Have you ever needed to connect a new device, like a phone or tablet, to your Wi-Fi but couldn’t remember the password? You’re not alone. It’s a common situation, especially with those long, complex passwords for better security. The good news is that if your laptop is already connected to that wireless network, the password is stored right there on your device. You just need to know where to look.
Retrieving a saved Wi-Fi password from your laptop is a straightforward process that can save you from resetting your router. This guide will walk you through the simple steps for both Windows and macOS systems.
Finding Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows
For Windows 10 and 11 users, the process is very similar. First, right-click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin), Command Prompt (Admin), or Windows PowerShell (Admin). A window will open where you can type commands. Carefully type the following and press Enter: netsh wlan show profiles. This will list all the Wi-Fi networks your laptop has ever connected to.
Find the name of the network you need the password for from the list. Then, type this command, replacing “YourWiFiName” with the actual network name: netsh wlan show profile name=”YourWiFiName” key=clear. Look for the Key Content field under Security Settings. The text next to it is your Wi-Fi password.
Locating the Password on a Mac
If you’re using a Mac, the process is just as simple. Click the Spotlight search icon in the top-right corner (or press Command + Space) and type Keychain Access to open the application. In the search bar within Keychain Access, type the name of your Wi-Fi network. You should see it appear in the list below.
Double-click on the network name, and a new window will pop up. Check the box that says Show password. You will likely be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator username and password to confirm your identity. Once you do, your Wi-Fi password will be revealed in the text field.
A Quick Note on Security and Permissions
Both methods require you to have administrator access on your laptop. This is a security feature to prevent just anyone from seeing your saved passwords. You are only able to view passwords for networks your specific laptop has connected to in the past. This means you can’t pull a password for a neighbor’s network or one you’ve never joined.
With these simple steps, you can easily find your Wi-Fi password and get all your devices back online in no time. It’s a handy trick that turns a potentially frustrating search into a quick, simple task.
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