How to Retrieve the Wireless Encryption Key

The wireless encryption key secures your Internet connection, preventing outsiders and possible hackers from tapping into your Internet. Retrieving this encryption key (also called the network "key" or "password") in Windows 7 and Vista is simple because the key is stored within the operating system. However, you can also figure out and even change the network password through your wireless router's administration page or website.

Instructions

Retrieve Key in Windows 7 and Vista

1. Click the Internet connection icon in the lower right corner near the system clock. Click "Open Network and Sharing Center."

2. Click "Manage Wireless Networks" in the left column.

3. Click the name of the wireless network to which you're connected. Right-click this connection and click "Properties."

4. Select the "Security" tab. Click to place a check-mark in the "Show characters" box. Click "Yes" if a user account control message appears. View the unencrypted network security key, write it down and/or copy and paste it to a secure location if you need to store it for future use.

Retrieve Key Via Wireless Router

1. Click the "Start" button. Click "Run" if using Windows XP. Type "cmd" in the "Run" box in XP and in the "Search files" box in Windows 7 and Vista. Press "Enter."

2. Type "ipconfig /all" in the command prompt and press "Enter."

3. Scroll through the list to find the number associated with the "Default Gateway." Write the "Default Gateway number --- the IP address of the wireless router --- on a piece of paper or in a blank file on the computer. Most default gateway IP addresses are or look similar to "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1."

4. Open an Internet browser. Type the default gateway number in the address bar and press "Enter." Type the router administration's user name and password in the boxes provided. Press "Enter" or click "OK" to enter the router's configuration page.

5. Navigate to the wireless security section of the router's configuration page. Look for the "shared key," "network key" or "password" field that contains the encryption key for your Internet network. Write down this number if it is not encrypted. Type a new encryption key if the current one is encrypted and an option exists to change the password. Write this new encryption key down in a safe location. Save the changes in the router's configuration page.

Tips & Warnings

• Many wireless router manufacturers set the router's configuration page default user name to "admin" and password to "admin" or "password."

References

• Cisco: Recovering and Securing Your Wi-Fi Encryption Keys
• WhizBlaze: Configuring Wireless Networking in Windows Vista
• Microsoft at Home: Four Steps to Set Up Your Home Wireless Network