If you’ve ever forgotten your WiFi password and need to connect another device, you can easily retrieve it using Windows 11. With a few simple steps, you can access your saved WiFi passwords and reconnect any device without a hassle. Let’s break down the process so you can quickly and efficiently find that elusive password.
How to Check WiFi Password in Windows 11
This guide will show you how to find your stored WiFi password on a Windows 11 computer. You’ll be able to pull up the password for any network you’ve previously connected to, making it super easy to share or use it again.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
The first step is to open the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.
Click on the Start menu and then select the gear icon for Settings. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open it directly.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Network & Internet’
Once you are in the Settings app, go to the ‘Network & Internet’ section.
In the left sidebar, you will see several options. Click on ‘Network & Internet’ to proceed.
Step 3: Access the ‘Status’ Section
Under ‘Network & Internet’, click on ‘Status’.
Here, you can find an overview of your network connections, including the WiFi network you’re currently connected to.
Step 4: Open ‘Network and Sharing Center’
Scroll down and click on ‘Advanced network settings’, then select ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
This will lead you to an old-school Control Panel interface where you can see detailed network information.
Step 5: Click on Your WiFi Network Name
In the Network and Sharing Center, find your active WiFi connection and click on its name.
A new window will pop up with details about your network connection.
Step 6: Go to ‘Wireless Properties’
In the WiFi Status window, click on the ‘Wireless Properties’ button.
This window will provide more details about your wireless network settings.
Step 7: Show the WiFi Password
Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab in the Wireless Network Properties window and check the box that says ‘Show characters’.
Your WiFi password will be revealed in the ‘Network security key’ field.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll see your WiFi password displayed. You can now use it to connect other devices to your network.
Tips for How to Check WiFi Password in Windows 11
- Always keep your WiFi password in a secure location where you can easily find it when needed.
- Write down your passwords in a dedicated notebook or use a password manager for added security.
- Make sure you’re connected to the right network before checking the password.
- Be cautious when sharing your WiFi password with others to maintain network security.
- If you frequently forget passwords, consider setting a more memorable password that is still secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the WiFi password for a network I’m not connected to?
No, you can only check the password for networks you have previously connected to on your device.
Is there a quicker way to find the WiFi password using Command Prompt?
Yes, you can use Command Prompt by typing netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_NETWORK_NAME" key=clear to display the WiFi password.
Will this method work on other versions of Windows?
Yes, similar steps can be used on Windows 10, though the interface may vary slightly.
Do I need administrative privileges to see the WiFi password?
Yes, you typically need administrative rights to view saved WiFi passwords.
Is it safe to show my WiFi password on a shared computer?
Be cautious as anyone with access to the computer can see your password once you reveal it.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Navigate to ‘Network & Internet’.
- Access the ‘Status’ section.
- Open ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
- Click on Your WiFi Network Name.
- Go to ‘Wireless Properties’.
- Show the WiFi Password.
Conclusion
Finding your WiFi password in Windows 11 is a straightforward process once you know where to look. By following the steps listed above, you can easily retrieve the password for any network you’ve previously connected to, ensuring that you can always get your devices back online without frustration. Remember, while this process is simple, it’s also important to keep your network secure. Be mindful of who you share your password with and consider using a password manager to keep track of your network credentials. This guide should help you become more comfortable navigating Windows 11’s settings, empowering you to manage your network connections with ease. If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out other guides on optimizing your Windows 11 experience!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.