How to find the Wi-Fi code on Windows 10: all the methods from simple to complex

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the code on your router? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't be bothered to find the settings sheet? Windows 10 has at least 5 ways Finding saved Wi-Fi passwords—and most of them don't require administrator rights. In this article, we'll cover each method: from standard system tools to little-known tricks for hidden networks.

It doesn't matter whether you've connected to this network before or it's saved in other PC user profiles—the instructions below will help you extract the password in 90% of cases. And if you're worried that someone else might use these tips to hack your network, there's a link at the end of the article. bonus section on how to protect your Wi-Fi from such leaks.

Spoiler: the fastest way is command line (works even on blocked accounts), and the most reliable one is viewing network properties via a graphical interface. But there are also alternatives for non-standard situations, such as when the network is hidden or the password is encrypted.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password via Network Settings (without commands)

This is the most intuitive method, which does not require knowledge of commands or installation of programs. It is suitable if you already connected to the desired network or it is saved in Windows profiles.

Steps:

1. Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Scroll down and select Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the window that opens, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to Connections).
4. Click the button Wireless network properties, then go to the tab Security.
5. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

Are you connected to the correct Wi-Fi network?

Does your account have permission to view network settings?

Is the mode disabled? Airplane mode in Windows|

Is your antivirus blocking access to network settings?

⚠️ Attention: If the button Wireless network properties is inactive or missing, then the network is not saved in Windows profiles. In this case, try command line method.

This method works for both hidden networks (with SSID broadcast disabled) if they have ever been connected to this PC. However, if the network is configured via WPS or Enterprise authentication (for example, in offices), the password may not be displayed.

2. Find out the password via the command line (works without admin rights)

Command line (CMD) is a universal tool that will reveal the password even if the graphical interface is locked. This method is suitable for all saved networks, including those you haven't connected to for a long time.

Instructions:

1. Open command prompt:
   • Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
   • Or search through Windows search (Win + S) and run as administrator (optional).

netsh wlan show profiles

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

Important: If you see a blank line or message instead of a password The key is missing, then the network was connected through WPS or the password is not saved in the system.

Once a month|

Only after reinstalling Windows|

Never - I store them in a password manager|

I forgot that Wi-Fi has a password-->

This method works even on guest accounts Windows 10, if the network was previously connected. However, on corporate networks (with authentication) 802.1X) the password may not be displayed due to security policy.

3. View your password in Windows Credential Manager

Few people know, but Windows 10 stores some network passwords in Credential Manager - especially if the network was connected via WPS or PIN codeThis method is relevant for networks with dynamic authentication (for example, in cafes or hotels).

How to find:

1. Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Credential Manager.
2. Go to the tab Windows credentials.
3. Find the entry with the name of your Wi-Fi network (it may be called SSID:NETWORK_NAME or WiFi-NETWORK_NAME).
4. Click on the entry and select Show — you will need to enter your Windows account password.

⚠️ Attention: Passwords aren't always stored in this section. If a network isn't listed, its data hasn't been cached by Windows. Expired passwords may also appear here if the network has changed its security key.

4. Using the WirelessKeyView utility (for all networks)

If standard methods don't work, a free utility will come to the rescue. WirelessKeyView from NirSoftShe takes out all saved Wi-Fi passwords in the system, including those that are not displayed through netsh.

How to use:

1. Download WirelessKeyView With official website (check the file for viruses!).
2. Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (no installation required).
3. Find the required network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
4. Export the list to if necessary. TXT or HTML through File → Save All Items.

Advantages WirelessKeyView:

• 🔹 Shows passwords all users PC (if you have admin rights).
• 🔹 Works with hidden networks and networks connected via USB adapters.
• 🔹 Supports Windows 7/8/10/11.
• 🔹 Can recover passwords even after reset Windows (if the disk was not formatted).

⚠️ Attention: Do not download WirelessKeyView from third-party sites - only from the official source (nirsoft.net). Some "repacks" of the utility contain malicious code for stealing passwords.

5. How to Find Someone Else's Wi-Fi Password (Ethically and Legally)

Let's say you're visiting someone and need to connect your phone to the local Wi-Fi, but they don't remember the password. Is it possible to find it from their computer? without violating confidentiality? Yes, but only with their consent!

Here's how to do it as transparently as possible:

1. Ask the owners to open it Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Let them click on the network name themselves and open it. Wireless network properties.
3. On the tab Security they can tick the box Show entered characters And show you the password (without dictating it).

If the owners don't want to share the password, but have allowed you to connect your device, use:

• 📱 QR code: In Windows 10, you can generate a QR code to connect to Wi-Fi without entering a password. To do this, enter CMD:

  wlan show hostednetwork setting=generateqr

  (required) Windows 10 versions 1803+).

• 🔄 WPS: If the router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, you can connect using a PIN code or a button on the router body (no password required).

6. What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you've tried all the methods but still can't find your password, there may be a few reasons:

• 🔌 Network connected via USB modem (For example, Huawei E3372), and its settings are stored in proprietary software, not in Windows.
• 🔒 Used corporate authentication (For example, PEAP or EAP-TTLS), where the password is not stored locally.
• 🗑️ The network profile was deleted after updating Windows or resetting network settings.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or Group Policy (in corporate PCs) blocks access to network passwords.

Solutions:

1. Reset the password on the router:
   • Find the button Reset on the back panel of the router (usually recessed).
   • Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
   • Connect to the network using the default password (indicated on the router sticker).

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

<keyMaterial>YOUR_PASSWORD</keyMaterial>

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

If your network uses dynamic keys (for example, in hotels or airports), none of the described methods will work—the password is regenerated each time you connect. In such cases, please contact your network administrator.

The most reliable way to remember your home router password is attach a sticker with a code on the router itself or save it in a password manager (for example, KeePass or Bitwarden). And if you often share Wi-Fi with guests, set up guest network with a separate password - this way your main key will remain secure.