The fastest way: Settings on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the app. Go to Network & internet, then WiFi on the left side. Under "Manage known networks", click the network name you want the password for. Select Security, then toggle Show next to the password field. Windows will ask you to confirm you're the account owner — enter your Windows password if prompted.

This method works on any network you've connected to before on that computer. The password appears in plain text once you toggle "Show". If you don't see the network listed, it means your computer has never saved it, and you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Settings shows saved passwords for networks you've already connected to, accessible through Network & internet > WiFi > Manage known networks.
  • Command Prompt can retrieve passwords for any saved network without opening Settings, using the command netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear.
  • If you've never connected to the network before, Windows cannot show you the password — you'll need to check your router or contact your internet provider.
  • The password Windows displays is the actual WiFi password, the same one you'd use to connect from any other device.

Using Command Prompt for a faster lookup

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network (the one you see when you look for networks to join).

Press Enter. Look for the line that says Key Content — that's your password. This method works even if you're not currently connected to the network, as long as your computer has connected to it before. If you get an error saying the profile wasn't found, check that you typed the network name exactly right, including capital letters and spaces.

Finding the password on your router if Windows won't show it

If you can't remember connecting to the network on this computer, or if Windows won't display the password, you can find it on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — it usually shows the network name and password printed there. The password may be labeled "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or "Passphrase".

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into the router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be asked for a username and password — these are usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the router's sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security to find the network password.

What to do if you don't recognize the network name

Windows lists every network your computer has ever connected to, even if you connected once years ago. If you see a network name you don't recognize, you can delete it so it stops appearing. In Settings, go to Network & internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, click the network you want to remove, and select Forget.

This doesn't affect your current connection — it only removes that network from your saved list. If you accidentally forget a network you still use, you can reconnect by selecting it from the available networks list and entering the password again.

Why Windows can only show passwords for networks you've used before

Windows stores WiFi passwords in an encrypted file on your computer. It can only show you passwords for networks it has already saved — that is, networks your computer has successfully connected to at least once. If you're trying to find the password for a network you've never used on this computer, Windows has no record of it.

This is a security feature. It prevents someone with access to your computer from discovering passwords for networks they've never used. If you need the password for a network you haven't connected to yet, you'll need to get it from whoever set up the network or from the router itself.

Troubleshooting when the password doesn't work on other devices

If Windows shows you a password but it doesn't work when you try to connect from a phone or another computer, the password may have been changed since your Windows computer last connected. Try connecting your Windows computer to the network again — if it connects without asking for a password, the saved password is still correct, but the network has been updated.

In that case, you'll need to update the password on your other devices. Go back to your router's settings page or check the sticker on the router for the current password. If you're still stuck, contact your internet provider — they can confirm whether the network password has been changed or help you reset it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes. Windows stores passwords for every network your computer has ever connected to, whether you're currently using it or not. Both the Settings method and the Command Prompt method will show passwords for saved networks you're not actively using right now.

What if I get an error in Command Prompt saying "interface not found"?

This usually means your computer doesn't have WiFi hardware or the WiFi driver isn't working. Try the Settings method instead. If Settings also shows no networks, restart your computer and check that WiFi is turned on — look for a WiFi icon in your taskbar or try pressing a keyboard shortcut like Fn + F2 or Fn + F5 (varies by laptop model).

Is it safe to write down or screenshot my WiFi password?

Yes, once you have the password, it's safe to write it down or save it in a password manager. The password itself is not secret — it's meant to be shared with people you want to give network access to. Keep it in the same place you'd keep other household passwords.

Can someone else see my WiFi password if they use my computer?

Only if they have admin access to your Windows account or can log in as an administrator. If you're the only person with admin rights on your computer, only you can view saved passwords through Settings or Command Prompt.