The fastest way: use the network settings panel

Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi on the left side. Under "Manage known networks", click the network name you want the password for. Select Security, then toggle the switch next to "Show" under the password field. Windows will display your password in plain text.

This method works if you are currently connected to the network. It takes about 30 seconds and requires no additional software. The password appears exactly as you set it, character for character.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Settings shows your WiFi password in the Security tab under Network & Internet, but only for networks you are already connected to.
  • Command Prompt can retrieve passwords for any network your computer has ever connected to, even if you are not currently online.
  • Both methods require you to be logged in as an administrator on your Windows 10 account.
  • If you cannot see the password field or the toggle is grayed out, your network uses a different security type that Windows cannot display this way.

Using Command Prompt for networks you have connected to before

Open Command Prompt as an administrator: press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Windows will ask for permission — click Yes.

Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network. Press Enter. Scroll down to find the line that says Key Content — that is your password.

This method works for any network your computer has connected to in the past, even if you are not currently connected. It is useful if you switched networks and need to reconnect to an old one, or if you want to check what password your computer has stored for a network you no longer use.

What to do if the password does not appear

If the Settings panel shows no password field, or if Command Prompt returns "Key Content: None", your network is using Open security with no password, or it is using a security type Windows cannot display (like WEP, which is very old). In this case, there is no stored password to retrieve.

If you set up the network yourself and forgot the password, you will need to reset it on your router. Log into your router's admin panel — usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser — and look for the WiFi or Wireless settings. You will need the router's admin password, which is often printed on a sticker on the back of the device.

Why you might not have permission to see the password

Windows only shows passwords to accounts with administrator rights. If you are logged in as a standard user, you will not see the password field or the toggle switch. Ask whoever set up the computer to log in and retrieve it for you, or contact your IT support if this is a work computer.

Some workplaces also use group policy to hide passwords from all users, even administrators. If you work for an organization and cannot see the password even after logging in as an admin, contact your IT department — they may have intentionally restricted this for security reasons.

Keeping your password safe after you find it

Once you have the password, do not share it in email, text, or chat. If you need to give it to someone, tell them in person or use a password manager that both of you have access to. If you think someone has seen your password, change it on your router right away.

If you are on a public or shared network (like at work or school), assume the password is not secret — many people may have it. Use a VPN if you are handling sensitive information on a shared network, because the password only protects the connection to the router, not the data you send over it.

Retrieving passwords from multiple networks at once

If you want to see all the passwords your computer has stored, open Command Prompt as administrator and type: netsh wlan show profiles. This shows every network your computer has ever connected to. Then run the key=clear command for each network name you want the password for.

This is useful if you are setting up a new device and want to reconnect to all your old networks, or if you are troubleshooting connection problems and need to verify which password your computer actually has stored. Write down the passwords somewhere safe before you move to a new computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am not connected to right now?

Yes, if your computer has connected to it before. Use Command Prompt with the netsh wlan show profile command. The Settings panel only works for networks you are currently connected to.

What if I see asterisks instead of the actual password?

Make sure you toggled the "Show" switch in Settings. If the toggle is grayed out or missing, your account does not have administrator rights. Log in as an administrator and try again.

Does Windows 10 store passwords in a way that is safe?

Windows encrypts stored passwords, but anyone with administrator access to your computer can retrieve them. If you share your computer with others, be aware that they can see your WiFi passwords if they log in as admin.

Can I retrieve a password if I have forgotten my Windows login?

No. You need to be logged into Windows as an administrator to access stored passwords. If you have forgotten your Windows password, you will need to reset it through your Microsoft account or contact your IT support.

What if the network name has special characters or spaces?

Put the network name in quotation marks in the Command Prompt command: netsh wlan show profile name="My Network Name" key=clear. Windows will then search for the exact name you typed.