The fastest way: Settings and Network Status

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet on the left side, then click WiFi. You'll see your connected network listed — click on it, then scroll down and select Manage known networks.

Find your network in the list and click it. A new window opens with a button labeled Properties — click that. Scroll to the bottom where you see Security type and Encryption type. Just above those fields is a checkbox that says Show characters. Check that box, and your password appears in the Security key field.

This method works only if you're already connected to the network. If you've forgotten the password and can't connect, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app shows your password if you're already connected — go to Network & Internet, WiFi, Manage known networks, then Properties, and check "Show characters" next to the Security key field.
  • Command Prompt can retrieve passwords for networks you've connected to before, even if you're not currently online, using the command netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear.
  • If you set up the router yourself, the default password is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device, or in the router's manual.
  • If you don't remember setting up the router and can't find the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, though this erases all custom settings.

Using Command Prompt to find saved passwords

Command Prompt can show you passwords for networks your computer has connected to in the past, even if you're not currently online. Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile and press Enter. You'll see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Find the one you need, then type this command with your network name in the quotes: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear and press Enter. The password appears next to Key Content.

This method requires administrator access to your computer. If you don't have it, you'll need to ask whoever set up your account or use the Settings method if you can connect to the network.

Finding the default password on your router

If you set up the router yourself or it's a new device, the password is usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the router. Look for a field labeled WiFi Password, Network Key, PSK, or sometimes just Password. The sticker also shows your network name (SSID) so you know which password goes with which network.

If the sticker is missing or worn away, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website. Most routers have a support page where you can read the manual by entering the model number. The model number is usually printed on the same sticker as the password.

Write down the password somewhere safe once you find it — a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password is better than a sticky note on the router itself.

Resetting the router if you can't find the password

If you can't locate the password and can't connect to the network, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart.

After the reset, the network name and password return to whatever the manufacturer set as default — usually printed on the sticker. You'll need to set up the router again from scratch, which means reconfiguring any custom settings you had, like port forwarding or guest networks.

This is a last resort because it erases everything you've customized. Before you reset, try contacting your internet provider — they sometimes have records of the setup and can tell you the password or reset it remotely.

What to do if you're not the account owner

If the computer belongs to someone else or your workplace, you may not have permission to view saved passwords. The Settings method will show you the password if you're already connected, but Command Prompt requires administrator rights that you might not have.

Ask the person who owns the computer or manages the network. They can either tell you the password or connect the device for you. If it's a work network, contact your IT department — they manage network access and can reset your connection if needed.

Passwords that don't appear even after you follow these steps

If the password field is blank or shows nothing even after checking "Show characters", the network may be set to open (no password required). This is common in public spaces like coffee shops or libraries. You can connect without entering anything.

If the network requires a password but you still can't see it, the password may have been changed since your computer last connected. Forget the network and reconnect: go to Settings, Network & Internet, WiFi, Manage known networks, find your network, and click Forget. Then reconnect and enter the current password.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, change it if you think anyone unauthorized has seen it. Log into your router's admin panel — usually by typing the router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser. You'll need the admin username and password, which are different from your WiFi password and are also on the sticker or in the manual.

Use a strong password: at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid words from the dictionary or personal information. A password manager can generate and store a strong one so you don't have to remember it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not connected to the network?

Yes, using Command Prompt. Type netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear to see any network your computer has connected to before. The Settings method only works if you're currently connected.

What if the password field shows asterisks or dots instead of characters?

That's normal — Windows hides passwords by default for security. Check the box labeled Show characters in the Properties window to reveal them. If there's no checkbox, the network may not have a password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is less find than using a password manager, but better than forgetting it and resetting the router. If you write it down, keep it somewhere private — not on a sticky note on the router where guests can see it.

Can I change my WiFi password from Windows 10?

No — you change it through your router's admin panel, not through Windows. Log into the router using its IP address in a web browser, find the WiFi settings, and change the password there. The router's manual has the default admin login.

What's the difference between my WiFi password and my router admin password?

Your WiFi password is what guests use to connect to the network. Your router admin password controls the settings on the device itself. They're separate — changing one doesn't affect the other. Both are usually on the sticker on the router.