How to See Saved Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 11

When you connect your Windows 11 laptop to a Wi-Fi network, the operating system automatically saves the password so you can seamlessly reconnect in the future without typing it again. This is incredibly convenient until a friend comes over and asks for your Wi-Fi password, and you realize you haven’t typed it in years and have completely forgotten it. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to dive into your network settings and view the passwords for both your current connection and previously saved networks.

How to View the Password for Your Current Network

If you are currently connected to the Wi-Fi network, finding the password is very straightforward through the Settings app.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand navigation menu, click on Network & internet.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Wi-Fi.
4. Click on the name of the network you are currently connected to (it should say “[Network Name] properties”).
5. Scroll down the properties page until you find the section labelled Wi-Fi network password.
6. Click the View button next to the hidden password.
7. Windows will immediately prompt you to confirm your identity. You must enter your computer’s administrator PIN, password, or use fingerprint/facial recognition.
8. Once authenticated, the password will be revealed in plain text.

How to View Passwords for Previously Saved Networks

If you need the password for a network you connected to at a coffee shop last week, but you are currently at home, you have to dig slightly deeper into a legacy menu.

1. Open the Settings app and navigate to Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click on Manage known networks. This will display a list of every Wi-Fi network your computer has ever saved.
3. Click on the name of the specific network you want to view.
4. Look for the Wi-Fi network password field and click the View button.
5. Authenticate with your Windows PIN or password to reveal the text.

Alternative Method: The Control Panel

Some users prefer the classic Windows 10 method using the older Control Panel.

1. Press the Windows Key, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Under the “Network and Internet” heading, click on View network status and tasks.
3. In the active network area, click on the blue link next to “Connections:” (it will display your Wi-Fi network name).
4. A small “Wi-Fi Status” window will appear. Click the Wireless Properties button.
5. Click on the Security tab at the top.
6. Check the box labelled Show characters.
7. Enter your Windows administrator credentials to reveal the “Network security key.”