How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10: all methods with pictures

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't remember the combination? Windows 10 has at least 5 Ways to Retrieve a Saved Password — from standard system tools to third-party utilities. The main advantage: you don't need to reset your router or call your ISP.

In this article we will analyze all current methods — from viewing through Windows Settings to using netsh in the command line. Each method has been tested on the latest builds. Windows 10 22H2 and works even without administrator rights (with one exception). We'll also find out why passwords are sometimes displayed as asterisks and how to crack them.

⚠️ Important: All methods only work for networks that your computer is connected to. I've already connected beforeIf you've never logged into this network from this PC, you won't be able to retrieve the password—it simply isn't in the system.

Method 1: View your password through Windows Settings (without commands)

The easiest method is to use the built-in network management menu. This is suitable for users who don't want to fiddle with the command line or third-party programs.

Instructions:

1. Open Windows Settings (keyboard shortcut Win + I).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Status → Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the window that opens, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (to the right of the item Connections).
4. In the new window, click the button Wireless network properties, then go to the tab Security.
5. Check the box next to Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

✅ Advantages of the method: does not require administrator rights, works on all versions of Windows 10.

❌ Cons: If you are not currently connected to a network, its name may not appear in the list of active connections.

Check if the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled (press Fn+F2 or in Device Manager)

Please connect to the network for at least 10 seconds for it to appear in history.

Use Method 2 or 3 from this article-->

Method 2: Command line and netsh - universal method

If the graphical interface does not show the required network, this will come to the rescue utility netsh (Network Shell). It's built into Windows and allows you to manage network settings using commands. This method works even for networks you haven't connected to for a long time.

Follow these steps:

1. Launch Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
2. Enter the command to view all saved Wi-Fi networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   In the list, find the name of the required network (field User profile name).

3. Display the password for a specific network using the command:

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

   Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name (for example, netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_5G" key=clear).

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

🔹 Example output:

SSID Name: TP-Link_5G
Security type: WPA2-Personal
...
Key contents: 12345678Qw!

⚠️ Attention: If you see a blank line or message instead of a password The key is missing, Means:

• 🔄 The network was saved, but the password was not remembered (for example, you connected via WPS).
• 🔒 The network profile is damaged - try Method 4.
• 🛡️ The computer uses a corporate security policy (relevant for work PCs).

Method 3: PowerShell – an alternative for advanced users

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It can be used to extract passwords. all saved networks at once, not one at a time. This method is suitable for password administration or backup.

Instructions:

1. Launch PowerShell as administrator (enter powershell in Windows search, then select Run as administrator).
2. Run the command to export all Wi-Fi passwords:

   (netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key contents\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_} | %{[PSCustomObject]@{PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

📋 What you will get:

⚠️ Attention: On public networks (cafes, airports), passwords are often not saved or replaced with temporary ones. In the table, such networks will be marked as (empty).

Via Windows Settings (GUI)

Command line (netsh)

PowerShell (for advanced users)

Third-party programs (WirelessKeyView, etc.)-->

Method 4: Third-party programs - WirelessKeyView and similar

If standard methods don't work, help will come specialized utilitiesThey scan Windows system files and extract saved passwords in a convenient format. Popular programs:

• 🔑 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable (no installation required).
• 🖥️ WiFi Password Revealer — shows passwords with the option to export to a file.
• 🛡️ Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — supports Windows 7–11.

📌 How to use WirelessKeyView:

⚠️ Attention: Antiviruses may complain about such programs because they read protected system data. false positive - WirelessKeyView It doesn't contain viruses, but it uses methods similar to malware. To avoid blocking:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Profiles\Interfaces\{GUID}