How to Find Your WiFi Password on Windows 11

Why You Might Need This

You are reading this because you have forgotten the password to your own Wi-Fi network, or you need to share it with a guest. It is a common situation: the password was set up years ago, written on a sticky note that has since vanished, or you simply never memorized it. On Windows 11, the operating system stores every Wi-Fi network you have connected to, along with its password, in a hidden system file. You do not need to be a tech expert or use complex command-line tools to retrieve it—the Settings app provides a straightforward way to see it, provided you are currently connected to that network.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you dive into the steps, there are a few prerequisites. First, you must be logged into Windows 11 with an account that has administrator privileges. A standard user account cannot view saved Wi-Fi passwords through the Settings interface. Second, you need to be currently connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to see. If you are not connected, Windows will not show the security key in Settings. If you need the password for a network you are not connected to, you will have to use the command-line method described later in this article. Third, make sure your Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and working—if you are reading this on the same device, it likely is.

How to Find Your Current Wi-Fi Password in Settings

The Settings app is the simplest method for most users. It is a graphical interface that does not require typing any commands. Here is the step-by-step process:

Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click the Start button and select the gear icon. This opens the Windows Settings window.
Go to Network & internet: In the left sidebar, click on “Network & internet.” This section manages all your network connections, both Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Select Wi-Fi: In the Network & internet page, click on “Wi-Fi” in the left sidebar (or the main list if you are using a tablet layout). This shows your current Wi-Fi status.
Click on your network’s properties: Under the “Wi-Fi” section, you will see a line that says “Current network” followed by the name of the network you are connected to. Click on that network name (it is a link).
Scroll to the bottom: On the network properties page, scroll down until you see the section labeled “Properties.” This section contains details like the network’s SSID, protocol, and security type.
Find the “View Wi-Fi security key” option: In the Properties section, look for a line that says “View Wi-Fi security key.” Next to it, you will see a “View” button.
Click “View” and read the password: Click the “View” button. A small text box will appear showing the network security key—your Wi-Fi password. It will be visible as plain text, so you can read it, write it down, or type it into another device.

That is all there is to it. The password is displayed in a pop-up that you can dismiss by clicking anywhere outside it. Note that the menu names and button labels may differ slightly depending on your Windows 11 version, but the general path has remained consistent since Windows 10.

How to Find a Saved Wi-Fi Password Using Command Prompt

If you need the password for a network you are not currently connected to, or if you prefer working with the command line, Windows includes a built-in tool called netsh that can list all saved Wi-Fi profiles and their passwords. This method works even if you are not connected to the network, as long as you have connected to it at least once in the past. Here is how to do it:

Open Command Prompt as administrator: Click the Start button, type “cmd” (or “Command Prompt”), then right-click on the result and select “Run as administrator.” If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes.”
List all saved profiles: In the command prompt window, type netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter. This will display a list of all Wi-Fi networks your computer has ever connected to.
Get the password for a specific profile: Type netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear (replace NETWORK_NAME with the exact name of the network from the list) and press Enter. Look for the line that says “Key Content” under the “Security settings” section—that is your Wi-Fi password.

This method is particularly useful when you are troubleshooting a device that cannot connect to a network you have previously used. It also works on older versions of Windows, so if you are helping a friend with Windows 10 or even Windows 7, the same command will work.

What to Do If You Are Not Connected and Don’t Have a Saved Profile

If you have never connected to the network on this Windows 11 device, or if you have reset the router and the old password is no longer valid, you cannot retrieve the password from the computer. In that case, you have a few options:

Check the router’s label: Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default SSID and password. If the password has never been changed, this will work.
Log into the router’s admin page: If you have changed the password and forgotten it, you can log into the router’s web interface (usually at an IP address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) using the router’s admin credentials. Once inside, look for the “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” settings section to see or reset the password.
Reset the router: If you cannot log into the router, you can perform a factory reset by pressing and holding the reset button on the router for about 10 seconds. This will restore the default password printed on the label, but it will also erase all your custom settings, so use this as a last resort.

These methods are not specific to Windows 11—they apply to any device. But they are the logical next steps when the Windows methods fail.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes the steps above do not work as expected. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:

“View” button is grayed out: This happens when you are not connected to the network. The “View” button only appears for the network you are currently using. If you need a different network, use the Command Prompt method.
No “View Wi-Fi security key” option at all: This can occur if your Wi-Fi adapter driver is outdated. Go to Device Manager, find your network adapter, right-click it, and select “Update driver.” Restart your computer and try again.
Command Prompt says “The system cannot find the file specified”: This usually means you typed the network name incorrectly. The name is case-sensitive, so make sure you copy it exactly from the netsh wlan show profiles output.
You see “Key Content” but it is blank: This means the network profile does not store the password in plain text, which can happen with some enterprise or captive portal networks. In that case, you will need to contact the network administrator.

If none of these fixes work, a simple restart of your computer or router often resolves temporary glitches.

Comparing Methods: Settings vs. Command Prompt vs. Third-Party Tools

There are three main ways to view a saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 11, and each has its pros and cons. The Settings app is the most user-friendly, requiring no technical knowledge, but it only shows the password for the current network. The Command Prompt method is more flexible—it can show passwords for any saved network—but it requires typing commands and running the terminal as an administrator. Third-party tools, such as WirelessKeyView or WiFi Password Revealer, can also display saved passwords, but they are not necessary and may pose security risks if downloaded from untrusted sources. Microsoft does not endorse these tools, and using them can expose your system to malware. For most people, the built-in methods are sufficient and safer.

Security Considerations

Being able to view your Wi-Fi password on your own computer is a convenience, but it is also a security risk if someone else has access to your user account. Anyone who can log into your Windows profile can see the password for your current network in seconds. To protect yourself, consider these practices:

Use a strong Windows account password: If your Windows login is weak or blank, anyone can sit down and view your Wi-Fi password. Set a strong password or use Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition).
Do not share your Windows account: Create separate user accounts for family members or guests, each with their own login.
Change your Wi-Fi password periodically: If you suspect someone has seen it, change it in your router’s settings. This will also disconnect all devices, so you will need to reconnect them.

Remember, the Wi-Fi password is the key to your home network. If a stranger gets it, they can access your internet connection, potentially see devices on your network, and even intercept unencrypted traffic. Treat it with the same care as your bank password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find a Wi-Fi password on Windows 11 if I am not connected to that network?

Yes, but only if you have connected to that network in the past. Use the Command Prompt method with netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK" key=clear. This works for any saved profile, regardless of whether you are currently connected.

Why does the “View” button not appear in Settings?

The “View” button only appears for the network you are currently connected to. If you are not connected, you will not see it. Also, ensure you are looking at the correct network properties page—click on the network name under “Current network” in the Wi-Fi settings.

Is it possible to see the Wi-Fi password in Windows 11 without admin rights?

No. Both the Settings method and the Command Prompt method require administrator privileges. If you are using a standard user account, you will need to ask an administrator to log in or provide the password.

Does the Command Prompt method work on Windows 10?

Yes, the netsh wlan show profiles command works on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, as long as you run it as an administrator. The output format is nearly identical.

What if I changed my Wi-Fi password on the router but Windows still shows the old one?

Windows stores the password that was used when you last connected. If you changed the router password, the saved profile on your PC is outdated. You will need to forget the network in Windows (Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks) and reconnect with the new password. The methods in this article will then show the new password.

Can I use the Wi-Fi password I find to connect another device?

Yes, absolutely. The password you retrieve is the same one you would type into any other device, such as a phone, tablet, or smart TV. That is the whole point of finding it.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.