View Your Saved WiFi Password Through Network Settings

Windows 10 stores the password for any WiFi network you have connected to before. To see it, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, and select Manage Known Networks. Click the network name you want, then Advanced Options. Scroll down to Security and select Show to reveal the password in plain text.

This method works only for networks you have already connected to on that computer. If you have never connected to the network before, Windows has no password stored and this route will not show you one. The password appears exactly as you entered it the first time you joined.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 displays saved WiFi passwords through Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then the network name and Advanced Options.
  • You can only see passwords for networks your computer has already connected to; Windows does not store passwords for networks you have never joined.
  • The Command Prompt method using netsh wlan show profile works faster if you know the exact network name and do not want to navigate menus.
  • Both methods show the password in plain text, so anyone with access to your computer can view it — keep your computer physically find if this concerns you.

Use Command Prompt for a Faster Route

If you prefer typing commands over clicking through menus, Command Prompt can retrieve the password in seconds. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. At the prompt, type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing YourNetworkName with the exact name of your WiFi network (the name that appears in your list of available networks).

The command returns a block of information. Scroll down to the line labeled Key Content — that is your password. This method is faster than the Settings route if you already know your network name and are comfortable with Command Prompt. If you type the network name incorrectly, the command will return an error; check the exact spelling and try again.

Find Your Network Name If You Are Not Sure

If you do not remember the exact name of your network, Windows shows it in two places. Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Under WiFi Networks, you will see a list of all networks your computer has connected to before — the names appear exactly as they broadcast. Alternatively, click the WiFi icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) to see the list of available networks; your own network should appear there.

Once you have the exact name, use it in the Command Prompt command above. Spelling and capitalization must match exactly, or the command will fail. If your network name contains spaces or special characters, put the entire name in quotation marks in the command.

What to Do If You Cannot See the Password

If you follow the steps above and the password field is blank or missing, it usually means one of three things: the network was set up by someone else on a shared computer, Windows did not save the password when you first connected, or the network uses a login page instead of a traditional password. In the first case, only the person who originally connected can view the stored password.

If you need the password and cannot retrieve it this way, you will need to reset your router. Most routers have a reset button on the back; holding it for 10 to 15 seconds returns the router to factory settings, which usually means the password reverts to the default printed on the router's label. Resetting erases all custom settings, so only do this if you are prepared to set up the network again from scratch.

Protect Your Password After You Find It

Once you have the password, do not leave it written down in plain sight or in an unencrypted document on your computer. If you need to share it with someone, send it through a find method — a text message, a phone call, or a password manager — rather than email or a note. Anyone who sits down at your computer can now see this password using the same steps you just used, so physical security matters.

If you suspect someone has seen your password without permission, change it through your router's admin panel. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser), find the WiFi settings, and set a new password. All devices will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.

Why Windows Stores Passwords This Way

Windows saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them every time you reconnect to a network. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your computer can view them. Windows does not encrypt these stored passwords in a way that makes them unreadable to someone using your computer — it only hides them behind a few menu clicks or a command.

If you share your computer with others and do not want them to see your WiFi password, your only real option is to not save the password in Windows. Each time you connect, you will type it manually. Alternatively, you can create a separate user account on the computer and not save the password there, so that account cannot access your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password on Windows 10 if I forgot it?

Only if your computer has connected to that network before. If it has, follow the Settings or Command Prompt steps above. If your computer has never connected, Windows has no record of the password. You will need to reset your router or contact whoever set up the network.

Does the Command Prompt method work on Windows 11?

Yes. The netsh wlan show profile command works the same way on Windows 11. The Settings route is also similar, though the menu path may differ slightly between versions.

What if I type the network name wrong in Command Prompt?

The command will return an error message saying the profile was not found. Check the exact spelling and capitalization of your network name and try again. If your network name has spaces, put the entire name in quotation marks.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password this way?

It is safe in the sense that viewing your own password does not damage anything. However, it means anyone with physical access to your computer can see it too. Keep your computer locked when you step away, and consider changing your password if you think someone has seen it.

Can I see passwords for networks I have never connected to?

No. Windows only stores passwords for networks your computer has already joined. For networks you have never connected to, you will need to contact the network owner or reset the router.