This article will show you how to find the Wi-Fi password on Windows 11.

Where Are Wi-Fi Passwords Stored in Windows?

A Windows PC saves the passwords of all Wi-Fi networks it connects to. These include the active Wi-Fi network and any past networks. A couple of methods make it easy to retrieve the network passwords if you forget them. 

The active Wi-Fi password is stored in the Wireless Network Properties in the Control Panel. You can access Wireless Network Properties located in the Control Panel in three ways:

  • From the Control PanelFrom the Settings app.From the Run Command box.

How Do I View Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 11?

You can find Wi-Fi adapter settings in the Control Panel. The adapter stores the password for the active connection. 

  • Select Start.
  • Type Control Panel and select the top result.
  • Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  • Tip:
  • For easier visibility and less confusion, change the view of the Control Panel applets from View by: Category to View by: Large icons.
  • In the Network and Sharing Center, next to Connections, select your Wi-Fi network name.
  • In Wi-Fi Status, select Wireless Properties.
  • In Wireless Network Properties, select the Security tab, then select the Show characters check box. Your Wi-Fi network password is displayed in the Network security key box.

How to Open Wireless Properties From Settings

You can also access Wireless network properties from the Settings app, which has gradually ported many features from the legacy Control Panel. It’s also easier to find than opening the Control Panel in Windows 11.

Select Start.

Type Control Panel and select the top result.

Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

Tip:

For easier visibility and less confusion, change the view of the Control Panel applets from View by: Category to View by: Large icons.

In the Network and Sharing Center, next to Connections, select your Wi-Fi network name.

In Wi-Fi Status, select Wireless Properties.

In Wireless Network Properties, select the Security tab, then select the Show characters check box. Your Wi-Fi network password is displayed in the Network security key box.

  • Select Start > Settings. Alternatively, use keyboard shortcut Windows key + i.
  • Select Network & internet from the left sidebar.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Advanced network settings.
  • Under Related settings, select More Network adapter options.

The Network Connections window will open in the Control Panel. The steps to find the Wi-Fi password now are the same as described above for the Control Panel.

Select Start > Settings. Alternatively, use keyboard shortcut Windows key + i.

Select Network & internet from the left sidebar.

Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Advanced network settings.

Under Related settings, select More Network adapter options.

How Do I View All Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 11?

You can find the current Wi-Fi password and the passwords from previous wireless connections used by your PC. 

Note:

You can also open the Network Connections window in the Control Panel by entering ncpa.cpl in the Run dialog box.

  • Search for Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
  • To find all Wi-Fi connections used by Windows, type netsh wlan show profiles at the command prompt. Press Enter.
  • Note the specific Wi-Fi connection name for which you need the password.
  • Enter netsh wlan show profile name=WifiConnectionName key=clear at the command prompt. Substitute “WifiConnectionName” with the network name (without quote). Press Enter.
  • Note down the value next to Key Content. That’s the specific Wi-Fi network’s password.

Search for Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

To find all Wi-Fi connections used by Windows, type netsh wlan show profiles at the command prompt. Press Enter.

Note the specific Wi-Fi connection name for which you need the password.

Enter netsh wlan show profile name=WifiConnectionName key=clear at the command prompt. Substitute “WifiConnectionName” with the network name (without quote). Press Enter.

Note down the value next to Key Content. That’s the specific Wi-Fi network’s password.

  • How do I share my Wi-Fi in Windows 11?
  • To share your Wi-Fi connection, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot and turn on the switch for Mobile hotspot. On the other device, enter the provided network name and password to access the shared internet.
  • How do I fix it when I can’t connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11?
  • If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11, reboot your PC, verify that Wi-Fi is turned on, and move closer to the router. If you have a firewall, VPN, or metered connection set up, disable it and try to connect again.
  • How do I change my Wi-Fi password in Windows 11?
  • To change your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11, log into your router as an administrator. Find the Wi-Fi Password Settings, type a new password, then save the changes.
  • How do I reset my Wi-Fi settings in Windows 11?
  • To reset your network settings in Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. It’s also possible to forget individual W-Fi networks.

To share your Wi-Fi connection, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot and turn on the switch for Mobile hotspot. On the other device, enter the provided network name and password to access the shared internet.

If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11, reboot your PC, verify that Wi-Fi is turned on, and move closer to the router. If you have a firewall, VPN, or metered connection set up, disable it and try to connect again.

To change your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11, log into your router as an administrator. Find the Wi-Fi Password Settings, type a new password, then save the changes.

To reset your network settings in Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. It’s also possible to forget individual W-Fi networks.

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