Wifi passwords have become a common necessity in today’s world where almost everything is based on the internet. However, there can be instances when you forget your wifi password or simply want to connect a new device to the same wifi network and don’t remember the password. In such cases, it can be quite helpful to know how to use cmd to get wifi password. In this blog, we will provide you with multiple methods to find your wifi password using cmd and discuss various preparations you need to make before applying these methods.
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The Challenge of How to Use Cmd to Get Wifi Password
One of the most significant challenges when attempting to find the wifi password using cmd is knowing the correct commands to use. Finding the right command can be a task, especially if you’re not familiar with the command prompt. Additionally, the entire process may seem daunting for users who are not tech-savvy or have little knowledge of computer programming.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the different methods to find wifi password using cmd, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, ensure that you have an admin account on the computer you’re trying to access the internet from. Secondly, you would make sure the wifi dongle or device is working correctly to enable proper connectivity to the internet. Lastly, it would be a good idea to make a complete backup of your device in case anything goes wrong during the process.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
Step 1: Open the command prompt by typing "cmd" into the search bar.
Step 2: Right-click on the "Command Prompt" icon and select "Run as Administrator."
Step 3: In the command prompt window, type "netsh wlan show profiles" and hit the enter key.
Step 4: Look for your wifi network name and note down the network name.
Step 5: Type "netsh wlan show profile "network name" key=clear" in the command prompt and replace "network name" with the name of the wireless network you want to see the password for.
Step 6: Scroll down to the Security Settings section, and under the ‘Key Content,’ you will see the current wifi password.
Pros:
– Using command prompt is a built-in functionality of Windows.
– This method does not require any third-party software.
Cons:
– Some wifi routers may have certain encryption types that cannot be revealed using this method.
– If you don’t know the name of the wifi network, this method will not work.
Method 2: Using PassFab Wifi Key
Step 1: Download and install the PassFab Wifi Key software.
Step 2: Launch the application and select the "Recover Wi-Fi Password" option.
Step 3: Choose the specific file path the wifi key is located in and click "Next."
Step 4: Select the "Show Characters" option, and the password for the wifi network will be displayed.
Pros:
– PassFab Wifi key software is easy to use and user-friendly.
– This method can recover wifi passwords from networks with uncommon encryption types.
Cons:
– This method requires a third-party software download, which may require payment.
– The efficiency of this method is dependent on the strength of the wifi network.
Method 3: Using NirSoft WirelessKeyView
Step 1: Download the NirSoft WirelessKeyView software and extract it.
Step 2: Run the executable file and open the program.
Step 3: Locate the wifi network name and note it down.
Step 4: The wifi password will be displayed in the "Key (Ascii)" or "Key (Hex)" column.
Pros:
– Retrieving the wifi password is easy with this software.
– NirSoft WirelessKeyView supports multiple encryption types.
Cons:
– Some antivirus software may flag this software as malicious and may require disabling the antivirus solution to proceed.
– This software can only recover wifi passwords stored on the computer, which may not work for every scenario.
Why Can’t I Get My Wifi Password?
There are several reasons why you may be unable to retrieve your wifi password. Here are some reasons and the solutions that can be applied:
1. Incorrect SSID – Check that you are connected to the correct wifi network.
2. Firewall/Security Settings – Sometimes, security settings can prevent access to the wifi password. Try disabling the firewall for a while to check if this works.
3. Accidental Disconnection – Your computer may not have retained the wifi password after accidentally being disconnected from the device. In this case, restart your device and retry retrieving the password.
Additional Tips
– Always consult with a professional technician if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process.
– Always backup your files before attempting any of these methods.
5 FAQs about Using Cmd to Get Wifi Password
Q1: Is it Dangerous to Use Command Prompt to Retrieve Wifi Password?
A: No, it is safe to do, but be sure to follow the instructions correctly.
Q2: What should I do if I Cannot Find my Wifi Password with any of the Methods?
A: Try contacting your internet service provider to get your wifi network password.
Q3: Do I Need an Internet Connection for These Methods to Work?
A: No, an internet connection is not required.
Q4: Will These Methods Work on Any Type of Windows-based Computer?
A: Yes, these methods work on any type of Windows-based computer.
Q5: Can I Find Wifi Passwords from Other Devices with this Method?
A: No, you cannot find wifi passwords from other devices with any of these methods.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to use cmd to get wifi password can be invaluable if you forget your wifi password or want to connect a new device to an existing network. In this article, we have shared three methods that you can use to retrieve your wifi password efficiently. Remember to follow the instructions accurately and make sure to backup your files before attempting any of these methods.