Have you ever needed to connect a new device to your Wi-Fi but couldn’t quite remember that long, complicated password? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there, searching for a scrap of paper or trying to guess which variation we used. The good news is that if a laptop is already connected to that wireless network, the password is often saved and can be retrieved with a few simple steps.
Finding Your Password in Windows Settings
For most Windows users, the simplest method is through the Network and Internet settings. First, click on the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray and select Network & Internet settings. From there, click on Wi-Fi and then select Hardware properties. Look for the link that says View your network properties near the bottom. Scroll down in the new window that appears until you find Network security key. Click the checkbox next to “Show characters,” and your Wi-Fi password will be revealed right there.
Using the Command Prompt for a Quick Lookup
If you’re comfortable with a more technical approach, the Command Prompt is a powerful tool. Type cmd into your Windows search bar and run Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, type the command netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter. This will list all the Wi-Fi networks your laptop has known. To see the password for a specific one, type netsh wlan show profile name=”YourNetworkName” key=clear. Remember to replace “YourNetworkName” with the actual SSID. Look for the Key Content field under Security settings—that’s your password.
Locating Saved Passwords on a Mac
For Mac users, the process is just as straightforward. Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command+Space, type Keychain Access, and open the application. In the search bar within Keychain Access, type the name of your Wi-Fi network. Double-click on the network name in the results list. In the window that pops up, check the box that says Show password. You will likely need to enter your Mac’s administrator username and password to confirm your identity. Once you do, the password will be displayed.
With these methods, you should be able to find your saved Wi-Fi password on either a Windows laptop or a Mac. It’s a handy skill that saves you the trouble of resetting your router and helps you get all your devices online quickly and easily.
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