How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows 11
Discovering your Wi-Fi password on Windows 11 might seem a bit like a treasure hunt, but it’s usually pretty straightforward once you know where to look. It might involve a few clicks or a moment of staring at your screen, but don’t worry — it gets easier. Whether you’re setting up a new device or need to share your Wi-Fi with a friend who’s crashing on your couch, having this trick up your sleeve can save you a lot of hassle.
Many people don’t realise that you don’t need to fiddle with your router’s admin settings every time. Honestly, who’s got the time? Instead, you can use Windows’ built-in features directly from your desktop. Sometimes it feels like Windows is deliberately hiding things — but in reality, the options are close at hand. Stick with it, and you’ll find what you need.
Open the Settings
Start by opening the Start menu or pressing Windows + I. It’s a handy shortcut, right? This launches the Settings app, where you can tweak just about everything. It’s like the control centre for your PC, so once you’re in, navigation’s usually smooth. If you’ve recently upgraded from an older version, give yourself a moment to get your bearings — things might look a bit different.
Go to Network & Internet
Next, click on Network & Internet. Not too complicated, you might think, but sometimes finding the right spot can be a bit of a wild goose chase. Clicking around will get you to all your network options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs—you name it. If you’re in a hurry, you can also type ms-settings:network-wifi into the Run dialogue (Windows + R) and jump straight to the Wi-Fi settings.
Click on Status
Now, in the ‘Network & Internet’ section, select Status. Here, you can see how your network is performing — like whether you’re connected or how strong your signal is. It’s not just for troubleshooting; it also opens the door to other settings.
Access the Network and Sharing Centre
Scroll down until you find Network and Sharing Centre. Alternatively, you can type ncpa.cpl into the Run box to open the Network Connections window, then select your active Wi-Fi connection. This interface shows more details, including your network security key.
View Wireless Properties
Click on your Wi-Fi network name (listed under Connections) and then select Wireless Properties. Alternatively, right-click your active Wi-Fi connection in the list and choose Properties. Either way, you’ll get to the properties window where the magic happens.
Reveal the Password
Switch to the Security tab. Here, tick the box labeled Show Characters. Make sure your device is connected to the network and that the password has been saved previously. Once you tick the box, your Wi-Fi password will appear in plain text — so have a pen ready!
Bonus Tip:
If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords using PowerShell or Command Prompt. Open either as Administrator and enter: netsh wlan show profile name="YourWiFiName" key=clear. Replace YourWiFiName with your network’s name. If your profile is saved, the password’ll show up under Key Content.
- Example command:
netsh wlan show profile name="HomeNetwork" key=clear
Tips for Finding Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows 11
- Ensure you’re connected to the right network; otherwise, the password won’t display.
- If the Settings app acts up, the Network and Sharing Centre is a reliable fallback — it works every time.
- To see all saved Wi-Fi profiles on your PC, run
netsh wlan show profiles. It’ll list all the networks your device remembers. - Keep your Windows system up to date; updates often improve the interface and fix bugs.
- Using a password manager is a smart move — it keeps all your passwords in one safe place.
- If your network isn’t showing up properly, disconnecting and reconnecting can sort things out.
- Remember to keep your network credentials private — it’s essential for your online security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my Wi-Fi password if I’m not currently connected?
Typically, no. Windows needs you to be connected or have the network profile saved to reveal the password. For saved profiles, command-line tools are usually the way to go.
Is this method compatible with earlier Windows versions?
This guide is tailored for Windows 11, but many steps are similar in Windows 10 and even earlier versions, just with slightly different menu layouts.
What if the password doesn’t show up?
Double-check that you’ve ticked Show Characters in the Security tab. If you still can’t see it, make sure you’re correctly connected to the right network — sometimes a quick restart can help.
Can I get Wi-Fi passwords via Command Prompt instead?
Definitely. Use netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear. It’s handy if you’ve forgotten what you saved previously.
Can I change my Wi-Fi password from Windows 11?
Not directly through Windows. To do that, log in to your router’s admin page (usually at http://192.168.1.1 or similar). From there, find the wireless settings to update your password, then reconnect your devices with the new code.
While it might seem a bit fiddly at first, once you get the hang of it, finding your Wi-Fi password becomes second nature. Plus, familiarising yourself with network settings helps troubleshoot issues down the line. Keep your credentials safe and enjoy seamless connectivity!
If this guide has helped you uncover your password secrets, why not share it with others who might be stuck? After all, a good workaround is always worth spreading.