Secret CMD Prompt Tricks and Tips

3 min read 1 year ago
Published on Aug 03, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore three useful Command Prompt tricks for Windows 10. These tips will help you retrieve your Wi-Fi password, remove the Windows activation watermark, and even play a Star Wars episode right in the Command Prompt window. These tricks are not only fun but also practical for everyday PC usage.

Step 1: Show Wi-Fi Password

To display the Wi-Fi password for the network you are currently connected to, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt:

    • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type cmd and press Enter.
  2. Enter the command to show the Wi-Fi password:

    • Type the following command and hit Enter:
      netsh wlan show profile name="YOUR_NETWORK_NAME" key=clear
      
    • Replace YOUR_NETWORK_NAME with the actual name of your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Find the password:

    • Scroll through the output until you see the line that says Key Content. The password will be displayed next to it.

Tip: Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator if you encounter access issues.

Step 2: Remove Windows 10 Activation Watermark

If you want to remove the activation watermark that appears in the corner of your screen, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator:

    • Right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Enter the command to remove the watermark:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      slmgr /upk
      
    • This command uninstalls the product key.
  3. Confirm removal:

    • You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Common Pitfall: This method may not be permanent and could revert after a system update or reboot. Always ensure you have a valid license for your Windows operating system.

Step 3: Play a Star Wars Episode in Command Prompt

For a fun distraction, you can watch a text-based version of a Star Wars episode in the Command Prompt. Here’s how:

  1. Open Command Prompt:

    • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. Enter the command to play Star Wars:

    • Type the following command and hit Enter:
      telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl
      
    • If telnet is not enabled, you may need to enable it through Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off > check Telnet Client.
  3. Enjoy the show:

    • Watch the classic Star Wars episode play out in ASCII format.

Tip: This is a fun, nostalgic experience, ideal for a quick break or to impress friends.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered three Command Prompt tricks for Windows 10: displaying your Wi-Fi password, removing the activation watermark, and playing a Star Wars episode. These tips enhance your PC experience and can be useful for troubleshooting or entertainment. Feel free to explore more CMD commands and discover what else you can do with this versatile tool!