In Windows 10 and Windows 11, it is possible to back up all your saved wireless network profiles that can then be restored on your new computer, or if you have reset or performed a clean install of your Windows OS. This way, you do not need to remember any network profile names or passwords. In this article, we show you multiple ways to back up, restore, and transfer the wi-fi profiles and their passwords from one Windows PC to another. Also, learn how to use wi-fi and ethernet at the same time to speed up your internet.
Backup, Restore, and Transfer Wireless Network Profiles
Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using Command Prompt
One of the native methods to back up and restore your saved wireless network profiles is by using the Command Prompt. This method exports XML files with wi-fi profile details, which can then be imported onto another PC.
Backup, Restore, and Transfer Wireless Network Profiles Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using Command Prompt Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using Microsoft Account Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using NetSetMan Transfer Wi-Fi Network Profiles using QR Codes Final Takeaway
Follow these steps to backup your wi-fi profiles: When you see the folder that you had created now, you find that the XML files have now been saved into it. Note: Replace [PathToNewFolder] with the complete path to the folder you created in Step 1 above, and [ProfileName] with the name of the wi-fi profile you want to export when exporting a single profile in the following commands.
To export all saved profiles: netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="[PathToNewFolder]" Export all wireless network profiles using Command Prompt To export a single network profile: netsh wlan export profile “[ProfileName]” key=clear folder="[PathToNewFolder]" Export a single wireless network profile using Command Prompt
You can double-click any XML file to open and view the profile details. It will open in your default XML application. Inside the XML test, you will find the wi-fi’s SSID in the name section, and its password in the KeyMaterial field. You can also save the XML files without the passwords, and only other details. To do that, you need to omit “key=clear” from the cmdlets shared above. Now that you have backed up your wi-fi profiles, let us show you how to restore them using the Command Prompt. Note that each XML file needs to be restored individually. However, you can restore them only for the current user, or for all user accounts. Repeat the steps above to restore all the needed wi-fi network profiles on your computer. Note: Replace [PathToFile] with the complete path to the XML file for which the network profile you want to restore.
For all user accounts: netsh wlan add profile filename="[PathToFile].xml" user=all Restore a wireless network profile for all users using Command Prompt For current user account: netsh wlan add profile filename="[PathToFile].xml" user=current Restore a wireless network profile for current user using Command Prompt
Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using Microsoft Account
If you use your PC with a Microsoft account, then your wi-fi details are already being synced. However, confirm this by performing the steps below. Note: Ensure that you are logged in using a Microsoft account. If not, learn how to convert a local account into a Microsoft account. You can now use the same Microsoft account on your other PC to sync and restore the wi-fi network profiles automatically.
Backup and Restore Wi-Fi Profiles using NetSetMan
NetSetMan is a utility that is free to use domestically, with a Professional license available for use at the organizational level. The primary purpose of this application is for the users to save their various networking profiles so that they do not have to manually change their settings when changing from one network to another. However, it can also be used to back up and restore wireless network profiles. However, only one wireless network profile can be exported at a moment. Here is how to back them up: You have now successfully backed up a wireless network profile into an XML file. Repeat these steps to back up any network profiles that you want. To restore a wi-fi network profile using NetSetMan, follow these steps: The associated network profile will now be imported onto your computer.
Transfer Wi-Fi Network Profiles using QR Codes
Although this method may not be ideal for backup wireless network profiles, it is perfect for sharing them with other computers that can scan QR codes. You can create a custom QR code using Qifi.org and then scan the generated QR code on the computer you want to transfer the profile. Now all you need to do is share the QR code with the other computer and then scan it to add the wireless network profile. The QR code would appear instantly. You can also click “Print” to print out the QR code if needed.
Final Takeaway
You do not always have to connect to a wireless network each time to you go to a new place with your new or refreshed PC. Simply back up your existing networks and their passwords using any one of the methods shared above and import them onto the new one.
