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To keep your connection safe, it’s strongly recommended to password-protect it. And since we’re all humans and tend to forget things, sometimes this protection may work in the opposite direction, preventing you from accessing your own network.

Stay with me as we walk through multiple methods in search of the perfect way to take back control of your Wi-Fi network despite your memory playing tricks on you.

How to Check the Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10/11

Assuming that you are still connected to your Wi-Fi, below you can find easy-to-apply tips on how to show the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 and 11. Choose the most convenient one for you and give it a try.

Method 1: Find the Wi-Fi password using Settings

  • Right-click the Start menu search bar, type “Control Panel,” and hit Enter.
  • Select “Network and Internet,” then click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
  • In the “View your active networks” section, click on your Wi-Fi connection’s name.
In the “View your active networks” section, click on your Wi-Fi connection’s name
  • Click on the “Wireless Properties” option once in the “Wi-Fi Status” window.
  • Navigate to the “Security” tab and check the “Show characters” box to view your Wi-Fi password. It will be displayed next to “Network security key.”
Navigate to the “Security” tab and check the “Show characters” box to view your Wi-Fi password. It will be displayed next to “Network security key.

Windows 11 has made it even easier:

  • Right-click the Start menu, select Settings, and click on “Network & internet.”
  • On the right-hand side of the window, click “Properties.”
  • Scroll down to “View Wi-Fi security key” and click “View.”
Scroll down to “View Wi-Fi security key” and click “View

Also read: Stay Safe Online: The Best Ways to Store Passwords

Method 2: Get the Wi-Fi password using the Command Prompt

Another way to show the network password is to use the Command Prompt. It works both for Windows 10 and 11. Here is how:

  • Type “cmd” into the search bar (Win + S), right-click on the Command Prompt result, and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Enter the following command:
netsh wlan show profiles
  • You will see your wireless network profiles. Copy the name of the network whose password you want to see and enter the following command:
netsh wlan show profile “name=WI-FI_NAME” key=clear
  • Replace “WI-FI_NAME” with the name of your network.
  • Scroll down to the “Security settings” section. 
  • The Command Prompt will show your Wi-Fi password next to the Key Content parameter.
The Command Prompt will show your Wi-Fi password next to the Key Content parameter

You can enter the same commands into Windows PowerShell to view saved Wi-Fi passcode on both Windows 10 and 11.

PRO TIP

You can view passwords for all the Wi-Fi networks your computer has ever connected to using the following command: 

for /f "skip=9 tokens=1,2 delims=:" %i in ('netsh wlan show profiles') do @echo %j | findstr -i -v echo | netsh wlan show profiles %j key=clear

Also read: Windows Command Prompt: 28 Most Useful CMD Commands

Method 3: Check the Wi-Fi password in the router’s web interface

To find the Wi-Fi password via the router’s web interface, you need to access your router’s administration page. While the exact steps depend on the make and model of your router, here’s a general guide you can follow:

  • Make sure your PC is connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to retrieve.
  • Launch your web browser, enter your router’s IP address into the address bar (you can usually find it on the back or bottom of the router), and press Enter.
  • Input the router’s username and password to access its administration page. The default login details should also be on the router itself or in the router’s manual. If you have changed them, make sure you enter the new ones.
  • Locate and go to the Wi-Fi settings section. Its exact location and name depend on the router’s make and model. Search the wireless settings section to find the Wi-Fi password or network security key. It may be masked with asterisks. If so, reveal the password by clicking on the “eye” icon next to it or using a similar option.
  • Note down the Wi-Fi password displayed on your screen. You can even modify it in the same section by typing in a new password and saving the change.
If you’re not connected to the Wi-Fi network, this method still works.

You can access your router’s web interface directly via an Ethernet connection (or using your phone’s hotspot). Once logged in with your admin credentials, navigate to the wireless settings to view the Wi-Fi password.

This is a handy way to recover your Wi-Fi credentials if you’re unable to access the network but need to reconnect or share the password.

Method 4: Find the Wi-Fi password using third-party software

One simple solution for finding the network passcode is to use dedicated third-party software as WirelessKeyView and Wi-Fi Password Revealer. Both options work on Windows 10 and 11.

  • Check your router’s back for labels or stickers. This is where you are most likely to find the Wi-Fi key and the Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
  • Next, locate the reset button on your router, then press and hold it until you notice the router’s lights flicker or change behavior in some other way. It should take around 15 seconds.
  • Release the reset button and wait for the router to reset to the factory default settings. It may take several minutes, so you need to be patient. During this time, your router’s lights may blink or change.
  • Once the router is done resetting, you can connect to your network using the default password.
This method can also help you retrieve the Wi-Fi password even if you are not currently connected to the network. By using third-party software like WirelessKeyView, you can scan your system for stored Wi-Fi profiles and recover the password for networks you have previously connected to.

Also read: Windows Computer Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi: What to Do?

How to Find the Wi-Fi Password on a Computer: Explained

You’re now all set to recover your Wi-Fi password that somehow managed to slip your memory. With the help of this article, you can easily check it using the Settings app, the Command Prompt, the router’s web interface, or third-party tools.

I hope you’ve found this article useful and will share it with your friends who may also find it helpful. And if you have any additional insights to share, feel free to drop a comment below!

FAQ

Can I retrieve the Wi-Fi password if I'm not connected to the network?
Yes, you can retrieve the password through methods like accessing the router’s web interface or using third-party software that scans for saved Wi-Fi profiles on your PC, even if you're not currently connected.
What should I do if I can't access my router’s web interface?
If you can't access the router's web interface, make sure you're connected to the router either via Ethernet or a mobile hotspot. You could also try resetting the router if you've forgotten the login credentials.
What is the difference between the network security key and the Wi-Fi password?
he network security key and Wi-Fi password are essentially the same—both refer to the password used to connect to a wireless network. The term network security key may sometimes refer to a more technical way of describing the same password.
How do I find the Wi-Fi password if I don’t have admin access to the router?
Without admin access to the router, you can try using a computer that’s already connected to the network and retrieve the password from the device’s settings or network profile. If the password isn’t saved, you may need to contact the network administrator.
How do I change my Wi-Fi password on Windows 10/11?
You can change the Wi-Fi password by accessing the router’s web interface through your browser. From there, go to the wireless settings section and update the password. You’ll need to log in to the router using its admin credentials.
Why can’t I see my saved Wi-Fi password in Windows 10/11?
If you can't see your saved Wi-Fi password in Windows 10, it may be hidden for security reasons. You can view it through the network settings or use tools like Command Prompt to display the password, provided you have the required permissions.
Do these methods work for both wired and wireless networks?
The methods discussed primarily focus on wireless networks. However, similar techniques can be used to retrieve passwords for networks you've previously connected to, whether they are wired or wireless, as long as the password has been saved on your system.