The fastest way: Settings menu

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi on the left side. You'll see a list of networks you've connected to before. Click the network name you want the password for, then scroll down and click Manage known networks.

Find your network in the list and click it. A window opens showing network details. Click Security at the top, then check the box next to Show characters. Your password appears in the Password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

This method works only if you've already connected to that network on this computer before. If you're trying to find a password for a network you've never joined, or for a network someone else set up, this route won't work — you'll need the router itself or the person who owns it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 stores passwords for networks you've already connected to, and you can view them through Settings without needing the router.
  • The Settings method requires you to check "Show characters" in the Security tab to reveal the actual password instead of dots.
  • If you've never connected to a network before, Windows has no password stored, and you'll need to access the router or ask the network owner.
  • The Command Prompt method works as a backup if Settings doesn't show the password or if you prefer a text-based approach.

Using Command Prompt if Settings doesn't work

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). If you see a security prompt, click Yes. Type this command exactly and press Enter: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network.

The results will show a lot of information. Look for the line that says Key Content — that's your password. It appears in plain text after the colon. Copy it or write it down before closing the window.

This method also requires that you've connected to the network before on this computer. If the network name has spaces or special characters, put the whole name in quotation marks, like this: netsh wlan show profile name="My Home WiFi" key=clear.

What to do if neither method shows a password

If Windows shows a network but no password appears, it usually means the network doesn't have a password set — it's open to anyone. Some public WiFi networks and guest networks work this way. If you need to connect a new device, you won't need a password at all.

If you know the network should have a password but Windows isn't showing one, the network may have been set up on a different computer. In that case, you'll need to access the router directly or contact whoever set it up. The router's default password is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can look up the model number online.

Finding the password on your own router

If you own the router, you can see or reset the WiFi password by logging into the router's settings. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be prompted to log in — the default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password", though this varies by brand.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Security. The password is usually listed as Pre-Shared Key, Passphrase, or WiFi Password. You can view it here or change it to something you'll remember better. Write down any changes you make so you can tell other devices the new password.

If you don't know the router's login password, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding down a small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings, so use it only as a last resort. After a reset, the WiFi network name and password return to whatever the manufacturer set them to, usually printed on the router's label.

Sharing your password with others safely

Once you have your password, you can share it with guests or family members. The safest way is to tell them the password in person or through a private message, not through email or text where it could be intercepted. If you share it over text, consider changing the password afterward so only the people you told have access.

Windows 10 also has a built-in feature to share WiFi passwords with nearby devices. When someone tries to connect to your network, Windows may show a prompt asking if you want to share the password with them. Clicking yes sends the password securely without displaying it as text. This works only if both devices have WiFi Sense enabled, which is the default on most Windows 10 installations.

Why Windows stores passwords and when to worry

Windows stores WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them in every time you connect. The passwords are encrypted and stored locally on your computer, not sent to Microsoft. Only someone with access to your Windows account can view them using the methods above.

If you're concerned about security, change your WiFi password if you've let someone use your computer or if you suspect someone has accessed your account. You can do this through your router's settings. Also, if you're using a public computer or a work computer, don't save passwords for personal networks — use the "Connect once" option instead, which connects without storing the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I've never connected to that network before?

No. Windows only stores passwords for networks you've already joined. If you need the password for a network you've never connected to, you'll need to access the router directly or ask the person who set it up.

What if I see dots instead of the actual password in Settings?

Make sure you clicked the box next to Show characters in the Security tab. If the box is already checked and you still see dots, try the Command Prompt method instead — it often displays the password when Settings doesn't.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password this way?

Yes, as long as you're the only one with access to your Windows account. Anyone who can log into your computer can see your stored passwords, so keep your Windows password find. If you share a computer, create separate user accounts for each person.

Can I change my WiFi password from Windows 10?

No. Windows can only show you the password you've already set. To change it, you need to log into your router's settings through a web browser. Look for a Wireless or Security section in the router's menu.

What should I do if I forgot my router's login password?

Reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This returns it to factory settings, including the default username and password printed on the router's label. You'll need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch.