How to Check the Password of Wi-Fi in Windows 10

Forgot the Wi-Fi password on your Windows 10 PC? You're not locked out of it — Windows stores every network password you've ever connected to, and there are a few reliable ways to pull that information back up. Whether you need it to connect a new device or share it with someone, here's exactly how it works.

Why Windows 10 Stores Wi-Fi Passwords

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network and check "Connect automatically," Windows saves the network credentials in a system area called the Credential Manager and within your wireless network profiles. These profiles contain the SSID (network name), security type, and the encrypted password — referred to technically as the network security key.

This stored data is what makes automatic reconnection possible. It also means the password is retrievable, as long as you have the right access level on the machine.

One important caveat: you typically need administrator privileges on the Windows 10 account to view saved passwords using most of these methods. Standard user accounts may be blocked from seeing the key in plain text.

Method 1: Check Wi-Fi Password Through Network Settings (GUI)

This is the most straightforward method and requires no command line knowledge.

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner)
2. Select Network & Internet settings
3. Click Status, then scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center
4. Click on the name of your active Wi-Fi connection (shown as a blue link near the top)
5. In the Wi-Fi Status window, click Wireless Properties
6. Go to the Security tab
7. Check the box that says Show characters

The password will appear in the Network security key field. 🔑

Limitation: This method only works for the network you're currently connected to. If you want to retrieve a password for a saved but currently disconnected network, you'll need Method 2.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Find Any Saved Wi-Fi Password

This method lets you retrieve passwords for any network Windows has previously connected to — not just your current one.

Step 1 — View all saved network profiles:

Open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in the Start menu) and type:

This lists every Wi-Fi network your PC has ever connected to.

Step 2 — Retrieve the password for a specific network:

Replace NetworkNameHere with the exact name of the network. Look for the line that says Key Content under the Security settings section — that's your password in plain text.

This works even if you're not currently connected to that network, making it the most flexible option available.

Method 3: Check via PowerShell

PowerShell offers the same underlying functionality with slightly different syntax. It's useful if you're already working in a PowerShell environment.