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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but forgot to save the password? On a laptop with Windows 10 Pro All connected networks store their passwords in the system—they can be retrieved without resetting the router or calling the provider. In this article, we'll look at three working methods: via a graphical interface, command line, and specialized utilities. Each method is suitable for different situations, from simple recovery to bypassing guest account restrictions.

Important: Passwords are stored only for those networks to which the laptop is connected. I've already connected at least onceIf the network is new or has never been used, these methods will not work. Also, keep in mind that some corporate networks (for example, those with authentication) 802.1X) may not display the password explicitly.

Most users don't even realize that Windows 10 Pro saves all Wi-Fi passwords in encrypted form—and they can be read without additional software. The main requirement is that you must have access to the laptop with permissions. local user (not necessarily an administrator). If you log in through an account Microsoft, some methods will also work, but additional confirmation may be required.

Before proceeding with the instructions, please check two things:

1. The laptop must be connected to the network, the password for which you want to know (or at least connected to previously).
2. If the network is hidden (does not broadcast SSID), its name will still be in the list of connections.

If you're trying to recover a password for someone else's network (for example, at a cafe or office), remember: this may violate the network's terms of use. In such cases, it's best to request the password from the administrator.

Method 1: Via Windows Settings (without the command line)

The easiest method is to use the built-in menu ParametersIt's suitable if you have a license. local user (not necessarily an administrator) and the laptop has connected to the required network at least once.

Instructions:

1. Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon) or click Win + I.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Scroll down and click Managing known networks.
4. Find the required network in the list and click on it.
5. Click the button Properties (or Additional options in some versions).
6. Scroll to the block Security parameters and check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

⚠️ Attention: If the button Properties If the link is inactive or missing, your account doesn't have sufficient rights. Try the command line method or log in as an administrator.

This method works for all types of networks, including hidden ones (SSID (The network isn't broadcast.) If the network isn't listed, but you've definitely connected to it before, try refreshing the list or using alternative methods.

The laptop has been connected to the network before|You have local user rights|The network is not corporate (no 802.1X)|The network name appears in known connections-->

Method 2: Via the command line (universal method)

If the graphical interface does not show the password (for example, due to rights restrictions), it will help command lineThis method even works on guest accounts, if you have access to CMD.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Administrator) or Windows PowerShell (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, MyWiFi_5G).

3. Enter the command to extract the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

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

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

🔹 Example output:

SSID Name: MyWiFi_5G
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678Qw!

⚠️ Attention: If a blank space or message is displayed instead of a password The key is missing, Means:

• 🔄 The network uses a different type of authentication (eg. WPA3-Enterprise), which does not save the password locally.
• 🔒 Your account does not have permission to view (try running CMD from the administrator).
• 📡 The laptop was connected to the network via WPS or another protocol without entering a password.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (for advanced users)

If the built-in tools don't work, you can use specialized programs. They are convenient when you need export all passwords at once or work with networks protected WPA3.

Top 3 proven utilities:

• 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a free, portable program that displays all saved passwords in a table. It works without installation.
• 🛡️ WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export to .txt. Supports Windows 10/11.
• 📊 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords with the option to copy them to the clipboard.

🔹 How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (check the file for viruses).
2. Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (administrator rights are not required).
3. Find the required network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
4. To copy all passwords, click File → Save All Items.

🔹 Reason 1: Network with authentication 802.1X (corporate)

• Such networks (for example, in offices or universities) use an authentication server, and the password is not stored locally.
• Solution: Request connection details from your IT department or refer to the instructions on your organization's portal.

🔹 Reason 2: The laptop was connected via WPS or Wi-Fi Direct

• If the connection was made via a button WPS On the router, the password might not be saved.
• Solution: Reconnect to the network by entering the password or find it on the router sticker.