The Wi-Fi passwords your PC has connected to are stored on the machine. When you need them (a guest wants to connect, or you forgot your own), Windows can show them without any extra software.

1. Command line is fastest (recommended)

  1. Win + X > Terminal (admin), or Win + R and type cmd then Enter.
  2. List every Wi-Fi you have connected to:
netsh wlan show profile
  1. View one network's password (replace WiFiName with the real name; add quotes if it has spaces):
netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear

In the "Security settings" output, the "Key Content" line is the password in plain text. The same works in PowerShell.

2. Graphical interface (no commands)

  • Windows 11. Settings > Network and Internet > WLAN > click the current network > Hardware properties > find "View Wi-Fi security key" (may need admin verification, tick "Show characters").
  • Control Panel path (works on both Win10 and Win11). Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > click the connected Wi-Fi name > Wireless Properties > Security > tick "Show characters".
  • If Control Panel is hidden, Win + R and type ncpa.cpl also opens Network Connections.

3. Router admin page (most universal, best for "I forgot my own password")

From a PC or a phone, you can go into the router.

  1. Open 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser (check the label on the router bottom).
  2. Log in > Wireless / Wi-Fi settings > Security > wireless password.

This is the most reliable fix for "I forgot the home router password and every device needs to reconnect". To change the router login password or set up LAN sharing, see Windows File and Printer Sharing on a Local Network.

4. Share by QR code from your phone (easiest)

Both Android and Windows 11 can generate a Wi-Fi QR code; someone scans it with their phone and connects directly, no need to read the password out loud. Great for guests.

5. Common pitfalls and a security note

  • In the command line, the name= value must be in English quotes if it has spaces, or you get "The specified profile could not be found".
  • Do not casually look up other people's passwords on a public or corporate network; that crosses privacy and compliance lines.
  • If it is just "can't connect", it is usually not a password problem; troubleshoot the wireless connection itself (signal, router, IP acquisition).
  • If you can connect to Wi-Fi but web pages won't open, it is likely a DNS issue; see the 8-step fix in Browser Can't Open Web Pages, but WeChat Works.

Wrap-up

To view a saved Wi-Fi password, the command netsh wlan show profile name="name" key=clear is the most reliable; if you don't want to type commands, use "Show characters" in the wireless properties; if you forgot your own home password, go into the router admin page; for guests, just share the QR code. No third-party tool needed.