How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows (All Versions — 2026)

You’re connected to WiFi but forgot the password. Now you need it to connect your phone, a guest’s laptop, or a new device. Windows has it saved — you just need to know where to look. This guide shows every method that actually works, on every version of Windows.

Method 1: Find WiFi Password Through Windows Settings (Windows 10 and 11)

This is the easiest method for most people — no commands, no admin tools needed.

Step-by-Step

1. Click the Start menu and open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click WiFi in the left sidebar.
4. Click Manage known networks and select your network, OR click your current network name at the top.
5. Click Wireless Properties.
6. Go to the Security tab.
7. Check the box that says Show characters.

Your WiFi password will appear in the Network security key field. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Method 2: Find WiFi Password Using Command Prompt

This method works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. It’s quick once you know the command, and you don’t need to navigate through any settings menus.

1. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. Or search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear

Replace YourNetworkName with the exact name of your WiFi network. Capitalisation matters.

3. Look for the line that says Key Content — the value next to it is your WiFi password.

Don’t know your network name exactly?

Run this first to see all saved networks:

netsh wlan show profiles

This lists every WiFi network your Windows PC has ever connected to. Find yours in the list, then use the command above with the exact name shown.

Method 3: Find WiFi Password via Control Panel (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11)

This works on all Windows versions and doesn’t require Command Prompt.

1. Open Control Panel. (Search for it in the Start menu, or press Windows+R and type control.)
2. Click Network and Internet.
3. Click Network and Sharing Center.
4. In the left panel, you’ll see your current network listed next to “Connections.” Click the network name (it’s a blue link).
5. Click Wireless Properties.
6. Go to the Security tab.
7. Check the Show characters box.

Your password will appear in the Network security key box.

Method 4: Find Your Router’s Default WiFi Password

If you’ve never changed your router’s WiFi password from the factory default, it’s printed directly on the router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the router — it’ll say something like “WiFi Password,” “Wireless Key,” “WPA2 Key,” or “Network Key.”

Common label names to look for:

• Password / Pass
• WPA Key / WPA2 Key
• Wireless Password
• Network Security Key

Method 5: Find WiFi Password via Router Admin Page

Every router has a built-in admin page where you can see and change the WiFi password. This works even if you’re on a different device — as long as you’re connected to that network.

1. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. (These are the two most common default router addresses. Check your router sticker for the exact one.)
2. Log in with your router admin username and password. The default is usually admin / admin or admin / password — again, check the router sticker.
3. Look for a Wireless or WiFi section in the settings.
4. Your WiFi password will be listed there, usually under Wireless Security or WPA Key.

Common Problems and Fixes

The “Show characters” checkbox is greyed out

This usually happens if you’re not using an administrator account. Right-click Command Prompt and choose “Run as administrator,” then try the netsh command method instead.

netsh command says “Profile not found”

The network name in your command doesn’t exactly match the saved profile name. Run netsh wlan show profiles first to see the exact name, then copy it precisely — including spaces, capitalisation, and special characters.

You changed the password and now no devices can connect

Log into your router admin page (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) with a device that’s connected via ethernet cable (not WiFi). From there you can either find the new password you set, or reset it to something you’ll remember.

Forgot the router admin login

Most routers have a physical reset button on the back (usually a small pinhole). Hold it for 10–30 seconds to reset the router to factory defaults — this will also reset the WiFi password back to the one printed on the sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my WiFi password without being connected to it?

Yes, but only if your PC has connected to that network before and saved it. Use the Command Prompt method: netsh wlan show profiles to list all saved networks, then netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear to get the saved password.

Why can’t I see the WiFi password in Settings?

The “Show characters” option in Settings only works for your currently connected network. For other saved networks, use the Command Prompt method or Control Panel method.

How do I find my WiFi password on Android?

On Android 10 and later, go to Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi → tap your connected network → tap the share icon. A QR code appears along with the password in text. On older Android versions, you’ll need a file manager app to access the wpa_supplicant.conf file (requires root access on most phones).

Is it safe to look up my WiFi password this way?

Yes — these are built-in Windows features that only show passwords for networks your PC has already been authenticated to. You’re not hacking anything; you’re just retrieving a password your computer already knows.

I factory-reset my router. What’s the WiFi password now?

After a factory reset, the router goes back to its default settings — including the original password printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of the router. Use that password to reconnect.

Once you’ve got the password, it’s worth writing it down somewhere safe, or storing it in a password manager so you never have to go hunting for it again.

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