How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows

Step by step

1. Open Windows Settings

   Press Windows key + I to open Settings. Click on Network & Internet from the main menu. This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

   Note: You can also right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select 'Open Network & Internet settings' as a shortcut.

2. Navigate to Wi-Fi properties

   Click Wi-Fi in the left sidebar. Under the Wi-Fi section, click on 'Manage known networks' or 'Advanced network settings' depending on your Windows version. Select the network name you want the password for.

3. Access network properties

   Click on the network name, then select 'Properties' or 'View properties'. This opens the detailed network configuration page where password information is stored.

4. Reveal the password

   Scroll down to find the Security section. Check the box next to 'Show characters' or 'Show password'. Windows will display the network password in plain text.

   Note: If the 'Show characters' option is grayed out, you may need administrator privileges. Right-click and run as administrator.

5. Alternative method using Command Prompt

   Press Windows key + R, type 'cmd' and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator. Type 'netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear' replacing NetworkName with your Wi-Fi network name.

   Note: The password appears next to 'Key Content' in the Security settings section of the command output.

6. Use Control Panel method for older versions

   Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Click 'Manage wireless networks' then double-click your network. Go to the Security tab and check 'Show characters'.

   Note: This method primarily works on Windows 7 and early Windows 10 versions before the Settings app became primary.