Where Windows stores your WiFi password
Windows 10 keeps the password for every network you have ever connected to in a protected file on your computer. You can view that password through the network settings menu without needing to reset the router or call your internet provider. The password appears in plain text once you open the right screen, so anyone with access to your computer can see it — which is why keeping your computer password-protected matters.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are looking for a network you are currently connected to or one you connected to in the past but are not using right now. Both routes take about two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 stores WiFi passwords in the network settings, accessible through the WiFi icon in your taskbar or the Settings app.
- You can view a password for any network your computer has connected to before, even if you are not currently connected to it.
- The password appears in plain text on the screen, so only open this menu if you are alone or trust everyone with access to your computer.
- If you cannot remember your network name, Windows shows a list of all networks you have ever joined.
Finding the password for your current network
Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar — it looks like curved lines stacked on top of each other. A menu will open showing the network you are currently connected to, marked with a checkmark. Click "Network settings" at the bottom of that menu.
In the Settings window that opens, click "WiFi" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks." You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the one you want and click it, then click "Properties."
Scroll down to the section labeled "Security type and encryption details." Below that, you will see a field labeled "Security key." The password is hidden by default, shown as dots. Click the eye icon next to "Security key" to reveal the actual password in plain text.
Finding the password for a network you are not currently connected to
If you are not connected to the network right now, the process is almost identical. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to "Network & Internet," then click "WiFi" on the left side.
Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." This shows every network your computer has ever connected to, regardless of whether you are connected now. Find the network name you need, click it, then click "Properties."
Scroll to "Security type and encryption details" and look for the "Security key" field. Click the eye icon to show the password. If you do not see the network in the list, your computer has never connected to it before, and Windows cannot retrieve a password it does not have stored.
What to do if the password field is blank or grayed out
Sometimes the password field appears empty or you cannot click the eye icon. This usually means Windows did not save the password when you connected — some networks, particularly public WiFi at coffee shops or airports, do not require a password at all, so Windows has nothing to display.
If you know the network requires a password but the field is blank, you may need to reconnect to that network. Forget the network first by going to "Manage known networks," clicking the network name, and selecting "Forget." Then reconnect to it manually, entering the password when prompted. Windows will save it this time.
Viewing passwords for networks you created yourself
If you set up the WiFi network on your own router, you can also find the password through your router's settings page. This is useful if you have forgotten what you set it to and want to change it or share it with someone else.
Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back if those do not work. Log in with your router's admin username and password. Look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Security" and you will see the network name and password you created. You can change either one from this screen.
Keeping your password find after you find it
Once you have the password visible on your screen, be careful who sees it. Do not take a screenshot and email it, and do not write it down and leave it where others can find it. If you need to share the password with someone, tell them verbally or use a password manager that both of you have access to.
If you think someone has seen your password without permission, you can change it through your router settings. Go back to the router's settings page, find the WiFi or Security section, and change the password to something new. Your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect using the new password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see passwords for networks I connected to on my phone or tablet?
No. Windows only stores passwords for networks that your Windows computer has connected to. Passwords saved on your phone stay on your phone. If you need a password from another device, you will have to find it through that device's settings or through your router.
What if I forgot my Windows password and cannot log in?
You cannot view WiFi passwords without logging into Windows first. If you have forgotten your Windows password, you will need to reset it through the login screen or contact someone who can help you regain access to your account.
Is it safe to show someone my WiFi password this way?
It is safe as long as you trust the person and you are the only two people in the room. Anyone who can see your screen at that moment can read the password. If you are in a public place or around people you do not trust, do not reveal the password on screen.
Will changing my WiFi password affect my internet connection?
Yes. When you change the password on your router, all your devices will disconnect. You will need to reconnect each one using the new password. Your internet will work normally once you reconnect — changing the password does not affect speed or quality.