How to Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Your Windows 10/11 PC

Forgot the Wi-Fi password for a network you’ve already connected to? No need to reset your router or beg your roommate for the code. Windows 10 and 11 make it easy to retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords right from your PC. Whether you’re sharing the password with a friend or setting up a new device, this step-by-step guide will help you find those elusive credentials in minutes.

Method 1: Using Network Settings

This is the quickest way to view a saved Wi-Fi password for a network you’re currently connected to or have connected to in the past.

1. Open Settings:

   • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, or click the Start menu and select the gear icon.

2. Navigate to Network & Internet:

   • In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

3. Go to Wi-Fi Settings:

   • Select Wi-Fi from the left sidebar, then click Manage known networks.

4. Select the Network:

   • You’ll see a list of Wi-Fi networks your PC has connected to. Click on the network you want to find the password for.

5. Access Network Properties:

   • Click Wireless Properties, then go to the Security tab.

6. Reveal the Password:

   • Check the box labeled Show characters next to the Network security key. The Wi-Fi password will appear in plain text.

Note: You may need administrator privileges to view the password. If prompted, ensure you’re logged into an admin account.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

If you prefer a geekier approach or need to retrieve passwords for multiple networks at once, the Command Prompt is your friend.

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter. Alternatively, search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu.

2. List Saved Wi-Fi Networks:

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     netsh wlan show profiles
     

   • This will display a list of all Wi-Fi networks your PC has saved.

3. Select a Network:

   • Find the network name (profile) you want the password for. Then, type this command, replacing NETWORK_NAME with the actual name:

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

4. Find the Password:

   • Scroll to the Security settings section in the output. The password will be listed next to Key Content.

Tip: To avoid typing errors, copy the network name directly from the list in Step 2.

Method 3: Using PowerShell (For Advanced Users)

PowerShell offers a similar command-line method with a bit more flexibility.

1. Open PowerShell:

   • Search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu and open it.

2. List Wi-Fi Profiles:

   • Run this command to see all saved Wi-Fi networks:

     netsh wlan show profiles
     

3. Retrieve the Password:

   • Use the same command as in the Command Prompt method:

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

   • Look for the Key Content field to find the password.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Password Not Showing? Ensure you have admin rights. Right-click Command Prompt or PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
• Network Not Listed? The PC may not have saved the network, or it was manually removed. You’ll need to reconnect to the network to retrieve the password.
• Still Stuck? If you can’t access the password, check your router’s admin panel (usually accessible via a browser at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) or reset the Wi-Fi password.

Why This Matters

Knowing how to find saved Wi-Fi passwords can save you time and hassle, especially when setting up new devices or troubleshooting connectivity issues. These methods work on both Windows 10 and 11, so you’re covered regardless of your OS version.

Stay Secure

While retrieving passwords is handy, be cautious about sharing them. Only reveal Wi-Fi passwords to trusted individuals, and consider changing your password periodically to keep your network secure.

Now you’re equipped to track down any saved Wi-Fi password on your Windows PC. Try these steps, and you’ll be back online in no time!