How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows: 3 steps

Table of Contents

How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows

Introduction:

We’ve all been there—trying to connect a new device to WiFi and suddenly realizing we can’t remember the password. It’s frustrating, but don’t worry! If you’re on a Windows computer, there are straightforward ways to find your WiFi password without breaking a sweat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Method 1: Through Network Settings

Access Network Settings
First, click on the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. This is where your network options live. Once you click on it, select Network & Internet settings.
Open Network and Sharing Center
In the settings window that opens, you’ll want to scroll down a little until you see the option for Network and Sharing Center. Click on that.
View Your WiFi Status
Under the section labeled View your active networks, you’ll see your WiFi network name next to the word Connections. Click on that WiFi name link.
Open Wireless Properties
A new window will pop up showing your WiFi Status. From here, click on Wireless Properties.
Reveal the Password
In the Wireless Network Properties window, switch to the Security tab. You’ll see a box that says Network security key—this is your password, but it’s hidden. To make it visible, just check the box that says Show characters. Voilà, your password is now revealed!

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable using command lines, this method is a little more direct and techy.

Open Command Prompt
Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialog. Type cmd and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.
List All WiFi Profiles
In the Command Prompt window, type this command:

sql

netsh wlan show profiles

This will show you a list of all WiFi networks your computer has connected to.
Find the Specific WiFi Profile
Look for the name of the WiFi network you need the password for and remember it exactly as it appears.
Get the Password
To see the password, type the following command, replacing WiFi-Profile-Name with the name of your network:

arduino

netsh wlan show profile name="WiFi-Profile-Name" key=clear

In the results, look for Key Content under Security settings—this is your WiFi password.

Method 3: Via Control Panel (Windows 10 & 11)

For those who like doing things the classic way, the Control Panel offers another way to find your WiFi password.

Open Control Panel
Hit the Windows key and type Control Panel. Click on it when it appears in the search results.
Navigate to Network Settings
Once in the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet, then go to Network and Sharing Center.
Check WiFi Properties
In the Network and Sharing Center, find your active WiFi connection and click on it. A new window showing your WiFi Status will pop up. Here, click on Wireless Properties.
Show the Password
Just like before, switch to the Security tab and check the box that says Show characters. Your WiFi password will now be visible.

Conclusion

Losing track of your WiFi password is a common hiccup, but as you can see, getting it back is pretty simple. Whether you prefer clicking through settings or typing out commands, Windows has got you covered. Now, you’ll always know how to find your WiFi password when you need it—no more guesswork!

FAQ

1. Can I find my WiFi password if I’m not currently connected to the network?

Yes, you can still find the password for any WiFi network your Windows computer has previously connected to. The Command Prompt method allows you to view passwords for all saved networks, even if you’re not currently connected.

2. Is it safe to use the Command Prompt to find my WiFi password?

Absolutely. Using the Command Prompt to retrieve your WiFi password is safe. It simply displays the password stored on your computer for the network.

3. What if the ‘Show characters’ option is grayed out?

If ‘Show characters’ is grayed out, it usually means you don’t have administrative rights on your account. You’ll need to log in as an administrator to access this option.

4. Can I use these methods on Windows 7?

Yes, these methods work on Windows 7 with slight differences in the interface. You can use the Network and Sharing Center or Command Prompt to find your WiFi password.

5. Will these methods work if I’m connected via Ethernet?

Yes, if you’ve connected to the WiFi network before, you can still retrieve the password using the Command Prompt. The Network Settings method requires an active WiFi connection.