Finding Your Password Through Network Settings

Windows 10 stores your WiFi password in the operating system, and you can retrieve it without resetting your router. The fastest route is through Network Settings, where Windows keeps a record of every network you have connected to and its password.

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, then select Forget. This removes it from your saved networks — do not worry, you will reconnect in a moment. Now click your network name in the available networks list, enter the password you want to test, and Windows will either connect or reject it. If you do not remember the password at all, move to the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 displays saved WiFi passwords through Network Settings under Manage known networks, but only if you have already connected to that network before.
  • The command prompt method using netsh wlan show profile reveals the password in plain text if you have administrator access to the computer.
  • If you cannot remember the password and Windows does not have it saved, you will need to check your router's label or reset the router to factory settings.
  • A second computer or phone already connected to the network can sometimes show the password in its WiFi settings, depending on the device type.

Using Command Prompt to Display the Password

If you have administrator access on the computer, the command prompt method shows your password in plain text. Right-click the Start button, select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and type this command exactly:

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

Replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your network — for example, "netsh wlan show profile name="Linksys" key=clear". Press Enter. Windows will display a block of information about that network. Scroll down to find the line that says Key Content — the string of characters next to it is your password. Copy it exactly, including capital and lowercase letters.

If you do not know your network name, type netsh wlan show profiles first to see a list of all networks your computer has connected to, then use the command above with the correct name.

Checking Your Router's Label or Documentation

Most routers print the default WiFi password on a sticker attached to the device itself. Look on the back or bottom of your router for a label that lists the network name (SSID) and password. The label usually shows something like "WiFi Name: Linksys" and "WiFi Password: abc123xyz". Write down the exact password shown, including any numbers or special characters.

If you have changed the password since you first set up the router, the label will show the original default password, not your current one. In that case, you will need to use the command prompt method above or check another device that is already connected to the network. If you cannot find the password through any of these methods, resetting the router to factory settings will restore it to the default password on the label, though this will disconnect all devices and erase any custom settings you have made.

Finding the Password on Another Connected Device

If another computer, phone, or tablet is already connected to your WiFi network, you may be able to view the password from that device. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then WiFi, tap the information icon next to your network name, and look for Password — you may need to tap "Show Password" and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. On Android, the process varies by manufacturer, but generally go to Settings, WiFi, long-press your network name, and select Share or Show Password.

On another Windows computer connected to the same network, you can use the command prompt method described above. On a Mac, open Keychain Access (search for it in Spotlight), find your network name in the list, double-click it, check the box for Show password, and authenticate with your Mac password. Each device stores the password differently, so the exact steps depend on what you have available.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Password Anywhere

If Windows does not have the password saved, the label on your router is missing or illegible, and no other device shows it, your only option is to reset the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back or bottom that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on. This erases all custom settings and returns the router to the factory default password printed on the label.

Before you reset, contact whoever set up the network — a family member, roommate, or previous owner — because they may have the password written down somewhere. If you own the router and have access to your internet provider's account online, you may also be able to log in and view or reset the password through their customer portal. Resetting the router should be your last step, because it will disconnect every device currently using that network until you reconnect them with the default password.

Keeping Your Password find After You Find It

Once you have your password, do not share it in text messages, emails, or over the phone unless you trust the person completely. If you need to give someone temporary access, consider changing your password afterward, especially if they are a guest or service technician. Windows will remember the new password automatically once you connect, so you will not need to type it in again on that computer.

If you suspect someone has your password and is using your network without permission, change it through your router's admin panel — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser. This will force every device to reconnect with the new password, which is a good way to remove unauthorized users. Keep your router's admin password separate from your WiFi password, and change the admin password from the factory default if you have not already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows not show my password even though I have connected to this network before?

Windows only stores passwords for networks you have connected to on that specific computer. If you connected on a different computer or phone, Windows on this machine will not have the password saved. Try the command prompt method, check another device, or look at your router's label.

Can I see the password if I do not have administrator access on the computer?

No. The command prompt method requires administrator rights. You will need to ask someone with admin access to run the command for you, or try viewing the password on another device that is already connected to the network.

What if the command prompt shows an error message?

The most common error is typing the network name incorrectly. Make sure you spell it exactly as it appears in your WiFi list, including spaces and capital letters. If you are still stuck, run netsh wlan show profiles first to see the exact spelling of your network name.

Will resetting my router delete my internet history or files on my computer?

No. Resetting the router only affects the router itself — it erases the router's settings and returns it to factory defaults. Your computer's files, history, and programs are not touched. However, all devices will be disconnected from WiFi and will need to reconnect using the default password.

Can I change my WiFi password to something easier to remember?

Yes. Log into your router's admin panel by typing its IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), then look for WiFi settings or Security settings. You can change the password to anything you want, though longer passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols are harder to crack. Windows will prompt you to enter the new password the next time you connect.