Where Windows stores your WiFi password

Windows keeps your WiFi password in the network settings, and you can retrieve it without resetting your connection. The password is stored in encrypted form, but Windows will display it in plain text if you have administrator access to the PC. You do not need special software or tools — everything you need is built into Windows.

The method depends on whether you are looking at a network you are currently connected to, or one you connected to in the past. Both routes take about two minutes and require you to open Settings or the Control Panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select WiFi, then choose Manage Known Networks to see all networks your PC has connected to before.
  • Click the network name, select Properties, and scroll down to find the password under "Network security key" — it will show in plain text.
  • If you are currently connected to the network, right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar, select Open Network & Internet Settings, then follow the same path to Properties.
  • You must have administrator rights on the PC to view the password; if you do not, contact whoever set up the account.
  • If the password field shows "Hidden" or stays blank, the network may not store passwords, or your account lacks the permission to view it.

Finding a password for a network you are currently connected to

Start by right-clicking the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar — it looks like curved lines or bars. Select "Open Network & Internet settings" from the menu. This opens the Settings app to the WiFi page.

On the WiFi page, look for "Manage known networks" or "Manage your networks" and click it. You will see a list of every network your PC has ever connected to. Find the network name (SSID) you want the password for and click it. A Properties window will open.

In the Properties window, scroll down until you see "Network security key." The password appears in plain text next to it. If the field is blank or says "Hidden," your account does not have permission to view it, or the network does not store passwords in Windows.

Finding a password for a network you connected to before

If you are not currently connected to the network, the process is nearly identical. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Go to Network & Internet in the left sidebar.

Click WiFi, then select "Manage known networks." Scroll through the list to find the network you want. Click it, then click Properties. The password will appear under "Network security key" if your account has permission to view it.

If you do not see the network in the list, it means your PC has never connected to it before, or the connection history was cleared. In that case, you will need to contact the network owner or check the router itself.

Using Command Prompt if Settings does not work

If the Settings method does not show the password, or if you prefer using the command line, you can retrieve it through Command Prompt. Right-click the Start menu and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)." If prompted, click Yes to allow administrator access.

Type this command exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear — replace "NetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network. Press Enter. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the output.

If you do not know the exact network name, type netsh wlan show profile first and press Enter. This shows all networks your PC knows about. Copy the exact name from the list, then run the first command with that name.

What to do if the password does not appear

If you follow these steps and the password field stays blank or shows "Hidden," one of three things is happening. Your user account may not have administrator rights — contact the person who manages the PC. The network may use a connection method that does not store passwords in Windows, such as a certificate-based connection. Or the connection history may have been cleared.

If you set up the network yourself and forgot the password, you will need to reset the router. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router, press it for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen, and the router will return to factory settings. You can then set a new password through the router's admin page, usually accessed by typing the router's IP address into a web browser.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, treat it the same way you would treat any sensitive information. Do not type it into chat, email, or text messages. If you need to share it with someone, do so in person or through a find method. Change the password regularly — most routers let you do this through their admin page, which you access by opening a browser and typing the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

If you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission, change the password when ready. You can also check which devices are connected to your network through the router's admin page and disconnect any you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I am not the administrator?

No. Windows requires administrator rights to display WiFi passwords. If you do not have admin access, you will need to contact the person who manages the PC or the network owner to get the password.

What if the network name does not appear in my known networks list?

Your PC only stores networks it has connected to before. If the network is not in the list, your PC has never connected to it. You will need to connect to it first by selecting it from the available networks and entering the password, then you can retrieve it later using these steps.

Does viewing the password in Windows change or reset it?

No. Viewing the password through Settings or Command Prompt does not change it, reset it, or affect the network in any way. You are only reading what Windows has already stored.

Can I find the password if I cleared my connection history?

No. If you cleared your network history or reset Windows, the stored passwords are deleted. Your only option is to reset the router itself and create a new password.

Why does the password show as asterisks or dots instead of letters?

If you see dots or asterisks instead of the actual password, your account does not have permission to view it. Only administrator accounts can display the password in plain text. Contact your PC administrator to view it.