How to view your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11

It’s a good idea to keep a paper copy of your Wi-Fi password as backup. But if you’re just trying to remember it, share it, or enter it into something like a smart home app, Windows can help locate it quickly. Here’s how to view your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11.

How to view your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11

Using Control Panel

This method should be used the vast majority of the time, since it’s both simple and reliable. Follow these steps:

• Using the Windows 11 search bar, look for Control Panel and open that app.
• Click on Network and Sharing Center.
• Select Change adapter settings.
• Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter you want the password for and select Status.
• Click Wireless Properties, then select the Security tab.
• Tick the Show characters checkbox to reveal your network security key (password).

As you may have gathered, this is why you should safeguard your entire Windows PC behind a secure password — otherwise, anyone who can reach your mouse or keyboard can glean your network info.

Using Command Prompt

If you’re a fast typist and ready to memorize a couple of abstract text commands, the Command Prompt can potentially be faster — otherwise, it should probably be kept as a backup option.

• Using the Windows 11 search field, search for Command Prompt and open the app. You may need to right-click on the icon and select Run as an Administrator, depending on your Windows configuration.
• Type netsh wlan show profiles and hit Enter.
• Type netsh wlan show profile name=”Wi-Fi profile” key=clear, substituting “Wi-Fi profile” with the name of one of the profiles from the previous step (but keeping the quotation marks). Hit Enter.
• Your password will show next to Key Content under the Security settings section.