The fastest way: Settings > Network

Open Settings (press Windows key + I), then go to Network & internet on the left side. Click WiFi, then select Manage known networks. Find the network name you want the password for, click it, and select Forget. This sounds backwards, but it's the only way Windows 11 lets you see a saved password through Settings.

After you forget the network, Windows will ask you to reconnect. When you do, you'll type the password in again — and this time, if you check the box that says Show password, you can read what you're typing. Write it down before you close that window.

This method works if you're already connected to the network. If you're not connected and can't remember the password, you'll need to use the second method instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 does not have a built-in way to view a saved password without forgetting the network first.
  • The Settings route requires you to disconnect, reconnect, and manually re-enter the password while watching it appear on screen.
  • The Command Prompt method shows the password without disconnecting, but requires you to open a system tool and run a text command.
  • Both methods only work if you have admin rights on the computer.
  • If you cannot remember the password and are not currently connected, you will need to reset the router or contact whoever set up the network.

Using Command Prompt to see the password without disconnecting

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Terminal (Admin). If you see Windows PowerShell (Admin) instead, that works too. You'll see a prompt asking if you want to allow this app to make changes — click Yes.

In the terminal window, type this exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — but replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network (the one you see when you look for networks to join). Press Enter.

Scroll up in the terminal window to find the line that says Key Content. The password appears right after that. Copy it or write it down before you close the window.

This method does not disconnect you from the network, so it's faster if you're already online. The downside is that it requires opening a command-line tool, which feels less familiar to most people than clicking through Settings.

What to do if neither method shows a password

If you see a blank line where the password should be, or if the terminal says "Interface not found," the network password is not stored on this computer. This usually means the network was set up by someone else, or the password was never saved.

If you're the network owner, you can reset the router to factory settings and set a new password. Check the router's manual or the label on the back for how to do this — usually it involves holding a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. If you're not the owner, contact the person who set up the network and ask them for the password.

Why Windows 11 hides saved passwords this way

Windows stores WiFi passwords in an encrypted file so that other people who use your computer cannot easily find them. If someone sits down at your computer without permission, they should not be able to walk away with your network password in five seconds.

The tradeoff is that you also cannot see your own password without jumping through a hoop. This is intentional — it forces you to think before you share the password, and it makes sure you actually own the computer you're trying to access it from.

Checking the password on a network you do not own

If you're trying to find the password for a network someone else set up — a workplace network, a guest network, or a neighbor's WiFi — neither of these methods will help you. Windows only stores passwords for networks you have personally connected to and entered the password for.

The person who owns the router is the only one who can see or reset the password. Ask them directly, or if it's a business network, contact your IT department or help desk.

Saving a new password so you do not lose it again

After you reconnect to the network and see the password on screen, open a password manager — Bitwarden, 1Password, or even a straightforward note in OneNote — and save it there. This way you have a backup copy that is not locked inside Windows.

If you use the same password across multiple networks, write that down too. If you change the password on your router, update it in your password manager at the same time so you do not forget again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am not currently connected to?

Only if you have connected to it before on this computer. If you have never entered the password on this Windows 11 machine, it is not stored here. You would need to contact the network owner or reset the router.

Do I need to be an admin to use these methods?

Yes. Both the Settings method and the Command Prompt method require admin rights. If you do not have admin access, ask the person who set up the computer to show you the password instead.

Will forgetting the network and reconnecting disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, briefly. You will lose internet for a few seconds while Windows disconnects and then reconnects. If you are in the middle of something important, use the Command Prompt method instead — it does not disconnect you.

What if I type the network name wrong in the Command Prompt command?

The terminal will say "Interface not found" or show no results. Check the exact spelling of your network name (it is case-sensitive) and try again. If you are unsure of the spelling, use the Settings method instead — it shows you a list of networks you have saved.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

It is safer than forgetting it and having to reset the router. Store the written password somewhere find — not on a sticky note on your monitor. A password manager or a locked drawer is better than leaving it visible to anyone who walks past your desk.