Ever wondered what your WiFi password is but can’t find it? There’s a simple way to uncover it using Command Prompt on Windows 10. With just a few commands, you can retrieve your WiFi password in no time. This guide will walk you through the steps, making it easy to follow even if you’re not tech-savvy.
How to See WiFi Password in Windows 10 CMD
By following these steps, you’ll be able to see your WiFi password using Command Prompt in Windows 10. It’s a straightforward process that involves accessing the Command Prompt and entering a few commands.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
To start, open Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Windows search bar and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Running Command Prompt as an administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions to execute the required commands.
Step 2: Type the First Command
Next, type netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter. This will show you a list of all the WiFi networks your computer has connected to.
This command reveals all stored WiFi profiles, which is essential for finding the one you want to check.
Step 3: Select Your WiFi Network
Identify the network you want the password for from the list displayed. Note the network name (SSID).
Knowing the exact network name is crucial for retrieving the specific password you need.
Step 4: Enter the Second Command
Now, type netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear and press Enter. Replace “NETWORK_NAME” with the name of your network.
This command will display detailed information about the selected network, including the WiFi password if it is stored on your device.
Step 5: Find the Password
Scroll through the output until you find the “Key Content” line. The value next to it is your WiFi password.
The “Key Content” field contains your WiFi password, making it easy to spot once you know where to look.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you should see your WiFi password displayed in the Command Prompt window. This information can be helpful for connecting other devices or sharing the network with others.
Tips for How to See WiFi Password in Windows 10 CMD
- Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
- Double-check the network name (SSID) to ensure you retrieve the correct password.
- If the password is not displayed, ensure the WiFi network is currently active or stored on your device.
- Keep your WiFi password secure; only share it with trusted individuals.
- Be cautious while using command lines to avoid unintentional changes to system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find the Command Prompt?
You can open Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing “cmd,” and pressing Enter.
Will this method work for all WiFi networks?
It will work for networks your device has previously connected to and stored the password for.
Do I need administrator rights for this?
Yes, running Command Prompt as an administrator is necessary to view WiFi passwords.
What if the “Key Content” line is missing?
Ensure the network is currently active and stored on your device. If it’s still missing, the password might not be stored.
Can I use this method on other Windows versions?
Yes, similar commands work on other versions, but the steps might slightly vary.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type
netsh wlan show profiles. - Identify your WiFi network.
- Type
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear. - Locate the “Key Content” for your password.
Conclusion
Finding your WiFi password using Command Prompt in Windows 10 is a breeze if you follow these simple steps. By using the netsh wlan show profiles and netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear commands, you can easily retrieve your stored WiFi passwords. This method is not only efficient but also saves you from the hassle of resetting your router or digging through old notes.
Remember to keep your passwords secure and share them cautiously. If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need a quick way to find their WiFi passwords. For more tech tips and tricks, stay tuned and keep exploring!
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.