Windows 10 stores your WiFi password, but you need admin access to see it

If you are connected to a WiFi network on Windows 10, the password is saved in your system settings — but Windows does not display it in plain text by default. You can retrieve it through the network settings menu or the command line, both of which require you to be logged in as an administrator. The process takes about two minutes and does not require any additional software.

This matters because you may need the password to connect a new device, help a guest, or verify that you are using the network you think you are. It also matters for security: if you see a network name you do not recognize, retrieving the password can tell you whether your device has connected to it before.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 stores WiFi passwords in the network settings, accessible through the WiFi settings menu or the command prompt.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator to view a saved password; standard user accounts cannot retrieve it.
  • The Settings menu method is simpler and does not require typing commands, but the command prompt method works if the Settings route fails.
  • If you cannot remember the password and cannot retrieve it through Windows, you will need to reset the router itself, which disconnects all devices.

Retrieve the password through WiFi settings (the easiest method)

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings icon. Go to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Under "Known networks", you will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the network you want the password for and click on it.

A window will open showing the network name and other details. Click Properties at the bottom of the window. Scroll down to the "Security" section and look for the line labeled Security key. By default, the password is hidden behind dots. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

If you do not see an eye icon, or if the Properties button does not appear, your user account does not have administrator rights on this computer. You will need to log in as an administrator or ask the computer owner to retrieve the password for you.

Retrieve the password using the command prompt (if Settings does not work)

Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). If you see a security prompt asking whether you want to allow this app to make changes, click Yes. You now have an administrator command prompt open.

Type the following command exactly as shown and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear

Replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network — for example, "Linksys" or "Guest WiFi". The network name is case-sensitive, so match the capitalization exactly. If you are not sure of the exact name, type this command first to see a list of all saved networks:

netsh wlan show profile

After you run the correct command, look for the line labeled Key Content under the "Security Settings" section. The password appears next to it in plain text.

What to do if the password is blank or missing

If you run the command and see "Key Content" but nothing appears next to it, the network was set up without a password — it is an open network. This is common in public places like coffee shops or libraries. Your computer connected to it automatically because no password was required.

If the network does not appear in the list at all, your computer has never connected to it before, so Windows has no password stored. You will need to ask the network owner or check any documentation they provided when they set it up.

When you cannot retrieve the password any other way

If you have tried both methods and neither works, or if you are not an administrator on the computer, the only way to get the password is to reset the router itself. This will erase all saved settings and disconnect every device currently using that network. You will need to set up the router again from scratch, which means choosing a new network name and password.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button (usually recessed into the back or bottom of the device) and hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds using a paperclip or pen. The router will restart and return to its factory defaults. You can then log into the router's admin panel using the default username and password printed on the device itself, and create a new network with a new password.

This is a last resort because it affects everyone using that network. If this is a shared home or office network, tell the other users before you reset it.

Why Windows hides the password in the first place

Windows keeps passwords hidden by default because anyone with physical access to your computer could otherwise see every network password you have ever used. Requiring administrator access adds a layer of protection: if someone else logs into a standard user account on your computer, they cannot retrieve your WiFi passwords without your admin password.

This is also why the command prompt method requires you to run it as an administrator. Both methods are equally find — the difference is just convenience. The Settings menu is faster if you remember it; the command prompt is useful if the Settings route is not working or if you prefer typing commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as your computer has connected to it before. Windows stores the password even after you disconnect. Use either the Settings or command prompt method — both show all saved networks, not just the one you are currently using.

What if I see a network name I do not recognize in the saved list?

Your computer connected to it at some point, either intentionally or automatically. Retrieve the password to see what it is. If you do not want your computer to connect to it again, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Known networks, find the network, and click Forget.

Does retrieving the password change it or affect the network?

No. Viewing the password does nothing to the network or the router. It only reads what is already stored on your computer. The actual password on the router remains unchanged.

Can I retrieve a password if I am using a guest account?

No. Guest accounts and standard user accounts cannot view saved passwords. You must log in as an administrator or ask the computer owner to retrieve it for you.