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Finding and retrieving the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet can be a useful skill to have, especially when you need to reconnect to the same network on another device. Sometimes, we forget our WiFi passwords or need to share them with others. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to help you find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, these methods will provide you with the necessary steps to retrieve the WiFi password easily.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find WiFi Password on Windows 10 Ethernet
There are several reasons why you may need to find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet. Here are a few common scenarios where this knowledge can come in handy:
1. Reconnecting to the network: If you have recently bought a new device or want to connect a friend’s device to your WiFi network, knowing the password is essential.
2. Network troubleshooting: When troubleshooting network connectivity issues, knowing the WiFi password can help ensure that the correct password is entered, eliminating a potential cause of the problem.
3. Sharing the password: If you have guests visiting your home or office, sharing the WiFi password can make their stay more convenient. Instead of manually entering the password, you can provide it to them to connect their devices quickly.
Now that we understand the importance of finding the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet, let’s dive into the methods that can help us retrieve it.
Method 1: Using Network and Sharing Center
Finding the WiFi password using the Network and Sharing Center is one of the easiest methods on Windows 10 Ethernet. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Network and Sharing Center by right-clicking on the network icon in the system tray and selecting "Open Network & Internet Settings."
2. In the Network & Internet settings window, click on the "Change adapter options" link.
3. Right-click on the Ethernet connection and select "Status."
4. In the Ethernet Status window, click on "Wireless Properties."
5. In the Wireless Network Properties window, navigate to the "Security" tab.
6. Check the box next to "Show characters" to reveal the WiFi password.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to find the WiFi password using the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Works on all versions of Windows 10.
3. Does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
1. Requires physical access to the computer.
2. May not work if the user account does not have administrative privileges.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Using the Command Prompt is another method to find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet. This method is especially useful if you prefer using command-line tools. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: `netsh wlan show profile name="YourWiFiNetworkName" key=clear`
Replace "YourWiFiNetworkName" with the SSID (name) of your WiFi network.
3. Scroll down to the "Key Content" field and locate the line that starts with "Key Content." The text after this line is the WiFi password.
Pros:
1. Suitable for users who prefer using command-line tools.
2. Works on all versions of Windows 10.
3. Does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with Command Prompt commands.
2. May not work if the user account does not have administrative privileges.
Method 3: Using PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that can be used to find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet. This method requires a basic understanding of PowerShell commands. Follow the steps below:
1. Open PowerShell by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: `netsh wlan show profile name="YourWiFiNetworkName" key=clear`
Replace "YourWiFiNetworkName" with the SSID (name) of your WiFi network.
3. Scroll down to the "Key Content" field and locate the line that starts with "Key Content." The text after this line is the WiFi password.
Pros:
1. Suitable for users who prefer using PowerShell commands.
2. Works on all versions of Windows 10.
3. Does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with PowerShell commands.
2. May not work if the user account does not have administrative privileges.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
If you prefer using third-party software, there are several tools available that can help you find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet. One popular tool is called "WirelessKeyView" by NirSoft. Follow the steps below to use this tool:
1. Download and install WirelessKeyView from the NirSoft website.
2. Run the WirelessKeyView application.
3. The application will display a list of all WiFi networks you have connected to in the past, along with their passwords.
4. Locate your WiFi network in the list and the corresponding password in the "Key (Ascii)" column.
Pros:
1. User-friendly graphical interface.
2. Provides a list of all saved WiFi networks and their passwords.
3. Works on all versions of Windows 10.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. Some antivirus software may flag third-party tools as potentially harmful.
What to Do If You Can’t Find WiFi Password on Windows 10 Ethernet
If you are unable to find the WiFi password using the methods mentioned above, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Update your WiFi driver: Outdated or incompatible WiFi drivers can cause issues with retrieving the password. Update your WiFi driver to the latest version to ensure compatibility.
2. Reset your router: Resetting your router to its default settings can help resolve any configuration issues that may be preventing you from finding the WiFi password.
3. Contact your ISP or network administrator: If you are in a corporate environment or using a network provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), reach out to them for assistance in retrieving the WiFi password.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you with finding the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet:
1. Take a screenshot: After finding the WiFi password, consider taking a screenshot or writing it down in a safe place for future reference.
2. Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage all your passwords, including the WiFi password.
3. Change the default password: To enhance the security of your WiFi network, it is advisable to change the default password provided by your router manufacturer.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I find the WiFi password without administrative privileges?
A: No, administrative privileges are required to retrieve the WiFi password using the methods mentioned in this blog post.
Q2: Do I need an internet connection to find the WiFi password?
A: No, an internet connection is not required to find the WiFi password. You only need access to the Windows 10 Ethernet machine.
Q3: Can I find the WiFi password on a different version of Windows?
A: The methods mentioned in this blog post should work on all versions of Windows 10. However, the steps may vary slightly on older versions.
Q4: Is it legal to use third-party software to retrieve WiFi passwords?
A: It is legal to use third-party software to retrieve WiFi passwords on your own devices. However, it is important to use trusted software and not use it maliciously.
Q5: Will finding the WiFi password expose any other sensitive information?
A: No, finding the WiFi password does not expose any additional sensitive information. The password is only used to authorize access to the WiFi network.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to find the WiFi password on Windows 10 Ethernet can save you time and effort when connecting to the same network on different devices or troubleshooting connectivity issues. We have explored four different methods that can help you retrieve the WiFi password easily. Whether you prefer using the Network and Sharing Center, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party software, the steps provided in this blog post will guide you through the process. Remember to always use this knowledge responsibly and respect the privacy of others when retrieving WiFi passwords.