The fastest way: Settings menu

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi on the left side. Click Manage known networks, find your network name in the list, and click it. Select Forget, then go back and reconnect to that network — Windows will prompt you to enter the password, which you can then look up using the method below.

If you want to see the password without forgetting and reconnecting, this method won't work. You'll need to use the Command Prompt or Settings approach instead. The Settings method only shows you the password if you're currently connected to that network and use the next steps.

Key Takeaways

  • The Command Prompt method works on any network you've ever connected to on this computer, whether you're currently connected or not.
  • You need to open Command Prompt as administrator — right-click the Command Prompt app and select "Run as administrator".
  • The exact command is netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing YourNetworkName with your actual network name.
  • The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results — it will be in plain text, so anyone at your computer can see it.

Using Command Prompt to see the password

Right-click the Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator. You must run it as administrator or the command will not work. Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, but replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network (the name you see when you look for available networks).

Press Enter. Scroll down through the results until you see a section called Security settings. Under that section, look for Key Content — the password is listed right there in plain text. If you see "Key Content : Absent" instead, it means the network was set up without a password.

If you don't know your network name, type netsh wlan show profiles first. This shows every network your computer has ever connected to. Find the one you want, then use that name in the command above.

Finding the password through WiFi settings

If you're currently connected to the network, you can also see the password through the WiFi icon. Click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, find your network name, and right-click it. Select Properties. Scroll down to the Security type section and check the box next to Show character — the password will appear in the "Security key" field.

This method only works if you're actively connected to that network right now. If you've disconnected or moved to a different location, use the Command Prompt method instead.

What to do if the password doesn't appear

If you run the Command Prompt and see "Key Content : Absent", the network has no password — anyone can connect to it. This is common in public places like coffee shops or libraries.

If the network name doesn't show up in your list of profiles at all, your computer has never connected to it before. You'll need to get the password from whoever set up the network or from the router itself. Check the router's label on the bottom or back — many routers have the default password printed there.

Why you might not remember your own password

Most people set up their home WiFi once and never type the password again — your phone, laptop, and other devices remember it automatically. That's why the password feels lost even though it's stored on your computer the whole time. Windows keeps a record of every network you've connected to and the password for each one, but it doesn't show you that information unless you ask for it using one of these methods.

If you want to change your password so you don't have to dig it up later, log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) and look for WiFi settings or security settings. The router's label will have the admin username and password if you haven't changed them.

Security note: who can see this password

Anyone who sits down at your Windows 10 computer and opens Command Prompt as administrator can see your WiFi password in plain text. This matters if you share your computer with roommates, family members, or coworkers. If you want to prevent someone from seeing it, you can set up a Windows password on your user account so they can't access your computer without permission.

The password itself is only as find as your router's settings. If you use a weak password like "password123" or "12345678", someone nearby could guess it and connect to your network even if they never touch your computer. Change it to something longer and less predictable if you haven't done so recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. As long as your computer connected to that network at least once, the password is stored. Use the Command Prompt method with the network name, and it will show the password even if you're not currently connected or if you've moved to a different location.

What if I get an error message when I run the command?

The most common reason is that you didn't open Command Prompt as administrator. Close it, right-click the Command Prompt app, and select "Run as administrator" before trying again. Also check that you typed the network name exactly as it appears — network names are case-sensitive in this command.

Does this work on a work or school network?

It works technically, but you shouldn't use it. Work and school networks are often managed by IT departments, and viewing or sharing the password may violate your organization's policies. Ask your IT support team if you need the password for a legitimate reason.

Can I see passwords for networks set up by other people on my computer?

Only if you're logged into a Windows account with administrator rights. If you're a standard user, you won't be able to run Command Prompt as administrator, and the password won't display. Ask the computer's administrator to run the command for you.