The fastest way: Settings on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi. Select Manage known networks, then click the network name you want the password for. Choose Manage, then scroll down and toggle Show next to the password field. Windows will ask you to confirm your user account password, then display the WiFi password in plain text.
This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. You need to be logged in as an administrator on that computer to see the password. If you do not have admin rights, you will not be able to view it this way.
Key Takeaways
- Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks shows saved passwords on Windows 10 and 11.
- Command Prompt can display WiFi passwords for any network your computer has ever connected to, using the command netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear.
- You must be logged in as an administrator to view saved passwords through either method.
- If you cannot remember the network name, use netsh wlan show profile alone to list all networks your computer has connected to.
Using Command Prompt for any saved network
Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click the Start menu, select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)). Type the command netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your WiFi network. Press Enter.
Look for the line labeled Key Content under the Security settings section. That is your password. This method works for any network your computer has ever connected to and saved, even if you are not currently connected to it.
If you do not remember the exact network name, type netsh wlan show profile without the name parameter. Windows will list all networks your computer has saved. Copy the exact name from that list and use it in the full command above.
What to do if you cannot see the password
If the Settings method shows a blank password field or the Command Prompt shows no Key Content, the network may have been saved without storing the password. This sometimes happens if you connected using a temporary guest account or if the connection was set up by someone else on a shared computer.
In this case, you will need to ask the person who set up the network, contact your internet service provider, or check any documentation that came with your router. The router itself usually has a default password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
Finding the password on your router if Windows cannot show it
If your computer has never connected to the network, or if the password was never saved, you can find it directly on the router. Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or side of the router. It typically shows the network name (SSID) and password, sometimes labeled as "Network Key" or "WiFi Password".
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log 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. Log in with the default username and password (often "admin" and "admin", or printed on the router). Navigate to the WiFi or Wireless settings section to view or change the password.
Resetting a forgotten password on your router
If you cannot find the password anywhere and do not remember it, you can reset the router to factory defaults. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. This erases all settings and returns the router to its original state, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch.
After a reset, the router will use its default network name and password (printed on the sticker). You can then log in, create a new network name and password, and reconnect all your devices. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes total.
Why Windows stores WiFi passwords and how to manage them
Windows saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them every time you connect. The password is encrypted and stored locally on your computer. Only someone with admin access to that computer can view it, which is why Windows asks for your account password before showing it.
If you want to remove a saved network so Windows forgets the password, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, select the network, and click Forget. The next time you connect to that network, you will need to enter the password again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see WiFi passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?
Yes. Both the Settings method and Command Prompt show passwords for any network your computer has ever connected to and saved, whether you are currently online or not. This works as long as you are logged in as an administrator.
What if Command Prompt says the network does not exist?
Check the exact spelling and capitalization of the network name. Network names are case-sensitive in the command. If you are still unsure, run netsh wlan show profile alone to see the full list of saved networks and copy the exact name from there.
Will resetting my router erase my internet connection?
Yes. A factory reset erases all settings, including your WiFi network name, password, and any custom configurations. You will need to set up the network again and reconnect all devices. Your internet connection itself (from your service provider) will still work, but you will need to reconfigure the router to use it.
Can someone else on my computer see my WiFi password?
Only if they have administrator access to your computer. Standard user accounts cannot view saved passwords through Settings or Command Prompt. If you share a computer and want to keep the password private, use a separate user account with standard permissions.
What if the password field in Settings is blank?
This usually means the network was saved without storing the password, or the connection was set up by a guest account. Try the Command Prompt method instead — it sometimes retrieves passwords that Settings cannot display. If that also shows nothing, contact the person who set up the network or check your router directly.