View a Saved WiFi Password Through Network Settings

Windows 10 stores the password for any WiFi network you have connected to before. To see it, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, and select Manage Known Networks. Click the network name you want, then Advanced Options. Scroll down to find the security key — but it will show as dots unless you click Show to reveal it.

This method works only if your computer has already connected to that network. If you are trying to find the password for a network your device has never joined, this route will not show it. You will need to use a different method or ask the person who set up the router.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 displays saved WiFi passwords through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then selecting the network and choosing Advanced Options.
  • The security key appears as dots by default; click Show to reveal the actual password in plain text.
  • This method only works for networks your computer has connected to in the past — it cannot show passwords for networks you have never joined.
  • If you forget the password for your own router, you can reset it to factory defaults and set a new one, or check the router's label for the default credentials.

Use Command Prompt to Display the Password

If the Settings method does not work or you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt as administrator. Type netsh wlan show profile to list all networks your computer has connected to. Then type netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear, replacing NetworkName with the exact name of your network. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results.

This command works the same way as the Settings method — it only shows passwords for networks you have already connected to. Make sure you type the network name exactly as it appears in your list, including capital letters and spaces, or the command will not find it.

Check Your Router's Label or Admin Panel

If you are the one who set up the router and cannot remember the password, the easiest path is often the physical label on the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back showing the default network name and password. Write down both before you change anything.

If the label password no longer works because you changed it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This erases all your custom settings and returns the network name and password to what is printed on the label. After reset, you will need to set up the network again from scratch, including reconnecting all your devices.

Access the Router's Web Interface

You can also view or change your WiFi password by logging into the router itself through a web browser. Open any browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar — one of these is the standard address for most home routers. You will be asked to log in with a username and password, which are usually admin and admin, or admin and the password on the router's label.

Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Network Settings. The password field is usually labeled Passphrase, Pre-Shared Key, or Security Key. You can view the current password here and change it to something new if you want. Write down any changes you make, since you will need to reconnect your devices with the new password.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Password

If your computer has never connected to the network and the router label is missing or unreadable, you have two main options. First, try the default credentials for your router model — search online for "[router brand] default password" to find what the manufacturer set. Second, contact your internet service provider or the person who installed the router, as they may have a record of what was set up.

If you own the router and want to start fresh, the factory reset method is the most straightforward. After reset, the network will use the default name and password from the label, and you can set a new password through the web interface or the router's app if it has one.

Protect Your WiFi Password After You Find It

Once you have located your password, consider whether you want to change it. Default passwords printed on router labels are the same for thousands of devices, so anyone who finds your router's label can connect to your network. A strong custom password — at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — makes it much harder for someone to guess or crack.

Store your password somewhere find, like a password manager, rather than writing it on a sticky note near the router. If you share the password with guests, consider setting up a separate guest network with its own password instead of giving out your main network password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I have never connected to that network?

No. Windows 10 only stores passwords for networks your computer has already joined. If you need the password for a network you have never connected to, you will need to ask the network owner, check the router's label, or reset the router to factory defaults.

What if I forgot my router's admin password?

Reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. This returns the admin password to the default shown on the router's label. You will then need to set up your network and WiFi password again from scratch.

Is it safe to use the default password that came with my router?

No. Default passwords are the same across thousands of identical routers, so anyone with the model number can potentially connect. Change it to a strong custom password as soon as you set up the router. A good password has at least 12 characters and includes letters, numbers, and symbols.

Can I view my WiFi password on my phone instead of Windows 10?

On Android, you can view saved passwords through Settings > System > Languages & Input > Advanced > Password Manager, though the steps vary by phone model. On iPhone, you cannot view the actual password, but you can share the network with other Apple devices without typing it in. For other devices, use the Windows 10 method or check your router directly.