The fastest way: Settings app on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Go to Network & internet on the left side, then select WiFi. You'll see a list of networks you've connected to before. Find the network name (called the SSID) you need the password for, click it, then select Manage known networks.

Click the network name again, then select Forget and when ready click it once more from the list. A new option called Properties will appear — click that. Scroll down to Security type and encryption type. Below that line, you'll see Security key with a field that says "Password is not available to display" or shows dots. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal your actual password in plain text.

This method works only if you're currently connected to that network or have connected before on this computer. If you've never connected on this Windows machine, the password won't be stored here.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores passwords for networks you've previously connected to, and you can view them through Settings > Network & internet > WiFi > Manage known networks.
  • The eye icon next to "Security key" reveals the password in plain text once you open a network's properties.
  • If Settings doesn't show the password, use Command Prompt with the command netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear to display it.
  • You must have administrator rights on the computer to view stored passwords through either method.
  • If you've never connected to a network on this computer, Windows has no record of its password.

Using Command Prompt if Settings doesn't work

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). If you see a security prompt, click Yes. Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile and press Enter. You'll see a list of every network this computer has ever connected to, labeled "Profile".

Find the network name you need, then type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — but replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual network name from the list. Press Enter. Look for the line that says Key Content — the password appears right after it.

If you get an error saying the network profile was not found, check that you typed the network name exactly as it appears in the list, including capital letters and spaces. Copy and paste the name from the list into the command if you're unsure.

What to do if you see "Password is not available to display"

This message means Windows recognizes the network but cannot show the password through the Settings interface. This sometimes happens with older network connections or certain security settings. Switch to the Command Prompt method described above — it usually works when Settings doesn't.

If Command Prompt also shows no password, the network may have been connected with a guest account or a different user profile on this computer. Only the user account that originally connected to the network can view its password. If you're the only user, try restarting your computer and trying again.

Finding the password on your router if Windows can't help

If neither Settings nor Command Prompt shows the password, you can find it on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and a default password. This password may have been changed since the router was set up, so it might not match what you need.

To access the router's settings and see or change the password, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be asked to log in — the default username is often "admin" and the password is often "admin" or "password", but check your router's manual or the sticker for the correct credentials. Once logged in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Security to view or change the password.

Why Windows stores these passwords and how to remove one

Windows saves WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them every time you connect to a network. This is convenient but means anyone with access to your computer and administrator rights can view your passwords. If you're concerned about this, you can delete a stored password so Windows forgets it.

Go back to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi > Manage known networks, find the network you want to remove, and click Forget. Windows will no longer connect to that network automatically, and the password will be deleted from your computer. The next time you connect to that network, you'll need to type the password again.

Troubleshooting: Common reasons passwords won't display

If you're not seeing the password even after following these steps, check that you're using an administrator account. Right-click Command Prompt or Terminal and select Run as administrator — if you don't see this option, you don't have admin rights on this computer. Ask whoever set up the computer to give you administrator access, or contact your IT support if this is a work computer.

Another common issue: you may be looking at the wrong network. Make sure the network name in Settings or Command Prompt matches exactly what you see when you click the WiFi icon in your taskbar. Network names are case-sensitive and can look very similar — "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork5G" are different networks with different passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes, if you've connected to that network before on this Windows computer. Windows stores the password even after you disconnect. If you've never connected on this machine, the password won't be stored anywhere in Windows.

What if I forgot my password and Windows won't show it?

You'll need to reset the password on your router. Log into your router's settings using the default credentials (usually on a sticker on the router), find the WiFi or wireless settings, and change the password there. You can then reconnect all your devices with the new password.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password on a shared computer?

Anyone with administrator rights on the computer can view your WiFi password using these methods. If you share the computer with others you don't fully trust, consider changing your WiFi password after they use it, or ask your router's admin to create a separate guest network.

Why does Command Prompt show different networks than Settings?

Both show the same networks, but Command Prompt displays every network your computer has ever connected to, while Settings may filter or hide some older connections. If a network appears in Command Prompt but not Settings, try the Command Prompt method to view its password.

Can I view passwords for networks I'm connected to through a VPN?

Yes. The VPN doesn't affect how Windows stores or displays local WiFi passwords. Use either the Settings or Command Prompt method — they work the same way whether you're using a VPN or not.