Ultimate Guide: How to Find Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10 Computer

Feeling desperate to find the Wi-Fi password on your computer? No need to worry anymore – you’ve landed on the right page. In this guide, you will learn how to check your Wi-Fi password, view saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 10 and boost your privacy when using Wi-Fi. 

Why Protect Your Wi-Fi Connection With a Password?

The most popular type of wireless connection, Wi-Fi wins the hearts of users since it is flexible, supports multiple devices, and is easy to set up and maintain. While Wi-Fi security has improved over the years, you must know how to manage a Wi-Fi password  to secure your Wi-Fi connection. The solutions below help you show the Wi-Fi password in Windows 10 so that you can troubleshoot and protect your network.   

Related: 

Windows 10 Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi Automatically [Fixed]

Why is Windows 10 saying “Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Secure”?

How to Check the Wi-Fi Password on Windows 10

To protect your device from cybersecurity threats, you need to make Wi-Fi ask for a password. However, you can’t do that if you don’t know how to see the password of the connected Wi-Fi network. Below you will find easy-to-apply tips on how to see the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10. Choose the most convenient one for you and give it a try. 

Related: Do you want to check Wi-Fi network security type in Windows 10?

Method 1: How to Find the Wi-Fi Password on a PC Using the Network And Sharing Center

Here is how you can find the Wi-Fi password via the Settings app’s Network and Sharing Center:

1. Right-click the Start menu, select Settings and click on Network & Internet.
2. In the Status tab, under Advanced network settings, click on Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the ‘View your active networks’ section, click on your Wi-Fi connection’s name.
4. Click on the Wireless Properties option once in the Wi-Fi Status window.
5. Navigate to the Security tab and check the Show characters box to view your Wi-Fi password.

Method 2: How to Get the Wi-Fi Password From a Computer Using the Command Prompt

f you’re wondering how to figure out the Wi-Fi password on a computer, a cmd Wi-Fi password display command can help you out. Here is how you can run Command Prompt Wi-Fi password demonstration:

1. Type cmd into the Search bar (Windows logo key + S) and press Enter.
2. Click on the Command Prompt result.
3. Enter ‘netsh wlan show profiles’ into the Command Prompt.
4. You will see your wireless network profiles. Copy the name of the network whose password you want to see.
5. To find the Wi-Fi password of your connection, enter netsh wlan show profile “name=wifiname” key=clear, where wifiname is the name of your network.
6. In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the Security Settings section. 
7. The Command Prompt will show the Wi-Fi password in Windows 10 next to the Key Content parameter.

You can enter the same commands into Windows PowerShell to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10.

Also Read: Windows Command Prompt: 28 Most Useful CMD Commands [with Examples]

Method 3: How to see the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 using the Control Panel

Another tip on how to show the Wi-Fi password is to utilize the Windows 10 Control Panel: 

1. Fire up the Run dialog by pressing the Windows logo key +R combination.
2. Enter ncpa.cpl into the text field and then press Enter.
3. You will be taken to the Network Connections window of the Control Panel.
4. Locate your Wi-Fi network, right-click it and select the Status option from the context menu.
5. Once the Wi-Fi status window opens, click the Wireless Properties button.
6. Open the Security tab and check Show characters under Network security key.

Method 4: How to see the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 from 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:

1. To get the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10, make sure your PC is connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to retrieve. 
2. 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.
3. Input the router’s username and password to access its administration page. The default login details should be on the router itself or in the router’s manual. If you have changed them, make sure you enter the new credentials.
4. After logging in, navigate 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.
5. 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.

Method 5: How to check the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 using third-party software

Among simple solutions to how to find the Wi-Fi password on a computer is using dedicated third-party software. WirelessKeyView and WiFi Password Revealer are popular options that enable you to get the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10. 

Extra Tips

How to find the Wi-Fi password on a PC by checking the back of the router

Still looking for how to find the Wi-Fi password on a laptop or desktop PC? Checking the back of your router may help. You need to look carefully for labels or stickers. This is where you are most likely to find the Wi-Fi password and the Wi-Fi network name (SSID).

1. Locate the reset button on your router. Usually, it is a small, recessed button on the bottom or back of your router.
2. Press this button and hold it until you notice the router’s lights flicker or change behavior in some other way. It should take from 10 to 15 seconds.
3. 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.
4. Once the router is done resetting, you can connect to your network using the default password.

How to Enhance Your Privacy and Security on a Wi-Fi Network

Now that you know how to check the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10, it’s time to learn a few online safety tips. We have a dedicated guide on how to protect yourself on the Internet, and below you will find several easy-to-apply methods to keep digital threats at bay when on Wi-Fi:

Set up a strong Wi-Fi password

83% of Americans are using passwords that are weak and easy to crack. Do not join that trend: after figuring out how to find the Wi-Fi password on a computer, you should make sure your Wi-Fi password is strong and unique. If you think it isn’t, enter your router’s web interface (see instructions in Method 4) and change your current Wi-Fi password for a stronger one. 

Related: Stay Safe Online: The Best Ways to Store Passwords

Use a VPN

VPN usage keeps increasing steadily, meaning more and more users recognize the benefits of using a VPN. Most people use VPNs to enhance data privacy. We recommend that you follow their lead, especially when on public Wi-Fi. A VPN creates a secure encrypted tunnel to protect your data and provide you with anonymity. We have a comprehensive guide on how to choose a VPN – be sure to check it out. 

Related: How to prevent Wi-Fi not working with a VPN?

Configure Reliable Anti-malware Protection

More than 450,000 new malicious items and potentially unwanted apps are registered daily, so your PC can easily become a target for some sort of sophisticated threat. Adding to that is the fact that viruses can actually spread over Wi-Fi. There are several reliable ways to remove malware from Windows. For instance, you can run a thorough scan with Auslogics Anti-Malware:

1. Download Auslogics Anti-Malware on your Windows computer.
2. Install the app by following the instructions in the installation wizard.
3. Wait while the tool’s anti-malware database is being updated with the latest malware definitions.
4. Navigate to the Scanners tab and choose the type of scan you would like to run. We recommend opting for a deep scan to make sure all the components of your system are carefully checked for malware. 
5. After the deep scan is finished, quarantine or eliminate the malicious items found by the app.

Conclusion

Users interested in how to find the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 have several helpful methods at their hands. The Network and Sharing Center, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Control Panel can show the Wi-Fi password in Windows 10. You can also check the router’s back or web interface or use third-party software to find the Wi-Fi password. Alternatively, switch to the default one by resetting the router.

FAQ

How to See the Wi-Fi Password on a Windows 11 Computer?

Here is how to get the Wi-Fi password from a computer running Windows 11:

1. Click on the Start button, open Settings and click Network & internet.
2. Select Wi-Fi from the left-hand menu.
3. Navigate to the right-hand side, scroll down until you see ‘Manage known networks’ and click this option. 
4. From the list of the Wi-Fi networks your computer has connected to, locate the network whose password you want to see.
5. Click Properties below the list of networks and go to the ‘Network security key’ section. 
6. Check the ‘Show characters’ box to find the Wi-Fi password.

Who Is the Network Administrator for Wi-Fi?

A network administrator is someone who maintains a certain Wi-Fi network. If you have a home-based Wi-Fi setup, you are its network administrator and can configure it to your preferences. Just make sure your account has administrative privileges.

What Can a Wi-Fi Administrator See?

As a Wi-Fi administrator, you can see and control various aspects of the Wi-Fi network, such as network settings and traffic, connected devices, network logs, firmware updates, security settings, and firewall configurations.