How to find WiFi password on Windows 10

Understanding how to find a WiFi password on Windows 10 is useful in a handful of situations, as most of us tend to forget it over time.

Our Windows computers log in to a lot of different WiFi networks, especially if we’re talking laptops.

Whether you use a laptop or a desktop computer, chances are you access the internet using Wi-Fi.

This type of connection saves you from using inconvenient cables and gives you the freedom to move around while working with your device, being especially useful if it is a laptop.

As time goes by, it becomes difficult to remember passwords for all the Wi-Fi networks you have connected to.

It’s not uncommon to forget your saved password as you only need to enter it once on your PC, and it will automatically save it and connect to it when the WiFi network is available.

But, what if you need your forgotten WiFi password for some reason, and you don’t have it written down?

How to find WiFi password on Windows 10
Wrap Up

How to find WiFi password on Windows 10

If you are not remembering your Wi-Fi password and need it for some reason – for instance, to give it to someone or to use it to connect another device – you have some ways to retrieve it in Windows 10.

In this article, we’ll show you how to find your saved WiFi password on a Windows 10 PC.

Each method we’ll point out is useful depending on your preference and experience with computers.

Using Windows Control Panel

Launch Control Panel by pressing the Windows key and then typing “Control Panel“;
Then, go to “Network and Internet”;
On the left side of the window, select “Change adapter settings”;
Next, double click on your Wi-Fi connection;
Then, click on the “Wireless Properties” button to proceed;
Select the “Security” tab at the top of the Window and tick the box that says “Show characters” under “Network security key”;
Now, your current wireless password will be shown in the “Network security key” box.

Note: By using this method, you can only check the password of the currently connected WiFi network.

Using Windows Command Prompt

Running some commands in the Command Line will let you check the passwords for all the saved networks.

Press the Windows key and type “Command Prompt” or simultaneously press the Windows Key + X + C. Make sure you have admin access;
Type the following command to view a list of all Wi-Fi profiles saved on your Windows computer and press Enter:

“netsh wlan show profiles”

Now, to reveal the password for a particular network on the list, type the following command, replace the “DesiredProfileName” text with the wanted network name, and press Enter:

“netsh wlan show profile name=”DesiredProfileName” key=clear”

The current WiFi password will be displayed under the “Key Content” field.
If you want a simpler approach and you’re only willing to see the password without all other details shown by the previous command, then you should run the following command instead, replacing the “DesiredProfileName” text with the wanted network name:

“netsh wlan show profile name=”DesiredProfileName” key=clear | find /I “Key Content””

Note: You can also use the above-mentioned commands in the Windows Power Shell. It is another method to achieve the same result. To open the Power Shell press the Windows key and type “power shell“.

Using the Windows Settings app

Go to the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key;
Click on the Settings icon;
Once in the Settings menu, select “Network & Internet”;
In the “Status” section on the left of the screen, scroll down and select “Network and Sharing Center”;
Under the “View your basic network information” section, click on your wireless network name;
Then, click on the “Wireless Properties” button to proceed;
Select the “Security” tab at the top of the Window and tick the box that says “Show characters” under “Network security key”;
Now, your current WiFi network password will be shown in the “Network security key” box.

Using a third-party WiFi password revealer

Using third-party apps is a convenient way to go if you regularly need to check passwords for your Wi-Fi networks. There are several great applications specifically designed for this purpose.

Also, these apps usually let you perform more advanced tasks like importing or exporting Wi-Fi passwords from or to other computers.

WirelessKeyView is one of the best-rated programs that you can use to check Wi-Fi passwords. It is very easy to use and completely free. It will list all the details of the wireless networks your PC has connected to over the years.

This app will help you retrieve your wireless network security passwords (either WEP or WPA) stored in your Windows 10 computer.

Checking the back of your wireless router

If you didn’t change the default Wi-Fi network password since the first install, then it is probable that you are still using the factory security key.

The default password is commonly written on a sticker under the router along with other details. It is usually an 8-digit password.

Resetting the router

Performing a reset to your WiFi router will bring all its configurations to default values.

To do it, search for a reset switch, usually a small button that you’ll have to press and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

In some routers, it is located inside a hole and you have to use a paper clip or other thin tool to press it.

Which hardware device connects your network to the internet

Wrap Up

There are a handful of reasons why you may want to retrieve some wireless network passwords.

From connecting a new device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone, to just giving some visiting friend access to your network in order to save mobile data.

The bigger issue is most of us frequently tend to forget the access key and that is why this article can be a lifesaver.

The first method will be more than enough for most to view the saved Wi-Fi password, although we pointed out several others you can try out to get your password back without effort.

We hope one (or more) has been helpful to solve your situation.

Check out some of our other awesome articles:

Table of Contents

How to find WiFi password on Windows 10

Using Windows Control Panel

Using Windows Command Prompt

Using the Windows Settings app

Using a third-party WiFi password revealer

Checking the back of your wireless router

Resetting the router

Wrap Up