Network and Internet Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Windows 11


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Wi-Fi_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to find and see the security key password of your Wi-Fi network connection in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and standard that uses high-frequency radio waves to provide wireless Internet and network connections to your Windows device.

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network for the first time, Windows will automatically add a profile for the Wi-Fi network. The saved profile contains the SSID (network name), security key (password), and connection and security properties used to connect to this specific Wi-Fi network.

If you forgot your Wi-Fi network password, you can find it on a Windows PC that has a profile for the Wi-Fi network on it, or is currently connected to the Wi-Fi network. After you find your password, you can use it on a PC or device to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Starting with Windows 11 build 25977 (Canary), in Settings, when looking at your Wi-Fi password under the Wi-Fi properties, Microsoft will now show a QR code so you can more easily share it with others. Microsoft will also show a QR code when you set up a mobile hotspot to share your network connection.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26052 (Canary), Microsoft moved the option to show your Wi-Fi password to the top of the Wi-Fi properties page under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

Tip:


Contents

  • Option One: Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in PowerShell
  • Option Two: Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Command Prompt
  • Option Three: Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Network and Sharing Center
  • Option Four: Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password from Wireless Router
  • Option Five: Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Settings




Option One

Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in PowerShell


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select Windows PowerShell.

2 Copy and paste (click on command to copy) the command below you want to use into PowerShell, and press Enter. (see screenshots below)

(output inside PowerShell)
(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$[I].Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $[/I]} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key Content\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$[I].Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $[/I]} | %{[PSCustomObject]@{ PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass }} | Format-Table -Wrap

OR​

(output to text file on your desktop)
(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$[I].Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $[/I]} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key Content\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$[I].Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $[/I]} | %{[PSCustomObject]@{ PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass }} | Format-Table -Wrap | Out-File "$env:userprofile\Desktop\Wi-Fi_network_passwords.txt"

3 You will now see a list of all your Wi-Fi network profiles with their SSID name and security key password.

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_PowerShell.png

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_PowerShell_to_text_file.png





Option Two

Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Command Prompt


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below into Windows Terminal, and press Enter to see a list of all Wi-Fi network profiles on each interface on your PC. (see screenshot below step 3)

netsh wlan show profiles

3 Make note of the Wi-Fi network profile name (ex: "Brink-Router2") you want to see the security key password for, and which interface (ex: "Wi-Fi") the profile is on.

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_command-1.png

4 Type the command below you want to use into the command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 5)

netsh wlan show profile name="Profile Name" interface="Interface Name" key=clear

Substitute Profile Name (SSID) in the command above with the actual Wi-Fi network profile name (ex: "Brink-Router2") from step 3.

Substitute Interface Name in the command above with the actual name of the interface (ex: "Wi-Fi") the Wi-Fi network profile is on from step 3.

For example: netsh wlan show profile name="Brink-Router2" interface="Wi-Fi" key=clear


5 You will see this Wi-Fi network's security key password to the right of Key Content under the Security settings section. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_command.png




Option Three

Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Network and Sharing Center


This option is only available if you are currently connected to the Wi-Fi network.


1 Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Network and Sharing Center icon.

2 In Network and Sharing Center, click/tap on the Wi-Fi network name (ex: "Brink-Router2") link next to Connections. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_Network_and_Sharing_Center-1.png

3 In Wi-Fi Status, click/tap on the Wireless Properties button. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_Network_and_Sharing_Center-2.png

4 In Wireless Network Properties, click/tap on the Security tab, and check Show characters to see the Network security key. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_Network_and_Sharing_Center-3.png




Option Four

Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password from Wireless Router


You will need to read the manual for the brand and model of your wireless router for more specific details on how to do the steps below since they will vary per router.


1 Log in to your wireless router.

2 Open the Wi-Fi or Wireless settings page.

3 Look to see what the security key password is for the Wi-Fi network you want.

If you have not changed the security key in your router's wireless settings, or have reset your router back to default, then some wireless router manufacturers set a default security key or password which may be on the bottom of your router or in the router’s documentation.


Wi-Fi_network_profile_password_router.png





Option Five

Find Wi-Fi Network Security Key Password in Settings


This option only applies to Windows 11.


1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Network & internet on the left side, and click/tap on Wi-Fi on the right side. (see screenshot below)


Wi-Fi-security_key_Settings-1.png

3 Click/tap on Manage known networks on the right side. (see screenshot below)


Wi-Fi-security_key_Settings-2.png

4 Click/tap on the known Wi-Fi network (ex: "Brink-Router2") you want to view the Wi-Fi security key for. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi-security_key_Settings-3.png

5 Click/tap on the View button to the right of View Wi-Fi security key. (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi-security_key_Settings-4.png

6 You will now see the security key for the selected known Wi-Fi network (ex: "Brink-Router2"). (see screenshot below)

Wi-Fi-security_key_Settings-5.png


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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Last edited:
@Brink i have error about "Format-Table : A parameter cannot be found that matches parameter name 'Wrap'."

I have removed the Format-table that clear the error.

Windows 11 version 22543.1000
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Strange, it works for me.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Workstation
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    doofenshmirtz evil incorporated
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO Black 64GB (4x16GB) 3600MHz AMD Ryzen Tuned DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT 16GB ROG Strix LC OC
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX Katana
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x27" Dell U2724D & 1 x 34" Dell U3415W
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB M.2 2280 PCI-e 4.0 x4 NVMe Solid State
    Drive
    PSU
    ASUS ROG THOR 850W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    ASUS ROG Strix Helios Midi-Tower ARGB Gaming Case
    Cooling
    ASUS ROG Strix LC Performance RGB AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - 360mm
    Keyboard
    Logi Ergo
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    900/100 Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Pro
    Other Info
    HP M281 Printer
    Logitech Brio Stream webcam
    Yeti X mic
  • Operating System
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop
    CPU
    i7

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Tutorial updated to add option five. :alien:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Brink,

You're going to add the comment that Option 5 only applies to Windows 11?

Denis

PS I also had a problem when first using Option 1's first command. I had the same error as Freebooter. When I examined the command in the PS window I found that a trailing ? had been added even though I had copied the whole block and pasted it in. Of course, now that I want it to happen so I can take a screenshot, it refuses to do it again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Brink,

You're going to add the comment that Option 5 only applies to Windows 11?

Denis

PS I also had a problem when first using Option 1's first command. I had the same error as Freebooter. When I examined the command in the PS window I found that a trailing ? had been added even though I had copied the whole block and pasted it in. Of course, now that I want it to happen so I can take a screenshot, it refuses to do it again.

Hello Denis, :-)

Just to verify, did you click/tap on the command in option one to have it automatically copied into the clipboard instead of manually highlighting the command?

Sometimes manually highlighting and copying a command that long can be incorrectly copied by mistake.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Sometimes manually highlighting and copying a command that long can be incorrectly copied by mistake.
Yes, that's what I did that first time.
But even that refuses to go wrong now that I want it to.

Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
This option only applies to Windows 11.
Which version specifically ? i'm using Win11 V22H2 and i can't see "View Wi-Fi security key" option!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10870H CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 1650

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Just confirmation, Option One does work, shows my Router and last 3 I've been connected to [clients], I'm running Win11 22H2 latest build:

1667917751246.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security

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