Forgot your WiFi password and need to connect another device? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many of us forget our WiFi credentials because, let’s face it, we usually enter them once and never think about them again. Luckily, Windows 11 provides several easy ways to recover or view your saved WiFi password.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get your WiFi password in Windows 11 step by step using multiple methods—whether you’re connected or not.
Why Would You Need to Find Your WiFi Password?
It’s easy to forget your WiFi password, especially if your devices connect automatically.
Common Situations
- Connecting a new smartphone, laptop, or tablet
- Sharing your WiFi with guests
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Recovering a forgotten password for backup
Think of this process as checking your house keys—you don’t need them every moment, but when you do, they’re essential.
Methods to Find WiFi Password in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to retrieve your password, whether you’re currently connected to the network or not. Let’s explore each method.
Method 1: Find WiFi Password Using Settings
This is the easiest and most user-friendly method.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
- Click Network & Internet from the left panel.
Step 3: Select WiFi
- Click WiFi > Manage known networks.
Step 4: Choose Your Network
- Select the network whose password you want to view.
Step 5: View Password
- Click View next to Security Key.
- Enter your device password (if prompted).
- Your WiFi password will be displayed.
Method 2: View WiFi Password via Control Panel
The traditional way that works even in older versions of Windows.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Press Windows + S, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Network and Sharing Center
- Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3: Open Active Connections
- Click your active WiFi network name.
Step 4: Open Wireless Properties
- Click Wireless Properties > Security tab.
Step 5: Reveal Password
- Check Show characters to see the password.
Method 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD)
For advanced users, CMD is a quick and powerful way.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Search for CMD and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Show Saved Networks
Type:
netsh wlan show profiles
Step 3: Find the Desired Network
Identify the WiFi name (SSID) you need.
Step 4: Reveal the Password
Type:
netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear
Replace WiFiName with your network name. Look for Key Content—that’s your password.
Method 4: Retrieve Password from Windows PowerShell
PowerShell works similarly to CMD.
Step 1: Open PowerShell
- Press Windows + X, select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Step 2: Enter Command
Type:
(netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear) | Select-String "Key Content"
Method 5: Use Your Router’s Admin Panel
Even if your PC isn’t connected to the network, you can retrieve the password from the router.
Step 1: Open Browser
- Type your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Step 2: Log In
- Enter admin credentials (found on the router or ISP documents).
Step 3: Go to Wireless Settings
- Locate Wireless or WiFi Settings.
Step 4: Find the Password
- Look for SSID Security Key or WiFi Password.
Method 6: Use Windows Credential Manager
Windows sometimes stores WiFi passwords here.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Search Credential Manager.
Step 2: Select Windows Credentials
- Look for your WiFi network and view saved credentials.
Can You Find a WiFi Password for a Network You’re Not Connected To?
Yes—if you’ve connected to it before and the profile is saved, use CMD or PowerShell methods.
What If You Forgot the Password and Never Saved It?
- Check your router label.
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Reset the router if necessary (last resort).
Is It Safe to Share Your WiFi Password?
Yes, but do so carefully. Avoid sharing with strangers, and consider using a guest network if your router supports it.
Best Practices for Managing WiFi Passwords
- Use a password manager to store them securely.
- Avoid simple passwords like 12345678.
- Update your password regularly.
Common Problems and Fixes
1. WiFi Profile Not Found
- Ensure you’ve connected to the network at least once.
2. Show Characters Option is Greyed Out
- Log in with administrator privileges.
3. Forgot Router Login Credentials
- Reset your router to factory settings if needed.
Does This Work for Ethernet?
No, this only applies to WiFi networks.
Conclusion
Finding your WiFi password in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you use Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or your router’s admin panel, retrieving your password takes just a few steps. No more calling your ISP or hunting for that piece of paper with your code scribbled on it!
FAQs
1. Can I find the WiFi password if I’m not connected?
Yes, if you’ve connected before and the profile is saved.
2. Is there a quick shortcut to view WiFi passwords?
No direct shortcut, but CMD is the fastest method.
3. Does Windows 11 store all previous WiFi passwords?
Only the ones you connected to and didn’t manually remove.
4. Can I view my WiFi password without admin rights?
No, administrator access is required.
5. How do I share WiFi without revealing the password?
Use a QR code generator or enable WiFi sharing options in Windows.