Transferring saved Wi-Fi passwords between Windows PCs can be a real time-saver, especially when setting up a new computer or managing multiple devices. This guide outlines several methods, ranging from manual solutions to utilizing your Microsoft account or third-party tools.
Synchronizing WLAN passwords through your Microsoft account in Windows settings.
Brad Chacos/IDG
Manual Wi-Fi Password Transfer
This method involves exporting Wi-Fi profiles as XML files and then importing them onto the target computer.
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Create a Backup Folder: Right-click on your desktop, select “New -> Folder,” and name it something descriptive, like “Wi-Fi_Backup.” Right-click the folder, choose “Show more options,” then “Copy as path.”
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Export Wi-Fi Profiles: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”). Enter the following command:
netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="[path to backup folder]". Replace[path to backup folder]with the copied path. For example:netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="C:Users[username]DesktopWi-Fi_Backup"(replace[username]with your actual username). Press Enter. This creates an XML file for each Wi-Fi network profile in your backup folder. The password for each network is located within the<keyMaterial>tags of the respective XML file. -
Transfer and Import: Copy the backup folder to your new computer using a USB drive or network share. On the new computer, open Command Prompt as an administrator. For each network you want to import, enter:
netsh wlan add profile filename="[path to XML file]" user=current. Replace[path to XML file]with the full path to the specific XML file. For example:netsh wlan add profile filename="C:Users[username]DesktopWi-Fi_Backupnetworkname.xml" user=current.
NetSetMan simplifies Wi-Fi password transfer by allowing bulk export and import of network profiles.
Roland Freist
Syncing Wi-Fi Passwords with Your Microsoft Account
This offers a more convenient approach, automatically synchronizing passwords across devices linked to your Microsoft account.
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Enable Backup: Open Windows Settings (Start Menu -> Settings), navigate to “Accounts -> Windows Backup.” Ensure “Remember my preferences” is toggled on. Click the dropdown arrow and check both “Passwords” and “Other Windows settings.”
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Repeat on Target PC: Repeat these steps on the computer you want to transfer the passwords to. Windows will then synchronize the Wi-Fi profiles between the two machines.
Note: This method stores your passwords in the Microsoft cloud. Consider the security implications before using this approach.
Transferring Wi-Fi Passwords with NetSetMan
NetSetMan is a free tool that simplifies exporting and importing Wi-Fi profiles, including passwords.
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Export Profiles: Install NetSetMan on your source computer. Click the Wi-Fi icon, then the “Profiles” tab. Select a profile and click “Export.” Choose whether to encrypt the password or save it in plain text, then select a destination folder. NetSetMan saves the profile as an XML file. Repeat for each desired network.
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Import Profiles: Transfer the saved XML files to your new computer. Install NetSetMan, open the “Profiles” tab, and click “Import” to transfer the saved profiles.
A portable SSD like the Samsung T7 Shield simplifies transferring files, including exported Wi-Fi profiles, between computers.
Conclusion
Transferring Wi-Fi passwords between Windows computers doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you prefer a manual approach, leveraging your Microsoft account, or using a third-party tool, the methods outlined in this guide provide efficient solutions to streamline the process. Choose the option that best suits your technical skills and security preferences.
This article was translated from German to English, and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
