Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and is it hidden under a sticker on your router that has long since worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device, but can't remember the password? On a computer running Windows 10 All connected networks are stored in the system, along with their passwords. They can be accessed in several ways, without installing any third-party software.
In this article we will look at 5 reliable methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password Windows 10 — from simple viewing through the graphical interface to using the command line and scripts. We'll also explain what to do if your network isn't showing up in the list of saved networks and how to protect passwords from prying eyes. All instructions are relevant for Windows 10 versions 1809 and newer, including the latest 22H2.
We warn you in advance: these methods only work for networks to which the computer already connectedIf you've never logged into this Wi-Fi network, you'll have to find the password on your router or from your network administrator.
1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)
This is a basic method that doesn't require command knowledge or administrator rights. It's suitable for most users, as long as the computer is already connected to the desired network.
Open the menu Start and go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. In the right part of the window, find the section "Related settings"** and click on Additional network settings. Next, select Adapter parameters - a window will open Network Connections.
Here, double-click on your active wireless connection (usually it's called Wireless network or Wi-Fi), then press the button Wireless network properties. Go to the tab "Security"** and check the box next to Show entered characters. The password will be displayed in the field. Network security key.
- ✅ Does not require administrator rights
- ✅ Works on all versions Windows 10
- ⚠️ Password is visible only to current network, to which the PC is connected
☑️ What to check before viewing a password
2. Using the command line (CMD) for all saved networks
If you need to know the passwords from all networks, to which the computer has ever been connected, it is more convenient to use command lineThis method will even show networks that haven't been used for a long time but remain in the system's memory.
Open Command line as administrator (find it through search, right-click and select Run as administrator). Enter the command:
netsh wlan show profilesYou will see a list of all saved networks. Copy the name of the one you need (for example, TP-Link_1234) and enter the following command, replacing NETWORK_NAME to your own:
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearIn the execution results, find the line Key content — this is the password. If the password is blank, it means the network is saved without a key (for example, it's an open access point).
⚠️ Attention: If you connected to the network via WPS (button on the router), the password may not be saved in the system. In this case, you'll have to look for it on the router itself.
| Team | What does it do? |
|---|---|
netsh wlan show profiles |
Shows a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks. |
netsh wlan show profile name="..." key=clear |
Displays network details including password (in line Key Content) |
netsh wlan export profile name="..." folder="C:\" |
Saves network settings to a file .xml on disk C: |
3. Export passwords to a file (for backup)
If you want save all passwords from Wi-Fi for the future (for example, before reinstalling Windows), they can be exported to files .xmlThis is convenient if you have many networks or administer several computers.
Open command line as administrator and enter:
netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="C:\WiFi_Passwords\"This command will create a folder WiFi_Passwords on disk C: and save files there for each network. Each file will contain a line <keyMaterial>PASSWORD</keyMaterial> — this is the security key. Files can be transferred to another PC and imported using the command:
netsh wlan add profile filename="C:\WiFi_Passwords\FILE_NAME.xml"4. View password via PowerShell (CMD alternative)
PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It can also extract Wi-Fi passwords, with the ability to filter and format the output.
Launch PowerShell as administrator and run the command:
(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 -AutoSizeThis command will automatically collect all networks and their passwords into a neat table. If you only need information about one network, simplify the query:
(netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear) -Match 'Key Contents'⚠️ Attention: In some builds Windows 10 (For example, LTSC) PowerShell may be restricted by security policies. If the command doesn't work, check the script execution settings with the command Get-ExecutionPolicy.
5. Viewing the password in the Network and Sharing Center (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for those who prefer a graphical interface but want to see advanced network settings. It's a bit longer than the first method, but it displays additional information (such as security type).
Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right) and select Open Network & Internet SettingsScroll down and click Network and Sharing CenterIn the window that opens, click on the name of your network (next to Connections).
Next, click Wireless Network Properties → Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will appear in the field. Network security keyHere you can also see the encryption type (WPA2-Personal, WPA3 etc.), which is useful for diagnosing connection problems.
What to do if the password field is empty?
If the field Network security key empty, this could mean:
1. The network is open (no password).
2. The connection was through WPS (button on the router).
3. The password was changed on the router after the last connection.
4. The network profile is damaged (try deleting the network and connecting again).
6. If the network is not displayed in the list of saved
Sometimes the desired network disappears from the list of saved networks, even though the computer has connected to it. There may be various reasons:
- 🔄 Reset network settings in Windows (for example, after an update).
- 🗑️ Deleting a profile manually or by clearing the cache.
- 🔧 Changing the network name (SSID) on the router.
- 🛡️ Security policies (in corporate networks).
In such cases, try:
- Reconnect to the network again (the password may be saved automatically).
- Check the folder
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Profiles\Interfaces— profile files are stored here in the format.xml. - Use third party utilities like WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft), which scan the system deeper.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and profile file paths may vary depending on the version. Windows 10 and assemblies. If the folder Profiles missing, check permissions or enable display of hidden files.
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 10 Stores passwords only for those networks to which this computer has connected at least once. If the network is not on the list netsh wlan show profiles, you will have to look for the password:
- On the router sticker (usually on the bottom).
- In the router's web interface (at the address
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - From the network administrator (if it is a work or public access point).
Why do I see asterisks or a blank field instead of a password?
This happens in three cases:
- Net open (without password).
- The connection was through WPS (button on the router), and the password was not saved.
- The password was changed on the router after the last connection.
Solution: Try connecting to the network again or check the settings on your router.
How to protect your Wi-Fi passwords from prying eyes?
To prevent anyone from extracting passwords from your computer:
- 🔐 Use account with password (without it, anyone can log into the system).
- 🛡️ Turn it off guest access in Windows settings.
- 🔄 Regularly change passwords on the router (especially if strangers were connected to the network).
- 📛 Install WPA3 encryption instead of the outdated one
WPA2(in the router settings).
If you are giving your computer for repair or selling it, be sure to delete all saved networks using the command netsh wlan delete profile name="*" (asterisk deletes everything).
Do these methods work on Windows 11?
Yes, all the methods described (via Parameters, CMD, PowerShell) work in Windows 11, as the system core remains the same. The only difference is that the path in the graphical interface has changed slightly:
IN Windows 11 you need to go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, then click on the network and select Properties.
Is it possible to recover a password if it was erased in the router settings?
If the password has been changed or reset on the router, Windows 10 won't be able to repair it. — the system stores only the password version that was valid at the time of the last connection. In this case:
- Check the sticker on the router (sometimes the factory password is indicated there).
- Reset the router to factory settings (using the button)
Resetfor 10 seconds). - Contact your provider - some operators (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) can provide the password over the phone.