A friend asks for the Wi-Fi password, or you need it for a new phone or TV, and nobody remembers it. If your Windows 11 computer is connected to that network, or has connected in the past, Windows has saved the password and you can view it in a few clicks.
You’ll need to be signed in with an administrator account for some of these methods.
Method 1: Windows 11 Settings (Easiest)
This works for the network you’re currently connected to, on recent versions of Windows 11.
- Open Settings (Windows + I).
- Go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Click Manage known networks, then select your network.
- Next to View Wi-Fi security key, click View.
The password appears in a small window. If you don’t see this option, update Windows or use method 2 or 3.
Method 2: Control Panel
This older method still works on every version of Windows 11, for the network you’re currently connected to.
- Press Windows + R, type
ncpa.cpland press Enter. - Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Status.
- Click Wireless Properties.
- Open the Security tab and tick Show characters.
The password appears in the Network security key box.
Method 3: Command Line (Any Saved Network)
This method shows passwords for networks you’ve connected to in the past, even if you’re not connected now.
- Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin).
- To see all saved networks, run:
netsh wlan show profiles - To see a password, run the command below with your network name in quotes:
netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear - Look for Key Content under Security settings. That’s the password.
Other Ways to Find the Password
On the router sticker
If nobody has changed it, the default Wi-Fi password is printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router, often labelled Wi-Fi Key, WPA Key or Password.
On an Android phone
On Android 10 and newer, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet, tap your network’s gear icon, then Share. After confirming your identity, you’ll see a QR code and often the password underneath. Other devices can scan the QR code to join.
On an iPhone
On iOS 16 and later, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to the network, then tap Password and authenticate with Face ID or your passcode.
In the router app or admin page
Log into your router’s app or admin page and look under Wi-Fi or Wireless settings. The password is shown there, and you can change it.
Share Wi-Fi Safely
- Use a guest network for visitors, so they can’t see your other devices.
- Share via QR code instead of reading the password aloud.
- If too many people have your main password, change it. Our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi explains how.
Change Your Wi-Fi Password After Finding It
If you’re searching for your Wi-Fi password because you never set one yourself, it’s probably still the default printed on the router sticker. Default passwords are usually strong, but anyone who has seen the sticker, such as visitors or previous tenants, knows it too.
Changing it is simple: log into your router’s app or admin page, go to the Wi-Fi or Wireless settings, and enter a new password of at least 12 characters. Every device will need to reconnect with the new password, so change it at a time when that’s convenient.
How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on a Mac
If you also have a Mac that has joined the network:
- Open System Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Click Advanced (or the three dots next to a known network) and choose Copy Password, then paste it somewhere private.
On older macOS versions, open the Keychain Access app, search for the network name, double-click it and tick Show password. You’ll need to enter your Mac’s login password.
If No Device Knows the Password
If none of your devices have the password saved and the router sticker password has been changed, log into the router with a cable connection and view or change the Wi-Fi password there. If you can’t log into the router either, a factory reset returns both the Wi-Fi and admin passwords to the defaults on the sticker, but it also erases your other settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see “View Wi-Fi security key” in Settings?
Your Windows 11 version may be older, or you’re not connected to that network. Use the Control Panel or command-line method instead.
Can I see the password for a network I’m not connected to?
Yes, if your PC has connected to it before. Use netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear in Terminal (Admin).
Do I need admin rights to see the Wi-Fi password?
For the command-line method, yes. The Settings method may also ask for confirmation.
Is it safe to view saved Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, on your own computer and network. Just don’t share your main Wi-Fi password more widely than needed.