In today’s increasingly connected world, Wi-Fi passwords are essential for accessing the internet on our devices. However, it’s easy to forget your Wi-Fi password, especially if it was set up long ago and you have multiple devices connecting automatically. This blog post will guide you through the process of viewing your saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 11, helping you regain access or share the password with friends and family.
What Wi-Fi Password is Stored in Windows 11
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network on your Windows 11 device, the operating system stores the network’s name (SSID) and password (security key) for future use. This allows your device to reconnect automatically without requiring you to enter the password each time. These stored passwords can be accessed through various methods, which we will explore in this post.
Method 1: See Windows 11 WiFi Password Using Network and Sharing Center
- Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) and select “Open Network & Internet settings.”
- Click on “Change adapter options” under the “Change your network settings” section.
- In the “Network Connections” window, find and right-click on your Wi-Fi connection, then select “Status.”
- Click on the “Wireless Properties” button in the “Wi-Fi Status” window.
- Navigate to the “Security” tab and check the “Show characters” box to reveal the saved Wi-Fi password.
Method 2: See Windows 11 WiFi Password Using Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profile
- Look for the Wi-Fi network’s name (SSID) in the list of profiles.
- Type the following command, replacing “NETWORK_NAME” with the Wi-Fi network’s name, and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profile "NETWORK_NAME" keyMaterial
- The Wi-Fi password will be displayed next to “Key Content” in the output.
Method 3: See Windows 11 WiFi Password Using Third-Party Applications
Several third-party applications, such as WirelessKeyView and Wi-Fi Password Revealer, can help you retrieve your saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 11. These applications display the stored passwords for all saved networks on your device. To use these apps, simply download, install, and run them to view your Wi-Fi password.
Wi-Fi Password Revealer is a free tool that can help you view saved Wi-Fi passwords on your Windows 10 device. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Wi-Fi Password Revealer from a trusted source.
- Launch the program and wait for it to scan your computer for saved Wi-Fi passwords.
- Once the scan is complete, the program will display a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords.
- Locate the Wi-Fi network you want to view the password for and note down the password displayed next to it.
- Close the program once you’ve found the password you need.
It’s important to note that Wi-Fi Password Revealer requires administrator access to your computer to function properly. Additionally, retrieving Wi-Fi passwords without the owner’s permission is considered unethical and potentially illegal. Only use this tool for legitimate reasons and with the owner’s permission.
Method 4: See Windows 11 WiFi Password Using PowerShell
- Open Windows PowerShell by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start Menu.
- Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select “Run as administrator”.
- Type in “netsh wlan show profile” and press Enter. This will display a list of all the Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to.
- Type in “netsh wlan show profile [network name] keyMaterial=clear” and press Enter, replacing “[network name]” with the name of the network you want to retrieve the password for.
- Scroll down to the “Key Material” section and look for “Key Content”. The password for the Wi-Fi network will be displayed next to this.
FAQs
- Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password on other devices, such as smartphones and tablets? Yes, you can view saved Wi-Fi passwords on most devices, including Android smartphones, iPhones, and iPads, although the process varies by platform.
- Can I change my Wi-Fi password using Windows 11? No, you cannot change the Wi-Fi password directly from your Windows 11 device. To change your Wi-Fi password, you need to access your router’s settings and update the password there.
- What should I do if I still can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network after retrieving the password? If you still cannot connect to the Wi-Fi network, make sure you’re entering the correct password and that your device is within range of the router. If the problem persists, consider restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.
Conclusion
Retrieving your Wi-Fi password on Windows 11 can be done with just a few simple steps, whether you use the Command Prompt, Settings app, or a third-party app. However, it’s important to remember that Wi-Fi passwords are sensitive information and should only be accessed for legitimate reasons. Always make sure you have permission from the network owner before attempting to retrieve their Wi-Fi password.