How to quickly find out the password for a connected Wi-Fi network in Windows 10: all the methods

Forgot your home or office Wi-Fi password, but your laptop or PC is connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: your router was set up by your ISP, you wrote the password down on a piece of paper that's long since been lost, and now you need to connect a new device. Luckily, Windows 10 There are several ways to retrieve a saved password without resetting the router or calling support.

In this article you will find 5 working methods — from standard system tools to alternative solutions for complex cases. We'll look at how to view a password using Windows Settings, Command line, PowerShell, and also with the help of third-party utilities and even QR codeEach method is illustrated with screenshots and provided with step-by-step instructions so you can choose the most convenient option.

Important: all methods work only for networks to which your computer is already connectedIf Windows 10 didn't save your password (for example, if you entered it manually without checking the "Connect automatically" box), you can only recover it through your router settings.

1. The easiest way: through Windows Settings

If you need to quickly find out the password for your current Wi-Fi network, the most reliable method is to use the built-in settings. Windows 10This method does not require administrator rights (if you are already connected to the network) and takes less than a minute.

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, then scroll to the block Network password.
  6. Click the eye next to the password field to display it.

⚠️ Attention: If the "Properties" button is grayed out or your password isn't displayed, your account doesn't have sufficient rights. Try logging in as administrator or use alternative methods from this article.

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network|

Check that you have administrator rights (if the password is not displayed)|

Close your VPN or proxy - they may be blocking access to your network settings-->

This method is suitable for Windows 10 version 1809 and laterIn older builds, the path to the settings may differ: instead of Parameters use Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings, then right-click on the connection and select Status → Wireless Properties → Security.

What should I do if there is no "Manage known networks" button?

In some enterprise versions of Windows 10 (for example, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC) the section with known networks may be hidden by security policies. In this case, use command line method or Check the password on the router.

2. How to find out the password via the Command Prompt (CMD)

If the graphical interface does not show the password (for example, due to policy restrictions), the following will come to the rescue: command lineThis method works in all versions. Windows 10 and does not require installation of additional software.

Follow the instructions:

  1. Open Command line as administrator:
    • Click Win + X and select Command Prompt (Administrator) or Windows PowerShell (Administrator).
    • IN Windows 10 20H2 and newer, instead of CMD it can open Terminal - This is fine.
  • Enter the command to view all saved networks: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    Remember the name of the network you want (for example, MyWiFi_5G).

  • Enter the command to extract the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name): 
    netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear
  • Find the line Key content - this is your password.

    • Example of command output:

    Profile name: MyWiFi_5G

    ...
    

    Security settings:
    

    Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
    

    Encryption type: AES
    

    Key contents: 12345678QwErTy

    ⚠️ Attention: If instead of a password you see an empty line or asterisks (), then Windows did not save the security key. In this case, try PowerShell method or check your router settings.

    Windows Graphical Interface|

    Command Prompt (CMD)|

    PowerShell|

    Third-party programs|I don't know-->

    3. CMD Alternative: Extract Password via PowerShell

    PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It not only lets you find the password but also export all saved networks to a file. This method is useful if you need to transfer Wi-Fi settings to another computer.

    Instructions:

    1. Open PowerShell as administrator (through Win + X or search).
    2. Enter the command to view all Wi-Fi profiles: 
      netsh wlan show profiles | Select-String "All user profiles"
    3. To extract the password of a specific network (eg. HomeWiFi), run: 
      (netsh wlan show profile name="HomeWiFi" key=clear) | Select-String "Key Contents"
    4. For export all passwords into a text file, use the script: 
      $profiles = netsh wlan show profiles | Select-String "All user profiles: (.+)" | %{$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value}

      foreach ($profile in $profiles) {
      

      $password = (netsh wlan show profile name="$profile" key=clear) | Select-String "Key content: (.+)" | %{$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value}
      

      "$profile : $password" | Out-File -Append "WiFi_Passwords.txt"
      

      }

      File WiFi_Passwords.txt will appear in the folder C:\Windows\System32 (move it to a safe place!).

      5. ⚠️ Attention: Exporting passwords to a file creates risk of data leakageRemove after use. WiFi_Passwords.txt and empty the Recycle Bin. Never store such files in cloud services or on your desktop.

      4. Special programs for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

      If standard methods don't work, third-party utilities can help. They're convenient because they show all saved passwords in one window, support export and often have additional features (for example, generating QR codes for quick connection).

      Top 3 proven programs:

      • 🔹 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a free portable utility that doesn't require installation. It displays passwords in the following format: HEX And ASCII, supports export to .txt or .html.
      • 🔹 WiFi Password Revealer — a simple program with a Russian-language interface. It can copy passwords to the clipboard with one click.
      • 🔹 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — In addition to passwords, it displays signal strength and encryption type. A paid version with advanced features is available.

    ⚠️ Attention: download programs only from official websites (For example, nirsoft.net or magicaljellybean.comPassword viewing utilities are often spoofed by attackers, who add viruses or spyware to them.

    Instructions for WirelessKeyView:

    1. Download the archive with the program and unzip it.
    2. Run the file 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. Export data via if necessary File → Save All Items.

    5. How to find out the password using a QR code (for quick connection)

    Modern routers (for example, TP-Link Archer AX6000 or ASUS RT-AX88U) support generation QR code to connect to Wi-Fi without entering a password. If your computer is connected to the network, you can generate such a code yourself—this is convenient for connecting guests or devices without a keyboard (for example, Smart TV or Amazon Echo).

    Instructions:

    1. Find out the password using any of the methods above (for example, through Command line).
    2. Go to a QR code generator website, for example:
      • https://qifi.org (specialized service for Wi-Fi)
      • https://goqr.me (universal generator)
  • Enter network details:
    • SSID — the name of your network (for example, MyHomeWiFi).
    • Encryption type - usually WPA2/WPA3.
    • Password — entered in the previous step.
    • Generate a QR code and save it as an image (.png or .jpg).
    • Scan the code from another device (for example, using a smartphone camera).

      • ⚠️ Attention: The QR code contains plaintext passwordDon't post it on social media or messaging apps—just one scan is enough for someone to connect to your network. Keep the code in a secure place (for example, in Google Keep with limited access).

      Way Complexity Admin rights required Suitable for all networks Security risk
      Windows Settings ⭐ No For current network only Short
      Command Prompt (CMD) ⭐⭐ Yes For all saved networks Short
      PowerShell ⭐⭐⭐ Yes For all saved networks Average (for export)
      Third-party programs ⭐⭐ No For all saved networks High (risk of viruses)
      QR code ⭐⭐ No Only for known password Medium (code leak)

      6. If nothing helps: look at the password on the router

      If Windows 10 If the password isn't saved (for example, when connecting manually without checking the "Remember" box), the only reliable way is to check it in the router settings. You don't need to reset the device to do this: just know Router IP address and login details (usually found on a sticker on the back).

      Instructions:

      1. Find out your router's IP address:
        • Open Command line and enter: 
          ipconfig
        • Find the line Main gateway - this is the IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    • Open your browser and enter your IP address into the address bar (e.g. http://192.168.0.1).
    • Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password).
    • Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network).
    • Find the field Password, Key or PSK - this is the security key.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you can't log into your router (for example, you forgot your login/password), you'll have to do factory reset button Reset on the back panel. After this, the network name and password will become standard (indicated on the router sticker), but all personal settings (for example, PPPoE to connect to the Internet) will have to be configured again.

    What should I do if my router displays an "Incorrect Password" error?

    1. Try standard combinations: admin/admin, admin/password, admin/(empty).

    2. Check the case of letters - passwords are case-sensitive.

    3. If the router is from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), login/password can be specified in the contract or SMS upon connection.

    4. As a last resort, contact your provider's support team—they can reset your password remotely.

    Bonus: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi from Hacking

    Once you know your Wi-Fi password, it's a good idea to check its strength. Weak passwords (for example, 12345678 or qwerty) can be hacked in minutes using specialized software. Follow these tips to protect your network:

    • 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 or WEP (if the router supports it).
    • 🔑 Create a password with a length of at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (for example, Green$Tree7!Lamp).
    • 📵 Turn off WPS - This function is easy to hack even without a password.
    • 👤 Create guest network for friends - it limits access to local devices.
    • 🔄 Regularly (once every 3-6 months) change your password from Wi-Fi.

    To check the strength of your current password, use services like https://howsecureismypassword.net (Enter your password only on trusted sites!).

    ⚠️ Attention: if in the list of connected devices (section DHCP or Connected Devices in the router settings) you see unfamiliar MAC addresses, your network could have been hacked. In this case, Change your password immediately and check computers for viruses.

    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 was previously connected to but is not currently connected to?

    Yes, if Windows 10 saved network data. Use Command line or PowerShellto see all saved profiles. If the network isn't listed, the password can't be recovered—you'll have to view it on the router or reset the settings.

    Why is there no "Manage known networks" button in Windows Settings?

    This section may be missing in:

    • Corporate versions Windows 10 (For example, Enterprise or Education) with limited rights.
    • Systems where network settings are managed through Group Policy (for example, in offices).
    • Outdated builds (before version 1803).

    In this case, use alternative methods.

    Is it possible to find out my neighbors' Wi-Fi password if my computer isn't connected to it?

    No, it is impossible legal methods. All methods in this article only work for networks to which your PC has already connected. Attempting to hack someone else's Wi-Fi is illegal (article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — unauthorized access to computer information) and may lead to blocking of your device.

    How to transfer Wi-Fi passwords to another computer?

    There are two ways:

    1. Export via PowerShell (cm. section above) - creates a file with all networks and passwords.
    2. Manual transfer: Find out the password on your old PC and enter it on your new device.

    ⚠️ Don't send the password file via email or instant messaging—it's not secure!

    Why did my Wi-Fi passwords reset after updating Windows 10?

    This is a rare error that occurs when:

    • Service failure WLAN AutoConfig.
    • Manual cleaning of registry keys (for example, with programs like CCleaner).
    • Updating to a new version of Windows with deletion of old profiles.

    To restore access:

    1. Check if the networks are saved in netsh wlan show profiles.
    2. If not, set up the connection again or reset the password on the router.

    • 📖 Read also

    How to check for a Wi-Fi adapter on a PC: all the methods Find out if your computer has Wi-Fi. Check through Device Manager, Command Prompt, and Creating a Local Area Network via Wi-Fi in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Instructions How to connect two computers to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 10? A detailed guide to setting up shared access. Metered WiFi Network: What It Is and How to Disable It A detailed look at the connection metering feature in Windows. Find out what it is and how it affects your traffic. Windows 8 Laptop Can't Detect Wi-Fi: 7 Causes and Solutions Why can't my Windows 8 laptop find Wi-Fi networks? We'll look at the hardware and software causes and provide some helpful tips. Why Wi-Fi isn't working on my laptop: causes and solutions Wi-Fi won't connect on your laptop? Find out how to fix driver, router, and Windows errors. How to find your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 without admin rights Instructions for viewing a saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 without administrator rights using Command Prompt.