Finding your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 isn’t as complicated as it sounds—unless you’re not super familiar with the settings. For many, it’s a quick peek in the network properties, but because Windows can be a bit sneaky about hiding things, it’s easy to get stuck. If you’re trying to connect a new device, gift the password to a friend, or just need to double-check what you’ve set up long ago, knowing where to look can save a lot of hassle.
How to Find My Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10
Open the Control Panel
Start by heading to Control Panel from the start menu. Sometimes Windows hides it in tricky spots, so if you don’t see it right away, just type “Control Panel” into the search bar. Once inside, it’s sort of cluttered but you’ll find what you need if you look around the Network and Internet section. On some setups, clicking Network and Sharing Center is the first step to get into the Wi-Fi details.
Go to Network and Sharing Center
This is where Windows groups all network-related stuff. You can reach it directly by typing “Network and Sharing Center” into the start menu search either in the Control Panel or in Windows itself. Or, on some icons, it might be nested in the network icon in the taskbar (click that, then choose Network & Internet settings > Network and Sharing Center).Find your current Wi-Fi connection listed there and click on it — this opens the detailed connection info.
Click on Your Wi-Fi Network Name
In the Network and Sharing Center, your active Wi-Fi network should be highlighted or listed. Click on that blue link. It’ll pop up a status window. Look for the Wireless Properties button — most of the time it’s at the bottom or upper part of that section — and click it. Not sure why, but this step helps Windows show more info about your network.
Access Wireless Properties
In the new window that pops up, switch to the Security tab. Here’s where Windows keeps the password hidden under the Network Security Key field. The trick here is to check the box that says Show characters—because of course, Windows loves to hide your password with dots or asterisks. Checking it reveals the password in plain text. If your network is encrypted, you’ll see your password right there, ready to be copied or noted down for future use.
Why it helps and when it applies
This method is perfect if you’ve connected to the Wi-Fi on this PC before but forgot what the password is. It works in most Windows 10 setups, but you need admin rights to see the password because Windows considers this sensitive info. If you’re not an admin, this won’t work unless someone else with proper rights pulls it up for you.
When that doesn’t work
If this process isn’t revealing the password, maybe you’re not logged in as an administrator or your permission settings are tightened. On some machines, this method might not show the password if certain policies are enforced. In that case, your best bet is logging in as the admin or resetting your router to factory defaults (not ideal, but it does the trick sometimes).Also, if you’ve never saved the network profile, Windows won’t have the password stored locally so this method won’t retrieve it.
Tips for finding your Wi-Fi password easily
- Make sure you’re actually connected to the network you want the password for—checking your Wi-Fi icon confirms that.
- If you use a password manager or your router, sometimes it’s easier to check there instead of digging through Windows.
- Changing or updating your Wi-Fi password regularly helps keep your network secure, but make sure to keep track of it!
- If you can’t see the network listed, double-check your connection or try reconnecting—it might not be in range or saved on this PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the Wi-Fi password if I’m not an admin?
Usually, you need admin rights to view the saved password. Windows keeps that info protected for security. Unless someone with admin access pulls it up, you’re probably out of luck.
What if my network isn’t listed?
If your network isn’t showing in the list, try reconnecting or resetting the network profile. Also, ensure you’re on the right device that previously connected—Wi-Fi passwords aren’t stored universally across all your devices.
Can I retrieve passwords of networks I’ve never connected to?
Nope, Windows only stores passwords for networks you’ve previously connected to and saved. Forgetting a password means an extra login or reset.
Does this work on older versions of Windows?
This general process is similar on Windows 8 and 7, but menu paths and names might be a touch different. Still, if you get into the network properties and find the security tab, it’s pretty much the same idea.
What if I forgot my password and can’t connect anymore?
Switching back to your router’s admin panel is usually the easiest fix—most routers have a label with default credentials or a web interface accessible via a browser (like http://192.168.1.1).Or, contact your ISP if the password’s completely lost or unknown.
Summary
- Open Control Panel and head to Network & Internet.
- Access Network and Sharing Center.
- Click your Wi-Fi name.
- Go into Wireless Properties > Security tab.
- Check Show characters to reveal your password.
Wrap-up
Getting your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 can be quick once you know where to look. It’s one of those things that seems complicated at first, but honestly, it’s just digging through some menus. You never know when you might need to reconnect a device or help out a friend, and having that password handy makes life a lot easier. Just keep in mind that this only works if you’ve previously connected and saved the network—otherwise, a router reset or asking your ISP might be the only options left. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone.