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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the connection information on your router? Or do you need to share your network with a guest but can't be bothered to find the router box? Windows 10 There are several built-in ways to find the saved password for any wireless network your computer or laptop has previously connected to. What's more, you can do this without installing any third-party software—the system's standard tools are sufficient.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods: from viewing through Windows Settings to using command line And PowerShellEach method is illustrated with screenshots and accompanied by step-by-step instructions. You'll also learn what to do if the desired network isn't displayed in the list of saved connections and how to avoid errors when recovering your password.

Important: All methods only work for networks to which your PC is connected. I've already connected beforeIf you've never logged into this Wi-Fi network, you'll have to find the password on the router itself or from the network administrator.

1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method is suitable for users who prefer a graphical interface and don't want to work with the command line. The entire process takes less than a minute:

1. Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon) or click Win + I.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet.
3. In the left menu, select Wi-Fi, then press Managing known networks.
4. Find the required network in the list and click on it.
5. Click the button Properties.
6. Scroll down to the block Network properties and press Show symbols next to the field Network security key.

After this, the password will be displayed in a readable format. Please note: to perform this action administrator rights requiredIf you are using an account with limited rights, the system will ask for an administrator password.

2. Using the Network and Sharing Center (alternative graphical method)

This method works in Windows 10 all versions, including older builds (1507–1809), where the "Settings" interface may have differed. Instructions:

1. Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock).
2. Select Open Network and Internet settings.
3. Scroll down the page and click Network and Sharing Center.
4. In the window that opens, click on the name of your current Wi-Fi network (link next to Connections).
5. In the new window, click the button Wireless network properties.
6. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

The password will be displayed in the field. Network security keyThis method is convenient because it doesn't require memorizing commands and works even on older versions. WindowsHowever, as in the previous method, administrator rights are required.

3. Viewing the password via the command line (for advanced users)

If you prefer to work with the console, this method will allow you to find out the password for 3 teamsSuitable for Windows 10 And Windows 11:

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
2. Enter the command to display a list of saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   Remember the exact name of the network you need (case is important!).

3. Enter the command to view the password (replace NAZVANIE_SETI (in real name):

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

4. Find the line Key content in the section Security parameters - this is your password.

Example of command output:

Profile name: MyWiFi_5G
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678QwErTy

This method is universal and works even if the network is not active at the moment. However error in network name will lead to a message Profile "X" not found — check case and symbols.

Open a command prompt as administrator|Make sure the network name is entered correctly|Check the "Security Settings" section in the command output|Copy the password to a safe location-->

4. Password recovery via PowerShell (CMD alternative)

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. With it, you can export all saved Wi-Fi passwords in a convenient format. Instructions:

1. Launch PowerShell as administrator (via Win + X or search in the menu Start).
2. Enter the command to display all saved networks:

   (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

The result of executing the command is a table with all networks and their passwords:

This method is convenient if you need save all passwords at once (for example, for a backup copy). However, the command is complex—it's best to copy it in its entirety to avoid errors.

5. Viewing passwords in Windows configuration files (for advanced users)

All Wi-Fi network passwords in Windows 10 They are stored in encrypted form in system files. They can be extracted manually, but this method requires caution:

1. Open Explorer and go to this path:

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

   Instead of {GUID} will be a unique identifier for your network adapter.

2. Find the file with the extension .xml, whose name matches the name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the file in Notepad or any text editor.
4. Find the line <keyMaterial> — there will be an encrypted password between these tags.
5. Copy the value and decrypt it using online services (for example, CyberChef) or utilities netsh (as in method 3).

⚠️ Attention: editing or deleting files in a folder Wlansvc may lead to loss of all saved networksDo not change the contents of files unless you are sure of what you are doing!

This method is suitable if other methods have failed (for example, due to damage to system components). However, it is the most complex and requires an understanding of the structure Windows.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users are still experiencing problems. Let's take a look top 5 mistakes and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 Error: "You do not have the required permissions to view this setting."

  Solution: Launch Settings or Network and Sharing Center as an administrator. If you're not the PC's administrator, ask the device owner to enter the password.

• 🔴 Error: "Profile 'X' not found" in command line.

  Solution: Check the case of the network name (eg. MyWiFi And mywifi — different profiles). Also, make sure the PC has previously connected to this network.

• 🔴 Error: Empty list in "Manage known networks".

  Solution: Perhaps the service Automatic WLAN configuration disabled. Please start it through services.msc or by team net start Wlansvc.

• 🔴 Error: "Key content missing" in output netsh.

  Solution: The network was saved without a password (e.g., an open access point) or the data is corrupted. Try connecting to the network again.

• 🔴 Error: Access denied when opening files in Wlansvc.

  Solution: Get owner rights to a folder via Properties → Security → Advanced.

If none of the methods worked, the password may not be saved in the system. In this case, you can:

• 🔍 Find it on the router sticker (usually indicated Wi-Fi Password or Network Key).
• 🔧 Restore via the router's web interface (enter in the browser 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, standard login/password — admin/admin).
• 📞 Check with your network administrator (for example, at your office or public place).

Security: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi Password

After learning how to easily extract password from Windows 10, it's worth thinking about safety. Here 5 tipsHow to protect your network:

• 🔒 Use complex passwords (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters). Example: K0ff3e$h0p_2026!.
• 🔄 Regularly (once every 3–6 months) change your password from Wi-Fi via router settings.
• 🚫 Turn off the feature WPS in the router - it is vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
• 📡 Set up guest network for temporary users (limit speed and access to local devices).
• 🛡️ Turn on WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).

⚠️ Attention: If you connect to public Wi-Fi (in cafes, airports, hotels), never save your password V WindowsThese networks are often unencrypted, and your data can be intercepted.

Also avoid using simple passwords like 12345678 or qwerty — they will be selected in a few minutes using special programs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

(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}} | Export-Csv -Path "C:\wi-fi_passwords.csv" -NoTypeInformation -Encoding UTF8