How to Find Wi-Fi Password in Windows 11

Open Settings to the Wi-Fi section to find the security key

By
Saikat Basu
Saikat Basu
Saikat Basu
Writer
  • University of Pune (India)
Saikat has been a technology writer for 12+ years. His writing has appeared at MakeUseOf, OnlineTechTips, GoSkills, and many others.
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Updated on July 3, 2024

What to Know

  • There are multiple ways to view the Wi-Fi password, but using Settings is the easiest.
  • Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Select the network and then choose View.
  • The Netsh utility, accessible via Command Prompt, shows passwords for all the networks you've ever connected to.

This article will show you how to find the Wi-Fi password your Windows 11 device uses to get online.

How to Find the Wi-Fi Password in Settings

Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy to view the password to the Wi-Fi network in just a few steps.

  1. Press Win+i to open Settings, or search for it in the Start menu or Power User Menu.

  2. Select Network & internet on the left, and then Wi-Fi on the right (the text, not the toggle).

    The Network & internet options in Windows 11 Settings

  3. Choose the Wi-Fi network listed as Connected.

    Wi-Fi settings in Windows 11

  4. Scroll to the bottom and choose View to see the Wi-Fi password.

    A Wi-Fi password displayed in Windows 11 Settings

How to View Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 11 Control Panel

Another way to find the Windows 11 Wi-Fi password is via Control Panel.

  1. Open Control Panel. One way is to search for it from the Start menu.

    Control Panel in the Windows Start menu

  2. Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

    Network and Internet and Network and Sharing Center in Windows Control Panel

  3. Select the network name next to Connections.

    Connections: Wi-Fi highlighted in Windows Network and Sharing Center

  4. Select Wireless Properties.

    Wireless Properties in Windows Wi-Fi Connections

  5. Open the Security tab and choose Show characters. You'll find the Wi-Fi password in the Network security key box.

    Security and Show characters in Windows Wireless Properties

How to View Wi-Fi Passwords for Old Networks

Windows keeps a record of all the Wi-Fi passwords you've entered over time to connect to different networks. This information can be displayed in Command Prompt if you enter a few commands.

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt. Just search for it from the Start menu and choose Run as administrator.

    Run as an administrator under Command Prompt in Windows Search

    Another way there is through Terminal. Press Win+X and then select Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type this into Command Prompt and then press Enter.

     netsh wlan show profiles
    The netsh wlan show profiles results in Command Prompt

  3. Listed here are all the Wi-Fi networks you've connected to from this device. Note the exact name of the network for which you need the password.

    You can locate the name of the currently connected network if that's the one you're searching for in Command Prompt.

  4. Type the following and then press Enter, but replace example with the SSID you noted in the last step. Surround the name in quotes if it has any spaces. 

     netsh wlan show profile name=example key=clear | findstr "Key Content"
    A Wi-Fi password listed in Command Prompt

    The Wi-Fi password is displayed next to Key Content.

    An easy way to do this without typing the whole command is to paste it into Command Prompt and then use the left arrow key to put the cursor to the right of 'example.' You can then erase that word and type the correct network name.

FAQ
  • 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 settings, type a new password, and 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 & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now. It's also possible to forget individual W-Fi networks.

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