Unveiling Hidden Wi-Fi Networks via Command Prompt on Windows
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), launched in September 1997, has become an essential part of modern computing. In this article, we will explore how to use Command Prompt (CMD) to manage Wi-Fi profiles on Windows systems.
Viewing Previously Connected Wi-Fi Networks
To view the history of previously connected Wi-Fi networks on a Windows PC, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Click Start, search for "Command Prompt," then right-click it and select "Run as administrator" to open with elevated privileges.
- List Previously Connected Wi-Fi Profiles
- Run this command: This will display all Wi-Fi network profiles saved on your PC, i.e., networks you've connected to in the past.
Inspecting a Specific Wi-Fi Profile
To see information about a particular network, including its stored password, use the following command:
Replace with the exact name of the network from the list. In the output, look for the Key Content field to find the saved Wi-Fi password.
Deleting a Wi-Fi Profile
The command "netsh wlan delete profile name='Network_Name'" can be used to delete a Wi-Fi profile that is no longer needed. Replace with the exact name of the network you wish to remove.
Exporting Wi-Fi Profiles
Exporting all Wi-Fi profiles with configurations can be done by using the command "netsh wlan show profile name='Network_Name' key=clear" for each profile. Exported files for each profile will be saved with the extension.
Conclusion
CMD provides a software solution for managing Wi-Fi profiles on Windows. This method works on Windows 8, 10, 11, and later versions. These commands are particularly useful for IT admins and those who like to tweak settings for others or care about their privacy. They give users full control over their saved Wi-Fi profiles in Windows.
Data-and-cloud-computing technology has expanded the possibilities of managing wireless networks, including Wi-Fi. With Command Prompt (CMD), one can employ trie data structures to manage Wi-Fi profiles efficiently in Windows systems. For instance, using the command "netsh wlan show profile" allows for an overview of previously connected Wi-Fi networks, while the command "netsh wlan delete profile" helps delete unwanted Wi-Fi profiles.
