Where Windows Stores Your WiFi Password

Windows 10 keeps your WiFi password in a protected file on your computer, and you can view it without resetting anything — you just need to know where to look. The password is stored in your network settings under a name Windows calls your "wireless profile." Once you open that profile, Windows will show you the password in plain text.

This works only if your computer has already connected to that WiFi network before. If you are trying to find a password for a network your computer has never joined, this method will not work — you would need to reset the password at the router itself instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 stores WiFi passwords in your network settings, and you can view them through the Settings app or Command Prompt without any special tools.
  • You must have already connected to that WiFi network on this computer before you can retrieve the password from it.
  • The Settings app method is simpler but only works if you remember the network name; Command Prompt works even if you have forgotten it.
  • You need administrator rights on your Windows account to view saved passwords.

Retrieving Your Password Through Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar, then click "WiFi" in the menu that appears.

Scroll down and look for "Manage known networks." Click that option. You will see a list of every WiFi network your computer has ever connected to. Find the network name (called the SSID) that matches your router, and click it.

A small window will pop up. Click "Forget" if you want to remove this network from your computer's memory, or click "Properties" if you want to see the password. When you click Properties, a new window opens. Scroll down until you see "Security type" and "Security key." The security key is your WiFi password — it will be hidden by dots at first.

To reveal the password, check the box next to "Show" under the security key field. Windows will ask you to confirm you are the account owner. Click "Yes," and your password will appear in plain text.

Using Command Prompt to Find Your Password

This method works even if you cannot remember the network name, and it shows you all your saved passwords at once. Right-click the Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)." If Windows asks for permission, click "Yes."

In the black Command Prompt window, type this exactly (copy and paste works):

netsh wlan show profile

Press Enter. Windows will list every WiFi network your computer has connected to. Find your network name in that list.

Now type this command, but replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your network (keep the quotation marks):

netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear

Press Enter. Windows will display detailed information about that network. Look for the line that says "Key Content" — that is your WiFi password in plain text.

What to Do If You Cannot See the Password

If the password field is blank or shows nothing, your computer may not have saved the password when it connected. This sometimes happens if you typed the password wrong the first time, or if the network uses a special login page instead of a standard password.

Try connecting to the network again. When Windows asks for the password, type it carefully and check the "Show password" box as you type so you can see what you are entering. Once you connect successfully, the password will be saved and you can retrieve it using either method above.

If you are still seeing a blank field after reconnecting, the password may be stored in a way Windows cannot display. In that case, you will need to reset the password at your router instead. Check your router's manual or the sticker on the back of the device for instructions on how to access the router's settings page.

Why Windows Hides Passwords by Default

Windows hides your WiFi password to protect you if someone else uses your computer. If a stranger sat down at your desk, they would not be able to see your password just by opening Settings — they would have to know to look in that specific place and check the "Show" box.

This is why you need administrator rights to view the password. If your account does not have administrator rights, ask the person who set up your computer to show you the password, or to change your account type to administrator.

Retrieving Passwords for Networks You No Longer Use

Windows keeps passwords for networks even after you stop using them. If you connected to a guest network at a coffee shop six months ago, that password is still stored on your computer. You can view it the same way you would view your home network password.

If you want to clean up your list of saved networks, go back to "Manage known networks" in Settings and click "Forget" next to any network you no longer need. This removes the password from your computer and prevents Windows from automatically connecting to that network in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows only stores passwords for networks your computer has actually joined. If you want the password for a network you have never used, you will need to reset it at the router or contact the network owner.

What if I forgot my Windows password and cannot log in?

You cannot retrieve your WiFi password without logging into Windows first. If you are locked out of your account, you will need to reset your Windows password through the login screen or contact your system administrator.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Yes. Writing it down and storing it somewhere find is a good idea. You can also change your password at the router if you think someone else has seen it, or if you want to use a stronger password.

Will retrieving my password change it or affect my WiFi?

No. Viewing your password through Settings or Command Prompt does not change anything. Your WiFi will keep working exactly as it did before.

Can I retrieve passwords from a different user account on the same computer?

No. Each Windows user account has its own set of saved networks and passwords. You can only view passwords that were saved under your own account.