The fastest way: Command Prompt on the device that's already connected

If you're already connected to the WiFi network on your Windows 10 computer, you can pull the password from your system settings in about 30 seconds. You don't need to restart anything or dig through router menus. Windows stores the password locally once you've connected, and you can retrieve it through Command Prompt.

Open Command Prompt as administrator: right-click the Start button, select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)". Then type this exact command and press Enter:

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

Replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network (the one you see when you look for available networks). The password appears in the output under "Key Content". If you see "Security settings" but no key content, the network uses a security type that doesn't display passwords this way — usually WEP, which is very old.

Key Takeaways

  • Command Prompt with administrator access shows your WiFi password in seconds if you're already connected to that network.
  • Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks lets you see which networks your computer remembers, though it won't display the actual password.
  • If you've forgotten the password and can't retrieve it from Windows, you'll need to reset your router or contact your internet provider for the default credentials.
  • The Command Prompt method only works for networks your computer has already connected to — it cannot show you passwords for networks you've never joined.

Using Settings if you prefer not to open Command Prompt

Windows 10 also stores WiFi information in the Settings app, though the interface is less direct. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. You'll see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to.

Click the network name, then select "Forget". This removes it from your saved networks. The downside: you've now deleted the stored password, so you'll have to reconnect manually and re-enter the password. This method is useful only if you want to clear out old networks or if you're troubleshooting connection problems — it doesn't actually show you the password before you delete it.

What to do if Command Prompt shows no password

If you run the Command Prompt method and see the network listed but no "Key Content" line appears, one of three things is happening. The network might use WEP encryption (very old and rarely used now), the network might not require a password at all (open WiFi), or your user account doesn't have permission to view stored credentials.

If you own the router, the simplest fix is to reset it and set a new password. Most routers have a small reset button on the back — hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory defaults, and you can then log in with the default username and password (usually printed on a sticker on the router itself). Then create a new network name and password through the router's admin panel.

If you don't own the router — for example, if it's your landlord's or your workplace's — contact whoever manages it and ask them to provide the password or reset it for you.

Finding the password through your router instead

If the Command Prompt method doesn't work and you have physical access to the router, you can log into the router's admin panel directly. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar (routers vary, but one of these usually works). You'll be prompted for a username and password — these are the router's admin credentials, not your WiFi password.

If you've never changed them, they're the defaults printed on a sticker on the router itself. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", or "Network Settings". The password is usually labeled "Passphrase" or "Pre-Shared Key". Write it down or take a photo.

This method works even if Windows can't retrieve the password, because you're going straight to the source. The trade-off is that you need physical access to the router and you need to know (or reset) the admin password.

Why Windows stores passwords and when it doesn't

Windows saves WiFi passwords so you don't have to re-enter them every time you connect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with administrator access to your computer can retrieve those passwords. If you share your computer with others or if you're concerned about security, be aware that stored passwords are not truly hidden — they're encrypted, but not in a way that's impossible to crack with the right tools.

Windows will not store a password if you connect to a network using a temporary or guest account, or if you explicitly tell Windows not to save it. If you're on a public WiFi network and you see an option that says "Connect automatically" or "Save this network", unchecking that box prevents Windows from storing the password.

Recovering a password you've completely forgotten

If you've never connected to the network from this Windows 10 computer, and you don't have access to the router, there's no way to recover the original password. You'll need to contact whoever set up the network — your internet provider, your router manufacturer's support line, or the person who manages your home or workplace network.

When you contact them, have the network name (SSID) ready. They can either tell you the password or walk you through resetting the router to factory defaults so you can create a new one. If it's your own router and you've lost the admin password as well, most manufacturers have a password recovery process on their website — you'll need the router's serial number, which is on the sticker on the back.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows only stores passwords for networks you've already joined. If you've never connected to a network from this computer, Windows has no record of its password. You would need to log into the router directly or contact the network owner.

Does the Command Prompt method work on Windows 11 or older versions?

Yes. The netsh command works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. The exact steps are the same — open Command Prompt as administrator and run the netsh wlan command with your network name.

Is it safe to share the password I find this way?

That depends on your situation. If it's your own network, you can share it with anyone you trust. If it's a shared network at work or in a rental property, check with the owner or manager first — they may have policies about who should have access.

What if I see multiple networks with similar names?

Type the exact network name as it appears in your available networks list. If you're unsure, connect to the network first (you'll see it highlighted), then run the Command Prompt command. Windows will only show you the password for the network name you specify.