Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to share your WiFi password with a friend or family member, but you couldn’t remember it? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten the password yourself and want to recover it? Luckily, Windows 10 provides an easy way to retrieve the WiFi password from a saved network. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process to get the WiFi password from a saved network on Windows 10.
Method 1: Using Windows 10 Settings App
The first method involves using the Windows 10 Settings app to retrieve the WiFi password.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To begin, press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select the gear icon.
Step 2: Navigate to Network & Internet
In the Settings app, click on “Network & Internet” from the list of options.
Step 3: Click on WiFi
On the left side of the window, click on “WiFi” to open the WiFi settings.
Step 4: Manage Known Networks
Click on “Manage known networks” to view a list of all the networks you’ve connected to in the past.
Step 5: Select the Network
Select the network you want to retrieve the password for. Click on the network name to open its properties.
Step 6: View WiFi Network Properties
In the network properties window, click on the “Wireless properties” button.
Step 7: Show Characters
In the Wireless Network Properties window, click on the “Show characters” checkbox next to the “Network security key” field.
Step 8: View WiFi Password
The WiFi password will be displayed in the “Network security key” field. You can now copy and share the password with others or save it for future reference.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can use the following method to retrieve the WiFi password.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
Step 2: Run the Netsh Command
In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profile name=<network_name> key=clear
Replace <network_name> with the name of the network you want to retrieve the password for.
Step 3: View WiFi Password
The command will display a list of information about the network, including the WiFi password. Look for the “Key Content” field to find the password.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you’re not comfortable using the built-in Windows 10 methods, you can use third-party software to retrieve the WiFi password.
WirelessKeyView
WirelessKeyView is a free utility from NirSoft that can retrieve the WiFi password from a saved network.
Step 1: Download and Install WirelessKeyView
Download the WirelessKeyView software from the official NirSoft website and install it on your computer.
Step 2: Run WirelessKeyView
Run the WirelessKeyView software and it will display a list of all the saved WiFi networks on your computer.
Step 3: Select the Network
Select the network you want to retrieve the password for from the list.
Step 4: View WiFi Password
The WiFi password will be displayed in the “Key (Hex)” column. You can copy and share the password with others or save it for future reference.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble retrieving the WiFi password using the above methods, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you:
Ensure You Have Administrator Privileges
Make sure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 10 computer to access the WiFi password.
Check Your Network Connection
Ensure you’re connected to the network you want to retrieve the password for.
Restart Your Router
If you’re unable to retrieve the WiFi password, try restarting your router and then try again.
Conclusion
Retrieving the WiFi password from a saved network on Windows 10 is a relatively simple process. Whether you use the built-in Windows 10 methods or third-party software, you can easily recover and share your WiFi password with others. Remember to always keep your WiFi password secure and only share it with trusted individuals.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Settings App | Uses the Windows 10 Settings app to retrieve the WiFi password from a saved network. |
| Command Prompt | Uses the Command Prompt to run a Netsh command to retrieve the WiFi password. |
| Third-Party Software | Uses third-party software like WirelessKeyView to retrieve the WiFi password from a saved network. |
By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to retrieve the WiFi password from a saved network on Windows 10. Remember to stay safe and secure online by keeping your WiFi password private and only sharing it with trusted individuals.
How do I access the Network and Sharing Center on Windows 10?
To access the Network and Sharing Center on Windows 10, you can follow these steps: Click on the Start menu and select the Control Panel option. In the Control Panel window, click on the Network and Internet option. Then, click on the Network and Sharing Center option from the list of available options. Alternatively, you can also access the Network and Sharing Center by right-clicking on the WiFi icon in the system tray and selecting the Open Network & Sharing Center option.
Once you have accessed the Network and Sharing Center, you will be able to view all the available networks, including the ones that you have previously connected to. You can click on the Change adapter settings option on the left side of the window to view the properties of your WiFi adapter.
What is the difference between a saved network and a connected network?
A saved network is a network that you have previously connected to and has been stored on your device for future use. When you connect to a network, Windows 10 saves the network credentials, including the password, so that you don’t have to enter them again the next time you connect to the same network. A connected network, on the other hand, is a network that you are currently connected to. You can view all the saved networks on your device by going to the Network and Sharing Center and clicking on the Manage wireless networks option.
It’s worth noting that when you connect to a network, Windows 10 also saves the network password, which can be accessed by clicking on the Wireless Properties button in the Network and Sharing Center. This allows you to view the password for the network, which can be useful if you need to share it with someone else or if you need to access it for some other reason.
How do I view the WiFi password for a saved network?
To view the WiFi password for a saved network, you can follow these steps: Open the Network and Sharing Center and click on the Change adapter settings option on the left side of the window. Then, right-click on the WiFi adapter and select the Status option. In the WiFi Status window, click on the Wireless Properties button. This will open the Wireless Network Properties window, where you can view the password for the network in the Network security key field.
Make sure to check the Show characters checkbox to view the password in plain text. Note that you will need administrative privileges to view the password. Also, be careful when sharing the password with others, as it can compromise the security of your network.
Can I view the WiFi password for a connected network?
Yes, you can view the WiFi password for a connected network using the same steps as for a saved network. Simply open the Network and Sharing Center, click on the Change adapter settings option, right-click on the WiFi adapter, and select the Status option. Then, click on the Wireless Properties button to view the WiFi password in the Network security key field.
However, if you are already connected to a network, you can also view the password by clicking on the WiFi icon in the system tray and selecting the Network & Internet settings option. Then, click on the WiFi option on the left side of the window and select the Hardware properties option. This will open the WiFi adapter properties window, where you can view the password for the network.
Is it safe to view the WiFi password?
Viewing the WiFi password on your device is generally safe, as long as you are accessing the password on your own device and not sharing it with others. However, it’s important to note that viewing the password does pose some security risks, especially if you share the password with others or if your device is compromised by malware.
To minimize the risks, make sure to only view the password on your own device and avoid sharing it with others unless absolutely necessary. Also, make sure to keep your device and operating system up to date with the latest security patches to prevent malware infections.
Can I use the WiFi password to connect to other devices?
Yes, you can use the WiFi password to connect to other devices on the same network. The WiFi password is a network-specific password that allows devices to authenticate and connect to the network. If you have the password, you can use it to connect other devices to the same network.
However, keep in mind that sharing the WiFi password with others can compromise the security of your network. It’s recommended to only share the password with trusted individuals and devices, and to use other security measures such as firewalls and encryption to protect your network from unauthorized access.
What if I forget my WiFi password?
If you forget your WiFi password, you can try to recover it using the steps outlined in this article. If you are unable to recover the password, you can try resetting your router to its default settings. This will erase all customized settings, including the WiFi password, and restore the router to its factory settings.
Be careful when resetting your router, as it will disconnect all devices from the network and you will need to reconfigure the router and reconnect all devices. It’s also a good idea to change the default password on your router to a strong and unique password to prevent unauthorized access to your network.