How to Display a Wi-Fi QR Code on Windows

If you’ve ever wanted to quickly share your Wi-Fi connection without spelling out a long password, displaying a Wi-Fi QR code is the perfect solution. With a simple scan, your friends, colleagues, or family can connect instantly — no typing required.

While Windows doesn’t show a Wi-Fi QR code natively (unlike Android), you can easily generate and display one using built-in tools or free online generators. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several easy ways to create and display a Wi-Fi QR code on a Windows PC.

Display a Wi-Fi QR Code on Windows

You’ll need:

• A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
• Optional access to PowerShell or Command Prompt for retrieving credentials.

Tip: If you don’t remember your Wi-Fi password, Windows can display it — we’ll cover that in Step 1.

Step 1: Find Your Wi-Fi Network Name and Password

Before generating a QR code, you need your Wi-Fi details. If you already know them, you can skip to Step 2.

Option 1: Using Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.
3. Under Wi-Fi, select your connected network and note the Network name (SSID).

Option 2: Using Control Panel

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi connection and choose Status.
3. Click Wireless Properties → Security.
4. Check the box Show characters to reveal your Network security key (password).

Once you have both the SSID and password, you’re ready to create the QR code.

Step 2: Understand the Wi-Fi QR Code Format

Wi-Fi QR codes follow a specific format recognized by phones and devices. The syntax is:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:<NetworkName>;P:<Password>;;

• T: Authentication type (WPA, WPA2, or nopass for open networks)
• S: Network name (SSID)
• P: Password (leave blank for open networks)

For example:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:HomeNetwork;P:MySecurePassword;;

This text string is what you’ll encode into a QR code in the next step.

Step 3: Generate a Wi-Fi QR Code Online

The easiest way to display your Wi-Fi QR code is by using a trusted online generator.

1. Visit a reputable generator such as:
   • qifi.org
   • QR Code Generator
2. Enter your SSID, Encryption type (usually WPA/WPA2), and Password.
3. Click Generate or Create QR Code.
4. Once it appears, click Download or Display to show the code on-screen.

You can print it, save it as a PNG, or leave it open for guests to scan directly.

Step 4: Create a Wi-Fi QR Code with PowerShell (Offline Method)

If you prefer not to use online tools, you can generate a QR code entirely offline using PowerShell and Windows’ built-in tools.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run the following command to retrieve your current Wi-Fi details: netsh wlan show profile name=<YourNetworkName> key=clear Replace <YourNetworkName> with your actual Wi-Fi SSID.
3. Note your SSID and Key Content (password).
4. Create the Wi-Fi string manually: WIFI:T:WPA;S:<YourNetworkName>;P:<YourPassword>;;
5. Next, generate a QR code using PowerShell and an API call (for example, Google’s chart API): $wifi="WIFI:T:WPA;S:HomeNetwork;P:MySecurePassword;;" Start-Process "https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=$wifi&size=250x250"

This opens your browser displaying a Wi-Fi QR code — ready for scanning. You can save it as an image if desired.

Step 5: Display a Wi-Fi QR Code Using Microsoft Edge

If you use Microsoft Edge, you can keep your QR code accessible for easy sharing.

1. Use one of the above methods to generate your QR code (online or PowerShell).
2. Right-click the image in Edge → Save image as.
3. Save it to your Desktop or Pictures folder.
4. Double-click the image to open it anytime you want to share your Wi-Fi details.

Guests can simply scan the code using their phone camera or QR reader app.

Step 6: Print or Pin the QR Code for Easy Access

Once you have your QR code, you can make it even easier to access:

• Print it and tape it near your router, office entrance, or workspace.
• Pin it to the Start menu: Right-click the file → Pin to Start for quick access.
• Set as desktop widget: Use a photo viewer or widget app to keep it visible on your desktop.

This way, you or anyone else can connect to Wi-Fi just by scanning the code — no typing involved.

Step 7: Test Your QR Code

Before sharing, test the QR code yourself to ensure it works correctly.

1. Open your smartphone’s Camera app or a QR code scanner.
2. Point it at the QR code displayed on your screen.
3. Tap the pop-up prompt to join the Wi-Fi network.

If your phone connects automatically, the code is formatted correctly.

Step 8: Create Multiple QR Codes for Different Networks (Optional)

If you manage multiple Wi-Fi networks — for example, “Guest,” “Work,” and “Private” — you can create a QR code for each one using the same steps above.

Label each QR code with the network name before saving or printing. It’s an efficient way to let guests or coworkers connect to the right network quickly.

Step 9: Use Third-Party Desktop Tools for QR Code Management (Optional)

If you frequently share Wi-Fi access or prefer managing codes locally, you can use desktop QR tools like:

• QR Code Generator Desktop
• QRCode Monkey Offline
• Visual Studio Code extensions for QR creation

These apps allow you to create, edit, and store QR codes without relying on a browser or internet connection.

Step 10: Protect Your Wi-Fi Credentials

While QR codes make sharing convenient, remember that they expose your password in plain text once scanned.

• Only display your Wi-Fi QR code to people you trust.
• Use a guest network if available — most routers support this option.
• Avoid posting the QR code online.

This ensures your main network stays secure while still allowing quick access for visitors.

Wrapping Up

Although Windows 11 doesn’t include a built-in “Show Wi-Fi QR Code” option like mobile platforms, you can easily generate and display one using online tools, PowerShell, or simple text formatting.

Once created, anyone can scan your QR code to join your network instantly — no password typing, no confusion.

Whether you’re setting up Wi-Fi for guests at home, in a café, or at work, this small trick makes sharing connectivity both secure and effortless.