How to control Wi-Fi networks from Command Prompt on Windows 11
Yes, you can manage wireless network settings through Command Prompt, and in this guide, I’ll teach you how with the Network Shell tool on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, it’s possible to view and manage wireless networks through Command Prompt, and in this guide, you will learn how. While you can use the Settings app to configure network settings quite easily through a user-friend interface, you can perform more advanced tasks using commands. For instance, you can recover the password of any profile saved on the device. You can view rich details about a specific profile or adapter and create reports to troubleshoot and solve common connectivity problems.
Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 (similar to previous versions) includes the “Network Shell” (netsh) command tool that features the “wlan” option to view, configure, and troubleshoot wireless networks.
Thishow-to guidewill walk you through the most interesting commands to manage wireless with “netsh” on Windows 11.
How to view wireless profiles on Windows 11
To create a list of the wireless profiles stored on Windows 11, use these steps:
In the command, replace the"WLAN-NAME"with the adapter’s name. You can use the"netsh interface show interface"command to find the exact name. For instance, this command shows the profile for the “Wi-Fi” interface:netsh wlan show profiles interface=“Wi-Fi”
Once you complete the steps, the command will print the profiles stored on Windows 11.
How to view wireless driver details on Windows 11
To generate a list of the driver information for the wireless adapter on Windows 11, use these steps:
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After you complete the steps, the netsh command will print the driver details, including vendor, version, radio type (802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11n, etc.), wireless authentication support, and other relevant information.
How to view wireless adapter features on Windows 11
To understand the capabilities of the wireless adapter, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you will have a better understanding of the features supported by the adapter.
How to view wireless adapter configuration on Windows 11
To understand the current configuration of the network adapter, use these steps:
In the command, replace the"WLAN-NAME"with the adapter’s name. You can use the"netsh interface show interface"command to find the exact name. For instance, this command shows the profiles saved for the “Wi-Fi” interface:netsh wlan show interface name=“Wi-Fi”
After completing the steps, the command will display the adapter settings, including name, description, physical address, SSID, radio type, security authentication method, transmission rates, and signal strength.
How to view wireless security key on Windows 11
To check the wireless security key with commands, use these steps:
In the command, replace the"PROFILE-NAME"with the profile name. For instance, this command shows the password for the tsunami network:netsh wlan show profile name=“tsunami” key=clear
Once you complete the steps, the command will print the network security key in clear text for the specified profile.
How to prevent wireless automatic connection on Windows 11
To prevent your computer from connecting to a wireless network automatically, use these steps:
In the command, replace"PROFILE-NAME"with the name of the wireless profile. For instance, this command turns off automatic connections for the “tsunami” network:netsh wlan set profileparameter name=“tsunami” connectionmode=manual
After you complete the steps, the system will stop trying to connect to wireless networks automatically.
How to change wireless connection priority on Windows 11
To change the connection priority of a Wi-Fi connection, use these steps:
In the command, replace"PROFILE-NAME"with the wireless profile name you want to change the priority. Also, specify the priority number, such as"1"to set the highest priority, and change"ADAPTER-NAME"for the name of the adapter. For instance, this command makes the “tsunami” profile a priority:netsh wlan set profileorder name=tsunami priority=1 interface=“Wi-Fi”
Once you complete the steps, the command will set the new priority for the wireless network.
How to delete wireless profile on Windows 11
To delete a Wi-Fi profile on Windows 11, use these steps:
In the command, replace"PROFILE-NAME"with the name of the wireless profile. For instance, this command deletes the “tsunami” profile:netsh wlan delete profile name=“tsunami”
After you complete the steps, the command will remove the wireless profiles from Windows 11.
How to export wireless profiles on Windows 11
Although Windows 11 can sync the wireless network profiles to the cloud and across devices when setting up an account with a Microsoft account, it’s also possible to export and import your files using the netsh command.
Export wireless settings
To export the wireless settings through Command Prompt, use these steps:
In the command, replace"FOLDER-PATH"with the path to export the profile. For instance, this command exports the profiles to the “wlan-profiles” folder:netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder=“C:\Users\user\Documents\wlan-profiles”
In the command, replace the"PROFILE-NAME"with the profile name you want to export and the"FOLDER-PATH"with the folder location to export the information. For instance, this command exports only the “tsunami” profile to the “wlan-profiles” folder:netsh wlan export profile name=“tsunami” key=clear folder=“C:\Users\user\Documents\wlan-profiles”
Once you complete the steps, the command will export the Wi-Fi profiles to the specified path as an XML file for each profile. The"key=clear"option will store the security key as clear text.
Import wireless settings
To import the Wi-Fi settings with commands, use these steps:
In the command, replace"FOLDER-PATH"with the path and file name for the exported file. For instance, this command imports a specific profile from the “wlan-backup” folder:netsh wlan add profile filename=“C:\Users\user\Documents\wlan-profiles\Wi-Fi-tsunami.xml”
In the command, change"FOLDER-PATH"for the exported file’s path and name containing the profile information and"INTERFACE-NAME"with the interface name to import the settings. For instance, this command imports the settings to the Wi-Fi interface:netsh wlan add profile filename=“C:\Users\user\Documents\wlan-profiles\Wi-Fi-tsunami.xml” Interface=“Wi-Fi” user=current
After you complete the steps, the profile will import into the system, and you can use it to connect to the wireless network without extra steps.
How to create wireless adapter report on Windows 11
To create a report of the wireless adapters, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the wireless report will open in your web browser.
The report contains visuals of the connectivity status, including information such as when the connection started, when it got disconnected, errors, and more. In the report, you will also find details about the network adapters' information, successful and failed sessions, disconnect reasons, and more. The wireless report includes valuable details to help you troubleshoot many connectivity issues.
How to connect wireless network manually on Windows 11
To connect to the Wi-Fi network manually with commands, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the command will connect or disconnect the device from the wireless network. If you’re connecting to a network, in the command, make sure to specify the name of the profile for the network you’re trying to establish a connection.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
