How to view your Wi-Fi password on a Windows 10 computer: all the working methods

Have you forgotten your Wi-Fi password, and the sticker with the password on your router has long since worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device, but are too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? On a computer running Windows 10 All previously connected networks are saved in the system, and their passwords can be retrieved without special programs. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methodsHow to find your network security key even if you're not a PC administrator.

Important: The methods only work for those networks to which the computer is connected. already connectedIf you've never logged into this network from this device, you'll need to reset the router or use alternative methods (such as a phone). Also, remember that extracting passwords from someone else's computer without the owner's permission may violate data privacy legislation.

1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method does not require administrator rights and works on all versions. Windows 10 (including 22H2). Suitable if you want to know the password from current network, to which the computer is connected.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock) and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
• 📋 In the window that opens, go to the section Wi-Fi → Managing known networks.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and click on it. Then click Properties.
• 🔑 Scroll down to the item Network password and press Show symbols below the field. The system may ask for confirmation via UAC (User Account Control).

Check your account permissions|Restart your computer|Try another method from this article|Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers-->

If the button Show symbols If it doesn't click, it means your account doesn't have sufficient rights. In this case, try command line method (section 3) or request the password from your network administrator.

⚠️ Note: In some corporate networks (such as those in offices or universities), passwords may be encrypted with certificates. In this case, extracting them using standard Windows tools will not work.

2. Using the Network and Sharing Center (alternative graphical method)

This method is suitable for Windows 10 and older versions (Windows 7/8). Here you can view the password not only for the active network, but also for previously connected ones.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Press the key combination Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press EnterA window will open. Network Connections**.
2. Find a connection Wi-Fi (or Wireless network), right-click on it and select State.
3. In the new window, click Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security.
4. Check the box next to Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

If the tab Security missing or fields are inactive, this means that:

• 🔌 Connection configured via WPS (button on the router), not via password.
• 🛡️ The network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in universities).
• 👤 Your account does not have administrator rights.

3. Extracting the password via the command line (for advanced users)

Method using command line (CMD) is universal and works even if the Windows graphical interface is damaged. It also allows Export all saved Wi-Fi passwords to a text file in one command.

How to find out the password:

1. Launch CMD as administrator: click Win + X and select Command Prompt (Administrator).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   In the list, find the name of the desired network (for example, TP-Link_1234).

3. Display the password for a specific network:

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

   Replace TP-Link_1234 to the name of your network.

4. Find the line Key content - this is the password.

To save all passwords to a file wifi_passwords.txt on your desktop, run:

for /f "skip=9 tokens=1,2 delims=:" %i in ('netsh wlan show profiles') do @echo %j | findstr -v -i "BSSID" && netsh wlan show profile name="%j" key=clear | findstr "Key contents" >> "%userprofile%\Desktop\wifi_passwords.txt"

⚠️ Warning: The password file should not fall into the hands of third parties. After use, delete it after Safe removal (for example, using CCleaner).

4. View passwords in Windows Credential Manager

Few people know, but Windows 10 stores some network passwords in Credential Manager** — built-in manager of saved logins and keys. This method is suitable if the network was configured via WPS or other non-standard protocols.

How to find:

• 🔎 Open Control Panel (type in search control).
• 📁 Go to User accounts → Credential Manager.
• 🌐 Find the section Windows credentials and scroll through the list. Look for entries with the name of your Wi-Fi network.
• 🔑 Click on the entry and press Show next to the password field. The system will ask for confirmation in UAC.

Please note: not all Wi-Fi passwords are saved here. If your network isn't listed, try the other methods in this article.

Why are some networks not showing up in Credential Manager?

It depends on the authentication method. Networks with WPA2-Enterprise (For example, in universities or offices) use certificates rather than passwords, so they aren't saved in the default format. Also, some Wi-Fi adapter drivers may block keys from being saved in the manager.

5. Third-party programs for extracting passwords (if standard methods do not work)

If none of the above methods work, you can use specialized utilities. They not only reveal passwords, but also allow you to export them to a file or copy to clipboard.

Top 3 proven programs:

Warning: Download programs only from official websites of developersMany "cracked" versions of password extraction utilities contain viruses or spyware.

⚠️ Attention: Antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block such programs from launching because they access system files. If you're sure of the utility's source, add it to your antivirus exceptions.

6. How to find out the Wi-Fi password without administrator rights

If your Windows account doesn't have administrator rights, most of the methods in this article will be blocked. However, there are workarounds:

• 📱 Use another gadget, which is already connected to this network (phone, tablet). Android The password can be viewed through Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share (device PIN required).
• 🖥️ Boot up with LiveCD Linux (For example, Ubuntu). In the temporary OS, you can access Windows files where passwords are stored (path: /Windows/System32/config/SOFTWARE).
• 🔧 Reset your router password using the button Reset (Hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the network name and password will return to the factory settings (indicated on the router sticker).

Important: Resetting the router will disconnect it from the network. all devices, including smart light bulbs, cameras and other gadgets IoTAfter the reset, they will have to be configured again.

Bonus: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi from Hacking

Now that you know how to easily extract Wi-Fi passwords, it's time to think about the security of your network. Here 5 rulesthat will make life difficult for hackers:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if your router supports it). In your router settings, select WPA3-Personal or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode.
• 🔑 Create a password that is long at least 12 characters with numbers, letters, and special characters. Example: Kot_Pes!2026@Moskva.
• 📵 Turn off WPS in the router settings - this protocol is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 👤 Create guest network for friends - it is isolated from the main one and does not provide access to local devices (printers, NAS).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3-6 months). Outdated versions of software contain vulnerabilities.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 10

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the computer has never connected to?

No. Windows only stores keys for networks to which this computer has connected at least once. For other networks, you will have to use specialized interceptor programs (for example, Aircrack-ng), but this is illegal without the consent of the network owner.

Why is there no "Show Characters" button in Windows Settings?

This happens in three cases:

1. Your account does not have administrator rights.
2. The network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities).
3. The Wi-Fi adapter driver does not support standard password extraction methods (rare, but it happens on older laptops).

Solution: Try the command line method (section 3) or third-party utilities (section 5).

How to view Wi-Fi password on Windows 11?

IN Windows 11 the process is almost identical:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on Managing known networks.
3. Select a network → View network properties.
4. Scroll to Network password and press Show.

The only difference is in the interface design – the functionality is the same.

Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password after reinstalling Windows?

No. When you reinstall the system, all saved networks and passwords are deleted. The only options are:

• View the password on another device that is connected to this network.
• Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).
• If the router supports backup of settings, restore the configuration from a file (usually has the extension .cfg).

How do I hide my Wi-Fi password from other users of my computer?

If other people have access to your PC, protect your passwords as follows:

1. Create a separate account with limited rights (not administrator).
2. Encrypt your system drive using BitLocker (available in Windows 10 Pro).
3. Use Enterprise mode Wi-Fi with certificate authentication (configured on the router).
4. Remove unnecessary networks from the list of saved ones: Settings → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.