How to Find Every Hidden Wi-Fi Password on Windows 11 Computer?

Why Should You Never Struggle With Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords Again?

I know how frustrating it gets when you need a Wi-Fi password but can’t remember it. You’re not alone in this struggle. Windows 11 saves every Wi-Fi password you’ve ever entered, but finding them isn’t always obvious.

Let me walk you through two simple ways to see all your saved Wi-Fi passwords. These methods work whether you’re connected to the network or not.

Why Windows 11 Saves Your Wi-Fi Passwords

Windows 11 does something smart. Every time you type a Wi-Fi password, it saves that password automatically. This means you don’t have to remember every password for every network you’ve used.

But here’s the thing – older Windows versions made it really hard to see these saved passwords. Windows 11 changed that. Now you can see passwords easily and even share them as QR codes.

Method 1: Using the Settings App (The Easy Way)

This method is perfect if you want something simple and visual. I recommend starting here because it’s the most user-friendly option.

1. Press Windows + I or click the Start button and select Settings
2. Click “Network & internet” on the left side
3. Then click “Wi-Fi” on the right side
4. Look for “Manage known networks“. Click on it
5. You’ll see a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks. Click on the network whose password you want to see
6. Click the “Show” button
7. The password appears right there
8. You’ll also see a QR code you can share

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (The Power User Way)

Sometimes the Settings app doesn’t show everything. Command Prompt gives you more control and shows additional details about your networks.

1. Type “CMD” in the search bar
2. Right-click “Command Prompt“
3. Select “Run as administrator“
4. Click “Yes” when Windows asks for permission
5. Type this command: netsh wlan show profiles
6. Press Enter
7. You’ll see every Wi-Fi network your computer remembers
8. Type: netsh wlan show profile “NetworkName” key=clear
9. Replace “NetworkName” with the actual network name
10. Press Enter
11. Look for “Security settings” section
12. Find “Key Content” – that’s your password

Pro Tips for Command Prompt Method:

• Always use quotes around network names with spaces
• The network name must match exactly (case-sensitive)
• Look for “Key Content” field – that’s always your password
• This method shows more technical details about each network

Common Problems and Solutions

Network Not Showing Up?

Sometimes networks disappear from the Settings app but still exist in Command Prompt. This happens when:

• The network is very old
• Windows had connection problems with it
• The network changed its security settings

Can’t See the Password?

If the “Show” button is grayed out:

• Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator
• The network might not have a saved password
• Try the Command Prompt method instead

Command Prompt Shows “Key Content: Absent”?

This means:

• The network uses a different security type
• Windows never saved the password
• The network might be open (no password needed)

Security Considerations

I want you to know something important about these passwords. Anyone with administrator access to your computer can see them using these methods. Here’s what this means:

• Keep your computer locked when you’re away
• Don’t let untrusted people use your admin account
• Consider changing important Wi-Fi passwords if someone had access to your computer

Making Your Life Easier

Here are some extra tips that make managing Wi-Fi passwords simpler:

• Write down important passwords – Keep a secure note of critical network passwords
• Use the QR code feature – Great for sharing guest network access
• Clean up old networks – Remove networks you’ll never use again
• Check your mobile hotspot – Your phone’s hotspot password is probably saved too

Both methods work perfectly for finding your saved Wi-Fi passwords. The Settings app is easier for most people. Command Prompt gives you more power and information.

Pick the method that feels right for you. Start with Settings if you want simple. Try Command Prompt if you want to see everything at once.

Remember – Windows 11 keeps all these passwords to make your life easier. Now you know exactly how to find them when you need them.