Why This Method Is Important
Method 1: Show Wi-Fi Password Using Command Prompt (CMD)
Method 2: Show Wi-Fi Password Using NCPA.CPL
Connect Your Phone
Educational Disclaimer

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be frustrating—especially when your laptop is already connected, but you want to connect a new phone or device. Many people think the only solution is to reset the router, but that can disconnect all devices and waste time.

In this practical guide, you'll learn two safe and simple methods to view a saved Wi-Fi password on a Windows computer without resetting your router.

Why This Method Is Important

Avoids unnecessary router resets – Keep all devices connected
Saves time reconnecting devices – No need to reconfigure all your gadgets
Uses built-in Windows tools – No third-party software required
Perfect for home and office users – Safe and reliable methods

Method 1: Show Wi-Fi Password Using Command Prompt (CMD)

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Tip: You can also press Win + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)"

Step 2: Display Saved Wi-Fi Profiles

Type the following command to see all saved Wi-Fi networks:

netsh wlan show profiles

Command Prompt showing Wi-Fi profiles — Figure 2: Viewing saved Wi-Fi profiles with the netsh command

Figure 2: Viewing saved Wi-Fi profiles with the netsh command

Step 3: Show the Wi-Fi Password

Replace "WiFiName" with your actual Wi-Fi network name:

netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear

Wi-Fi password shown in Command Prompt — Figure 3: Wi-Fi password displayed as Key Content

Figure 3: Wi-Fi password displayed as Key Content

Important: Scroll down and look for "Key Content". This is your Wi-Fi password.

Method 2: Show Wi-Fi Password Using NCPA.CPL

Step 1: Open Network Connections

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter:

Run dialog with ncpa.cpl — Figure 4: Opening Network Connections using ncpa.cpl

Step 2: Open Wi-Fi Status

Right-click your Wi-Fi connection and select "Status":

Wi-Fi status window — Figure 5: Wi-Fi Status window

Step 3: Show the Password

Click "Wireless Properties" → "Security" tab → Check "Show characters":

Show Wi-Fi password in security tab — Figure 6: Checking "Show characters" to reveal password

Figure 6: Checking "Show characters" to reveal password

Note: This method only works if you're currently connected to the Wi-Fi network. The password field will be grayed out if you're not connected.

Connect Your Phone

Open Wi-Fi settings on your phone
Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to
Enter the password you retrieved using either method above
Connect instantly without disrupting other devices

Educational Disclaimer:
This tutorial is provided strictly for educational purposes. Only use these methods on networks you own or are authorized to access. Unauthorized access to networks is illegal and unethical.

Conclusion

Knowing how to retrieve your Wi-Fi password is an essential digital skill. It helps you manage your home or office network efficiently without unnecessary disruptions. Both methods shown above are built into Windows and provide a safe way to access your saved passwords.

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