The fastest way: Settings menu

Windows 10 stores your WiFi password in the system settings, and you can retrieve it in about 30 seconds without any extra software. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings icon that appears.

Once Settings opens, click Network & Internet on the left side. Then click WiFi, and you'll see a list of networks you've connected to before. Find the network name (called the SSID) that matches your router, and click on it.

A panel will slide out showing connection details. Click Properties at the bottom of that panel. Scroll down until you see a section labeled Security type and Security key. The security key is your WiFi password — it will be hidden by default with dots.

To reveal the password, check the box next to Show. Your actual password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is stored in Windows 10 Settings under Network & Internet, then WiFi, then the network name, then Properties.
  • The password appears as "Security key" and is hidden by default — check the "Show" box to reveal it in plain text.
  • This method works only for networks you have already connected to on that computer.
  • If you cannot see the network in your list, you may need to use your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider instead.

Using Command Prompt if Settings doesn't show the network

If the network you're looking for doesn't appear in the Settings menu — perhaps because you connected on a different device or the connection was deleted — you can use Command Prompt to search your computer's saved network history.

Press the Windows key and type "command prompt". Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. A black window will open. Type this exact command and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile

This will list every WiFi network your computer has ever connected to. Find the one you need in the list. Then type this command, replacing "NetworkName" with the exact name from the list:

netsh wlan show profile name=NetworkName key=clear

The password will appear in the results under Key Content. If you see "Key Content : Absent", the network was set up to not save the password, and you'll need to check your router settings instead.

Checking your router if Windows doesn't have the password

If neither the Settings menu nor Command Prompt shows your password, the information may not be stored on your computer. In that case, you can log into your router directly to see or reset the password.

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router if you're not sure. Press Enter.

A login page will appear. Enter the username and password for your router (also usually on the sticker). Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, WiFi, or Security. Your network password will be listed there, often labeled as Passphrase or Pre-Shared Key.

If you don't remember the router login credentials, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all settings, and you'll need to set up the network again from scratch.

Why Windows might not show the password

Windows only stores passwords for networks your computer has actually connected to. If you're trying to find the password for a neighbor's network or a network from years ago that you deleted, Windows won't have it.

Additionally, if another person set up the network on your computer and chose not to save the password, Windows will have no record of it. In both cases, your router's admin panel is the only place the password exists.

Some older routers also don't allow Windows to read the password back out, even though the computer is connected. If Command Prompt shows "Key Content : Absent", this is what's happening, and you'll need to check the router itself.

Protecting your password after you find it

Once you have your password, be careful who you share it with. Anyone with the password can connect to your network and potentially see files you've shared or slow down your internet speed.

If you think someone has used your password without permission, change it through your router's admin panel. Log in the same way you did to view the password, find the WiFi or Wireless section, and look for an option to change the passphrase or password. Save the changes, and your old password will stop working when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if your computer has connected to it before. Windows stores passwords for past networks in Settings and Command Prompt. If your computer has never connected to the network, Windows has no record of the password, and you'll need to check the router instead.

What if I see asterisks or dots instead of the actual password?

That's the hidden view. Look for a checkbox or toggle labeled Show or Reveal near the password field and click it. The dots will change to readable text. If no such option appears, try the Command Prompt method instead.

Do I need administrator rights to see my WiFi password?

For the Settings method, no — any user account can view it. For Command Prompt, yes — you must right-click and select Run as administrator for the commands to work.

What if the router IP address doesn't work?

Try the other common address: if 192.168.1.1 doesn't load, try 192.168.0.1. If neither works, check the sticker on your router for the correct address. You can also open Command Prompt and type ipconfig, then look for the "Default Gateway" number under your active connection.

Can I change my WiFi password from Windows 10?

No — you must change it through your router's admin panel. Windows can only show you the password, not modify it. Log into your router using the method described in the "Checking your router" section above.