View Your Saved WiFi Password Through Network Settings

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

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet, then click WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. You will see a list of every WiFi network your computer has ever connected to — find the one you need and click it.

Click Forget, then go back and reconnect to that same network. When you reconnect, Windows will prompt you to enter the password again. Type it in carefully and check the box that says Connect automatically. This method works because you are forcing Windows to show you the password entry screen, but it requires you to know the password already — so this route only helps if you are testing whether you remember it correctly.

Retrieve Your Password From Network Properties (The Working Method)

The method that actually shows you a password you have forgotten uses the Network Connections panel. Right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray (bottom right corner of your screen) and select Open Network & Internet settings. Click WiFi, then scroll down and click Manage known networks again.

Find your network name in the list and click it. Click Properties. Scroll down to the Security type section. You will see a field labeled Security key — this is your password, but it is hidden by dots. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual password in plain text.

Write down the password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers. If there is no eye icon, your account does not have permission to view saved passwords on this computer — you will need administrator access or to contact whoever set up the computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is stored in Windows 10 under Network & Internet settings, accessible through the Manage known networks menu.
  • Click the eye icon next to the Security key field to reveal your password in plain text instead of hidden dots.
  • You must have administrator rights on your computer to view saved passwords — standard user accounts cannot access this information.
  • If you cannot see the eye icon or the password field is grayed out, you do not have permission to view passwords on this computer.
  • The password shown here is exactly what you type into other devices to connect to the same WiFi network.

Use Command Prompt if Settings Does Not Show the Password

If the eye icon does not appear or the password field is blank, Windows Command Prompt can retrieve the password using a text command. This method works even when the Settings app does not show the password, though it requires typing rather than clicking.

Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). If you see a security prompt asking for permission, click Yes. Type this command exactly as written: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network (the one that appears on your phone or laptop when you search for networks).

Press Enter. Look for the line that says Key Content — the text after it is your password. Copy it carefully, including any capital letters, numbers, or special characters. Close the Command Prompt window when you are done.

What to Do if Your Password Does Not Appear Anywhere

If neither Settings nor Command Prompt shows a password, your computer may not have saved it — this happens when you connected to the network using a different method, such as a QR code or a temporary guest access. It also happens if someone else set up the connection and your account was added later without storing the password.

In this case, you will need to get the password from whoever manages the router. This is usually the person who set up your internet service, the building manager if you live in an apartment, or the business owner if you are at a workplace. They can log into the router itself and view or reset the password from there.

If you own the router, you can reset it to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, then set up a new password. This will disconnect everyone currently using the network, so only do this if you control the router and can tell other users the new password afterward.

Troubleshooting When the Eye Icon Does Not Work

The eye icon sometimes appears grayed out or does not respond when clicked. This usually means your user account does not have administrator permissions on the computer. Ask whoever manages the computer to log in with their administrator account and follow the same steps — they will be able to see the password.

If you are the only person who uses the computer but still cannot see the password, your account may have been set up as a standard user instead of an administrator. Right-click the Start menu, select Settings, go to Accounts, and check under Your info. If it says "Standard user", you will need to create an administrator account or ask someone with administrator access to help you change your account type.

Why Windows Hides Your Password and How to Protect It

Windows hides your WiFi password by default because anyone with physical access to your computer can view it. If you share your computer with others or use it in public, this protection keeps your password from being visible over your shoulder. The password is stored in encrypted form on your hard drive, but Windows decrypts it when you ask to see it.

If you are the only person using your computer and you want to make it easier to find your password later, write it down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook, a password manager, or a find note on your phone. Do not leave it written on a sticky note next to your router where anyone can see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it and have not connected to this network before?

No. Windows only stores passwords for networks you have already connected to. If you have never connected to a network, Windows has no record of its password. You will need to contact the router owner or reset the router to factory settings.

Will viewing my password in Windows change it or affect my WiFi?

No. Viewing your password in Settings or Command Prompt only reads the stored information — it does not change anything. Your WiFi will continue working exactly as before, and no other devices will be affected.

What if I see multiple networks with similar names in the Manage known networks list?

Click each one and check the Security key field to find the right one. The network name shown in Settings is exactly what appears when you search for WiFi on your phone or laptop. If you are unsure which is your network, check the sticker on your router — it usually lists the network name and password.

Can I see passwords for networks I have connected to on other computers?

No. Each computer stores its own copy of passwords for networks it has connected to. A password saved on your laptop will not appear on your desktop computer unless you have also connected the desktop to that network.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password after I see it?

Yes, sharing your password with people you trust is safe. They will be able to connect to your network, but they cannot see the password stored on your computer or access your files unless you have shared them separately. If you want to remove someone's access later, you can change the password in your router settings, which will disconnect them.