How to Manage Your Wireless Network Profiles in Windows
Windows makes connecting to Wi-Fi networks easy most of the time, even if you regularly use your computer on multiple networks. This is largely thanks to our Wireless Network Profiles, something many of us barely think about until something goes wrong.
So, what is a wireless network profile, and how do they help?
What is a Wireless Network Profile?
A Wireless Network Profile contains details your computer needs to connect to the Internet. These include the network name (SSID), the password, and associated security information. Having a saved network profile on your computer means you don’t need to enter the details each time you want to get online.
For each new connection to a wireless network, a new profile gets created. The profile could be for your home network, for the office, and others for the coffee shop, your partner’s house, or a hotel Wi-Fi network you used.
Learn more aboutconnecting your Windows computer to wireless networksquickly and easily.
How to View All of Your Wireless Network Profiles
Checking the Wireless Network Profiles on your computer is an easy task. it’s possible to view all network profiles in a single list, but only profiles associated with the current user are shown.
The easiest way to view your network profiles is through the Settings app. On both Windows 10 or 11, go toSettings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. ClickManage known networksto see a list of all available network profiles.
You can also view a list of wireless network profiles in Command Prompt. Typecmdinto Windows Search and openCommand Prompt. Typenetsh wlan show profilesand pressReturn. A list is generated, showing all network profiles for the current user.
If you’re interested in learning more about netsh, be sure to check it out alongside the othercommands to manage your wireless networks.
How to Find the Password for a Network Profile
Wireless networks almost always require a password or network key to authenticate the connection. If you need to find the password for a network profile, there are a couple of ways you can do so.
To find the password of the network you are currently using. In either Windows 10 or 11, open theControl Panel. Go toNetwork & Internet > Network & Sharing Centre. Click on the network name at the top, and then clickWireless Properties > Security. Check theShow charactersbox to reveal the password.
If you want to know the password for a network you aren’t connected to, you can use the netsh command in Command Prompt.
How to Manually Add a Wireless Network Profile
A Wireless Network Profile is created automatically when you first connect to a new Wi-Fi network. But you can also create a profile manually should you need to.
It is also possible toback up and restore a wireless network profilefor use on the same or a different computer.
How to Rename Your Wireless Network Profile
The Wireless Network Profiles created on your computer will take their names from the SSID of the network. These may be default names based on the router you connect to, or it could be something created by whoever set up the network. If you want to change the name of the network profile, here’s how:
If you don’t see the change applied after clicking Ok and closing Registry Editor, try restarting your computer.
How to Delete a Wireless Network Profile
You can delete a wireless network profile from your Windows computer if you no longer need it. Deleting a wireless network profile, also known as forgetting the profile, is also useful if you are having connection problems. You can then begin a new connection to the network to recreate the network profile.
You can also delete a network profile in the Quick Settings panel in Windows 10 or 11.
Managing Your Wireless Network Profiles on Windows
You may never need to add, delete, or edit a network profile. In an ideal world, almost all the technical side of connecting to the Internet is done automatically. Understanding how your computer connects to Wi-Fi networks means you are better able to find and fix problems if they occur.
Set up your wireless network properly by learning from these ten avoidable mistakes.
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