passwords for all of them using the same method.
• Remember that you should only access Wi-Fi passwords for networks you own or have permission to use.
• Keep your Wi-Fi password secure and don’t share it with others unless necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find Wi-Fi passwords for networks I’m not currently connected to?

Yes, as long as the network profile is saved on your computer, you can use the same method to find the password.

What if I don’t see my network listed after the first command?

Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on, and you’ve connected to the network before. If it’s still not listed, it may not be saved on your computer.

Is it safe to use Command Prompt to find Wi-Fi passwords?

Yes, it’s completely safe to use Command Prompt for this purpose as long as you’re using your own computer and networks.

Why do I need to run Command Prompt as an administrator?

Some commands, like the ones used in this guide, require higher permissions to execute. Running Command Prompt as an administrator ensures these commands will work.

Can I use this method on older versions of Windows?

This method works on Windows 7, 8, and 10 as well. The process is very similar across these versions.

Summary

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the command to show all Wi-Fi profiles.
3. Identify the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Enter the command to display the network’s password.

Conclusion

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password is no longer a cause for panic. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily check your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. This handy trick can save you time and frustration, especially when you need to quickly connect new devices to your network.

While it might seem a bit technical at first glance, the process is straightforward and takes just a couple of minutes to complete. Plus, it’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of Command Prompt, which can be a powerful tool for managing your computer.

Remember to keep your passwords secure and to only access or share them responsibly. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll never have to reset your router or call your internet service provider for a forgotten Wi-Fi password again. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy uninterrupted internet access across all your devices.