Typing in a long and complicated Wi-Fi password again and again gets frustrating. They’re not short or simple to remember, so people are turning to alternatives like QR codes. A quick scan of these allows guests or friends to join the network instantly, which is kind of neat, but the trick is, Windows doesn’t natively let you generate these QR codes directly — at least not without some help. So, you gotta dig around a bit. Usually, folks use free online tools to whip up the code once they’ve got all the network details. But if you want to get it right from your PC, here’s a way to do it with just command line magic.
Essentially, you need your Wi-Fi network info handy: the SSID (that’s your network name), and the security key (the password).Once that’s sorted, a couple of commands in Command Prompt or PowerShell will reveal the details, and then you can pop those into a QR code generator. It’s all a bit roundabout, but it works. Expect to have a scannable QR code ready in a few minutes, which you can display on your screen or save for later. Just a heads up, some networks have different security types, so make sure you note down the correct security protocol (WPA2, WPA3, etc.), or the scan won’t work for connecting.
How to Generate and Display a Wi-Fi QR Code on Windows
Find Your Wi-Fi Network Information
Yeah, you’re gonna need your Wi-Fi info first. If you’re sitting there trying to generate a QR code without knowing the exact SSID or password, it’s not gonna do anything. So, here’s what you should do:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
- Type
cmdand hit Enter to bring up Command Prompt. - Type
netsh wlan show profilesand press Enter.
This will show a list of saved Wi-Fi profiles on that machine. Find your network’s name — it’s typically the SSID. If it’s not saved, you might have to connect to it first or retrieve info from your router settings.
- Next: Type
netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_WIFI_NAME" key=clearreplacing YOUR_WIFI_NAME with your actual network name. Hit Enter.
Scroll down in the output and look for ‘Security settings, ’ especially the Key Content. That’s your password. Note down your network name, the Key Content (your password), and the security type (likely WPA2-personal or WPA3).If you’re a bit fuzzy on the security protocol, it’s usually indicated in the same data or easily checked on your router’s admin panel.
Create the Wi-Fi QR Code
Now that you have all the info, it’s time to turn it into a QR code. Many online generators are safe and reliable, just Google “free Wi-Fi QR code generator” — but here are some good options like QiFi, QR Code Monkey, or GoQR. Just find one you like.
- Enter your network name (SSID), password, and security type in the fields
- Click “Generate” or similar button — it usually resets immediately after creation
- Download or save the QR code as an image, typically PNG or SVG
That’s it — now you’ve got a scannable code. Some sites even let you customize colors or add logos if you’re feeling fancy, but basic black-and-white works fine for most.
Display the QR Code on Your Screen
Once the code is ready, you’ve got some options. Want to keep it visible for guests? Here’s how:
Use the Windows Photos App
- Right-click on the QR code image file and choose Open with > Photos. This is the easiest way for viewing it in full size.
- Maximize the window so it’s easy to scan from across the room. Keep it open on the desktop, maybe pin it on the screen if needed.
This way, anyone can just pull out their phone, scan, and connect. On some setups, the image might not be big enough or might flicker if you switch tabs — but for now, this generally gets the job done.
Set as Desktop Background
- Right-click the QR code image file and choose Set as desktop background. Voila, it’s always visible as long as the PC stays on.
Works surprisingly well if you’re hosting a small get-together but don’t want to fuss with printed signs. Just be aware — if you restart or turn off the PC, it’ll go away, so this is more of a temporary display trick.
Recommended Online QR Code Generators
Sure, there’s plenty of free tools online, but some are more reliable and secure than others. And on one setup it worked, on another… not so much. Here’s a quick rundown of some trusted options:
QiFi
- Built specifically for Wi-Fi QR codes, so the interface is straightforward.
- No data gets sent or stored anywhere — it’s all local, which is nice for security freaks.
- Enter network info, generate, download. Easy.
QR Code Monkey
- Offers more customization—colors, logos, shapes. Good for branding or just looking slick.
- Supports high-res PNG and vector downloads, so printing or larger displays are possible.
- Bit more complex but totally worth it if aesthetics matter.
GoQR
- Supports multiple QR code types besides Wi-Fi, in case you want to do more.
- Fast, simple, with decent options for tweaking style and format.
- Download in PNG, SVG, or JPEG. Handy.
And if you’re wary of data privacy, stick to tools that don’t save your info. Basic QR code creation shouldn’t require sharing network details with some sketchy server.