How to Find WiFi Password Using CMD on Windows 10?

We have and use passwords for everything on a daily basis. But, when it comes to the WiFi password for our internet network, there are very few times when we need to recall it. Unless you are setting up a new wireless router and connecting your devices to it or adding on a new electronic device to the network, there’s very little reason to know the password or even change it. This can be a problem as it makes the password very easy to forget, especially if you leave it as the original one given to you by your internet service provider. In this guide, we will explain how you can use the command prompt (CMD) to find out what your WiFi password is on a Windows 10 computer.

Windows 10 Administrative Privileges Required

Before we begin, it is important to note that you will need administrative privileges in order to use the methods below. This means that if you are a college student using the library’s computers or an employee using a sanctioned work computer (that isn’t for personal use), you may not be able to use the following methods. This also applies to individuals using “guest user” accounts on Windows 10 machines.

Command Prompt General

Method 1: Finding the WiFI Password Using CMD Lines.

The first method of finding your WiFi password is with CMD or command prompt, which is a built-in program on Windows 10 that allows you to execute entered commands. While the majority of commands entered into the CMD prompt are for automating tasks, you can use it to perform advanced administrative functions and troubleshoot issues. Here is how to use the CMD to find your WiFi password.

Command Prompt - Run As Administrator
  1. In your computer’s search bar, type in CMD or Command Prompt.
  2. Under the “best match” result, you will see the Command Prompt come up.
  3. Right-click on the CMD and run it as an administrator.
  4. To show your WiFi network profiles, type in the following command and hit enter.
  5. netsh wlan show profiles [enter].
  6. You will now see a list of all user profiles on the network.
  7. To see specifics about each profile, you will need to use another command with the profile name. To do this, type in the following command and hit enter.
  8. netsh wlan show profile name=”WiFi Profile Name” key=clear [enter].
  9. This will bring up a list of all information associated with this profile.
  10. Scroll down till you see security settings and look at the key content line.
  11. The key content line will contain your WiFi password.
Netsh WLAN Show Profiles Command Line Example

Write down the password and close out the command prompt window when you are finished. Now you can connect to your WiFi network with the password.

Method 2: Finding the WiFi Password Using CMD Batch Scripts

As noted in the method above, the command prompt tool is often used to automate tasks which are done through scripts. You can create your own script to find the WiFi password and while this sounds complicated, it’s really not. The entire process should only take you a few minutes to set up but it does require you to know your WiFi connection’s name (SSID) and have access to Notepad.

How to Find Your WiFi Connection’s Name (SSID)?

If you do not know what your WiFi connection’s name is, you can find it easily by going to your System Tray in the bottom right corner of your computer’s menu bar. Simply mouse over the internet connection and a little tooltip will pop up that contains the network name. Alternatively, you can use your settings to find the name.

  1. In your computer’s search bar, type in “settings” and choose the option under best match.
  2. Click on the network & internet option.
  3. Click on status in the left-hand menu and this will show you the network name.
How to Find Network Name - SSID

Now that you have the network name, you will need to create a batch file that finds your WiFi password for you.

  1. In your computer’s search bar, type in “Notepad” and open the best match.
  2. Type in the following line into Notepad by replacing the SSID bit with your network name.
  3. netsh wlan show profile name=”Your_SSID” key=clear
  4. Do not place a space after “clear” and do not hit enter.
  5. Instead, click the File – Save As.
  6. Before saving, make sure to change the save type from a text document to “all files”.
  7. Name your file name something along the lines of Find WiFi Password.
  8. Make sure the file extension is .bat and save it to an easily accessible location.
  9. Permitting you are connected to your WiFi network, double-click on this file.
  10. This will automatically open up the command prompt and generate the network information you will need.
  11. Scroll down and find your password beside the key content line under security settings.
How to Create a Batch File

Is There An Easier Way to Find Your WiFi Password?

If you are okay with clicking through numerous Windows menus every single time you need the WiFi password, then there is an easier way to get it through Windows Settings.

  1. In your computer’s search bar, type in “settings” and choose the option under best match.
  2. Click on the network & internet option.
  3. Click on status in the left-hand menu and click on network & sharing center.
  4. You will see your active network. Beside connections, click on the network.
  5. In the new window that pops up, click on wireless properties.
  6. Switch to the security tab and find the network security key field box.
  7. Choose to show these characters to reveal your password.
How to Find WIFI Password Through Network & Sharing Center

Write the password down and close all of the Windows. You will need administrator privileges to access the password in this manner. The limitation with this method is that you can only search and view the password for the active WiFi network connection, which means you can’t see any passwords for inactive but saved networks.

What Makes it Possible to Tap Into & Find Our WiFi Password?

For your wireless network to operate, you must have a WLAN service profile. This type of profile is a set of configurations that includes a unique network name. Since there are no default WLAN profiles, you must configure a WLAN service profile when setting up your internet connection. The WLAN profile logs and keeps track of all information associated with the internet connection as this information is required for the internet connection to be maintained. So, you can tap into the profile to find the information you need in so long as you have an internet connection on the device.

Wrapping It Up

Now that you know how to find your WiFI password using CMD, definitely consider writing the password down in a secure location. It is highly recommended that you use a Password Manager software to help store and keep your passwords safe.

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