Getting the WiFi password on your Windows 10 PC can be a bit of a hassle, especially if it’s been a while or you’re just trying to reconnect a device without resetting. Often, people find themselves locked out because they forget they’ve previously connected, or maybe they just want to quickly share their network without going through the whole reset process. It’s kind of weird, but Windows actually stores those passwords, and with some digging, you can uncover them without much fuss — if you know where to look. Just a heads-up: you’ll need some admin privileges for most of these steps, and this only works if you’ve connected to the network before. Otherwise, you’re out of luck unless you reset the router or ask the owner.
How to Get WiFi Password from Windows 10
Open Settings and Find Your Network
First off, click on the Start menu and select Settings. Or just hit Windows + I if you’re lazy like me. Then, go to Network & Internet. If the Settings window is weird and doesn’t show everything, make sure your Windows is updated — because of course, Windows has to make this harder than necessary.
From there, click on Status on the left sidebar, then scroll down and open the Network and Sharing Center. That’s the classic control panel part that’s still hanging around in Windows 10. Sometimes, it takes a few clicks to get there, but it’s worth it.
This is where the magic usually happens — but beware, it involves some deeper digging.
- Once in the Network and Sharing Center, find your WiFi network name, right-click on it, and select Status.(If right-click doesn’t work, just click on the network name itself.)
- Then, click on Wireless Properties.
- Switch to the Security tab. Here’s the part that’s kind of hidden — check the box that says Show characters. This reveals the password in plain text, which is pretty handy, and no, it’s not always obvious where the checkbox is because Windows sometimes updates where things are.
On one setup, this worked on the first try; on another, I had to restart the network adapter or log out and back in first. Weird stuff, but it usually works.
Alternative Method: Using Command Prompt (for the tech-savvy)
If the GUI method is giving you trouble or you want a quick shortcut, open Command Prompt as an administrator (Windows + X then choose Command Prompt (Admin)) and type:
netsh wlan show profilesThis lists all the WiFi networks your PC has stored. Pick the name of your network, then type:
netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clearReplace NetworkName with the actual network SSID. Look for Key Content — that’s the password. Not sure why it works, but sometimes the command doesn’t show the password right away without some tweaks, so don’t panic if it’s a little confusing at first.
What to expect and common hiccups
Most of the time, this method will display the password in plain text. On some machines, if you don’t have admin rights, or if Windows is weirdly configured, it won’t show anything. Also, if your network isn’t saved on this PC, these steps won’t help. In that case, your best bet might just be asking the network admin or router owner. To see all the saved networks, you’ll need admin access, so keep that in mind.
Tips for Getting the WiFi Password from Windows 10
- Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator, or these options won’t be visible.
- This only works if the PC has previously connected to that WiFi network and stored the password.
- Keep your passwords safe, maybe paste them into a password manager for quick access next time.
- If things seem frozen or options aren’t showing up, consider restarting your PC or resetting the network adapter via Device Manager.
- And if your network password changes frequently, update the stored info as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the WiFi password without being connected to the network?
Nope, you need to be connected at some point to see the saved password — or have it stored on the device already.
Is there a way to see passwords for networks I’ve connected to in the past but no longer have saved?
Usually, only the ones stored in Windows are accessible. For networks not saved, you’d have to check with the network admin or router.
What if I don’t see the ‘Show characters’ checkbox?
This is likely because you’re not logged in as an administrator. Try switching accounts or asking someone with admin rights to do it.
Can I view saved WiFi passwords on mobile devices?
This guide is for Windows 10. On mobiles, it depends on the OS. Android and iOS have different ways — sometimes you need root access or a special app.
Summary
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center
- Click your WiFi network, then go to Wireless Properties
- Under the Security tab, check ‘Show characters’ to see your password
- Or use Command Prompt with `netsh` commands for a quicker way
Wrap-up
Getting your WiFi password from Windows 10 isn’t crazy complicated, but it does require a bit of digging around in settings or the command line. It’s definitely handy to know, especially if you’ve lost it or need to share with someone else quickly. Just remember: admin rights and prior connection are usually prerequisites, so if you’re clueless, ask around or check your router’s paperwork. Hopefully, this saves someone a good chunk of time—worked for me, fingers crossed it helps you too.