How to view the Wi-Fi password on a Windows 10 laptop: all the methods

Forgot your home or office Wi-Fi password, but your laptop is connected to the network? Windows 10 There are several ways to extract a saved security key, from standard system tools to third-party utilities. The main advantage: you don't need access to the router or administrator rights (in most cases).

In this article we will analyze 5 proven methods, including work through Command line, Windows Settings, Network and Sharing Center, as well as specialized programs like WirelessKeyViewEach method is illustrated with screenshots and provided with step-by-step instructions. Even if you're a beginner, follow the guide, and in 2-3 minutes you'll have the password you need.

⚠️ Important: The extracted password is only valid for the current network. If the router has been rebooted or the security key has been changed, the old data on the laptop will become invalid. In this case, you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi or reset the router.

1. How to find your Wi-Fi password using Windows Settings (without the command line)

The easiest way is to use the built-in menu Network parametersIt doesn't require any knowledge of commands and is suitable for users without technical skills. The only requirement is that the laptop must be currently connected to the target Wi-Fi network.

Instructions:

• 📋 Open the menu Start → select Parameters (gear icon) → go to the section Network and Internet.
• 🌐 In the left column, click on Wi-Fi → in the right part of the window, find the block Related parameters and press Additional network settings.
• 🔗 It will open Network and Sharing CenterHere, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (link next to Connections).
• 🔑 In the new window, click the button Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security → check the box Show entered characters. The password will be displayed in the field. Network security key.

If the button Wireless network properties If the password is inactive or missing, your account doesn't have permission to view passwords. In this case, use the methods in the following sections.

The "Network and Internet" section is open|The laptop is connected to the target Wi-Fi network|The account has administrator rights (if the checkbox is inactive)|The "Security Key" field is not empty-->

2. Viewing the password via the Command Prompt (universal method)

This method works even if the laptop not connected to Wi-Fi right now, but previously saved network data. We use the built-in utility netsh, which manages network settings.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Launch Command line as administrator:
   • 🔍 Click Win + S, enter cmd.
   • 🖱️ Right click on Command line → select Run as administrator.

netsh wlan show profiles

netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_1234" key=clear

If an empty field is displayed instead of a password, it means:

• 🚫 Network saved without password (guest or open).
• 🔄 The password was changed on the router after the last connection.
• 🛡️ Your account does not have permission to view (solved by running cmd from the administrator).

3. Using the Network and Sharing Center (alternative method)

This method duplicates the first one, but is suitable for users who cannot open Windows Settings (for example, in corporate OS versions). Here we use the classic control panel.

Algorithm of actions:

• 🖥️ Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press EnterA list of network connections will open.
• 📡 Find your active wireless connection (usually with the name of your Wi-Fi network), right-click on it → State.
• 🔍 In the new window, click Wireless network properties → tab Security → check the box Show entered characters.

If the window Wireless network properties does not open:

⚠️ Attention: In some builds Windows 10 (For example, LTSC (or corporate) access to this menu may be restricted by security policies. In this case, use Command line (section 2) or third-party utilities (section 5).

4. Viewing the password using Registry Editor (for advanced users)

All saved Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the registry. Windows in encrypted form. They can be extracted manually, but the process requires care—incorrect actions can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

1. 🔧 Click Win + R, enter regedit and confirm the launch.
2. 🗺️ Follow the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\{GUID}\

   Instead of {GUID} There will be random characters - these are network interface identifiers.

3. 🔍 In each folder {GUID} look for the parameter Profile. Double-click on it - in the field Meaning There will be an encrypted string with network data, including the password.
4. 🔑 To decrypt the password, copy the value Profile and use an online decoder (for example, Base64) or utility WirelessKeyView (section 5).

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry may cause problems WindowsDo not change any other parameters or delete any keys! If you are unsure of what you are doing, use more secure methods (sections 1–3).

Via Windows Settings|Via Command Prompt|Via Network and Sharing Center|Using third-party programs-->

5. Third-party programs for extracting Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods fail, specialized utilities can help. They automatically scan the system and display all saved passwords in a convenient format. Let's look at two popular programs:

How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. 📥 Download the program from the official website NirSoft (ZIP archive).
2. 📂 Unzip and run the file WirelessKeyView.exe (administrator rights are not required).
3. 🔍 The program will automatically display all saved networks. The password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
4. 💾 To save the list, click File → Save All Items.

⚠️ Attention: Antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) can block WirelessKeyView, considering it potentially dangerous. This is a false positive—the program does not contain viruses. Add it to your antivirus exclusions or temporarily disable protection.

6. What should I do if my password is not displayed?

Sometimes, even after following all the instructions, the password remains hidden. Let's look at some common causes and solutions:

• 🔒 No administrator rights: Launch Command line or run the program as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
• 🔄 The password has been changed on the router: If the security key has been changed since the last connection, the laptop retains the old version. Reconnect to the network or reset the password on the router (button Reset).
• 📡 Guest network (without password): Some public Wi-Fi (like in cafes) don't require a password. In this case, the field Security key will be empty.
• 🛠️ Corrupted system files: If none of the methods work, check the system integrity with the command:

  sfc /scannow

If the problem persists, try connecting to the router via cable (Ethernet) and go to its web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The login and password for entering are indicated on the sticker on the router.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make your decision easier, we have compiled a comparison table:

If you need to quickly retrieve a password and your laptop is connected to a network, use Windows Settings (Section 1). To retrieve passwords for all saved networks without connecting, use Command Prompt (Section 2) or WirelessKeyView (section 5).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 10

netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="C:\WiFi_Passwords\"