Your visitor would like to access your Internet, but you have forgotten how to view the WiFi password on Windows 10? Or are you trying to connect a new device to the network and want to find the WiFi password? As rarely as these access keys are needed, they are often not at hand at the crucial moment.
But that is not a problem. As long as you have access to a PC with Windows 10 Home or Pro, you can view your WiFi password directly. We will show you step by step how to proceed. The following is an overview, which is then broken down into more detail.
How to View your WiFi Password on Windows 10?
- Open Network and Internet Settings
- Switch to the Network and Sharing Center
- Select WiFi
- Open Wireless Properties
- View WiFi password
In addition, it can be worthwhile to create a password even for private use or when setting up a network. But first things first: you need all the access key.
Find your Windows 10 WiFi Password
1. Open Network and Internet Settings
On the right side of your taskbar, you will find the WiFi icon, which also shows you the signal strength. With a right click, you will get to the network and internet settings. Here you will learn how to view your WiFi password on Windows 10.
If your account does not appear in Quick Access, either there is no connection or the taskbar has an error. Such difficulties can usually be fixed quickly – see our blog post on the topic.
2. Switch to the Network and Sharing Center
In the settings, first click on the WiFi tab on the left. In Windows 10, look for the Network and Sharing Center and click on it again. You will find it either further down or, as in the picture, at the side of the Related Settings.
3. Select WiFi
Now you should see a list of all active WiFi networks. Click on the name of the network whose access you need to find, and you will learn how to view the WiFi password on Windows 10.
4. Open Wireless Properties
In the window that opens next, click on the Wireless Properties next to the Details command. This will take you to the last step.
5. View WiFi Password
Again, a small window appears. You switch from the Connections to the Security tab. At this point you only have to check the box in front of Show characters, and you will finally know how to view your WiFi password on Windows 10.
The screenshots show the procedure for Windows 10 in detail. But basically, the individual steps are similar for other operating systems from Microsoft.
Already under Windows 7 the password could be found out via CMD:
How to View your WiFi Password on Windows 10 – Alternatives for Advanced Users
You can get more information about your WiFi network by using the functions of the command prompt.
The quickest way to start this is via the Windows search function: Right-click on the main menu and select Search (or Windows logo key + S). As a search command, enter Command Prompt or simply cmd. It is also best to run the app as administrator. A black window with text will open.
After your username you type netsh wlan show profile NAME key=clear. Replace NAME with the name of the network from which you want to view the WiFi password on Windows 10. Confirm this command with Enter.
An overview with a lot of information appears. The security settings section contains additional values as well as the security key, which should help you find your WiFi password.
Find your WiFi Password with a Tool
If the methods described above do not work, you can use the third-party tool WirelessKeyView from nirSoft, for example, as it’s available free of charge. After installing it, you will see all WiFi passwords stored on Windows in a handy list.
But be always careful with freeware. Even proven programs like WirelessKeyView can be classified as malicious by your Antivirus. It is better to use the Windows 10 on-board tools described above. This way, you will see how to view your WiFi password on Windows 10 more quickly and protect urgently needed devices, like your printer.
