In today’s world, the internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. We all use the internet for various purposes, such as browsing, streaming, gaming, and more. To connect to the internet, we need to have a Wi-Fi connection with the correct login credentials. Sometimes, we may not remember the password that we have set for our Wi-Fi network, and in such cases, we might need to retrieve the Wi-Fi password. In this blog post, we will be discussing the methods to get stored Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Stored WiFi Password Windows 10
There can be various reasons for you to get your stored WiFi password on your Windows 10. Some of the significant reasons are:
- If you want to connect another device to your Wi-Fi
- If you want to retrieve the password of a Wi-Fi network that you have forgotten
- If you want to ensure that the password you are using for your Wi-Fi network is secure
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a built-in utility in Windows 10, and it can be used to get stored Wi-Fi passwords. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing "Windows + X" and then selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".
Step 2: Type "netsh wlan show profile" in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
Step 3: A list of all the Wi-Fi networks that your computer has ever connected to will be displayed. Note down the name of the network whose password you want to retrieve.
Step 4: Type "netsh wlan show profile
Step 5: Under the "Security settings" section, look for the "Key Content" field. The password for the Wi-Fi network will be displayed next to "Key Content".
Pros:
- Command Prompt is a built-in utility in Windows 10, so no additional software is required.
Cons:
- This method can only be used to retrieve passwords for Wi-Fi networks that your computer has ever connected to.
Method 2: Using Control Panel
Windows 10 has a built-in feature that allows you to view the network settings of your computer, including the stored Wi-Fi passwords. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Press "Windows + R" to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "control panel" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Control Panel window, select the "Network and Sharing Center" option.
Step 4: Click on the name of the Wi-Fi network whose password you want to retrieve.
Step 5: In the Wi-Fi Status window that appears, click on the "Wireless Properties" button.
Step 6: In the Wireless Network Properties window, select the "Security" tab.
Step 7: Check the checkbox next to "Show characters" to display the Wi-Fi password.
Pros:
- Control Panel is a built-in utility in Windows 10, so no additional software is required.
Cons:
- This method can only be used to retrieve passwords for Wi-Fi networks that your computer has ever connected to.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
There are various third-party software applications available on the internet that allow you to retrieve stored Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10. Follow the steps given below to use the "WirelessKeyView" software:
Step 1: Download and install the "WirelessKeyView" software from the internet.
Step 2: Run the software as an administrator.
Step 3: A list of all the Wi-Fi networks that your computer has ever connected to, along with their passwords, will be displayed.
Pros:
- Third-party software can be used to retrieve passwords for all Wi-Fi networks that your computer has ever connected to.
Cons:
- Third-party software may contain malware or viruses that can harm your computer.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Stored WiFi Password Windows 10
If you are unable to get the stored Wi-Fi password on your Windows 10 using the above methods, you can try the following fixes:
- Restart your computer and try again.
- Reset your router to default settings and set up a new Wi-Fi network.
- Contact your ISP for assistance with retrieving the Wi-Fi password.
Bonus Tip
To ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure, you can use a strong and unique password that includes numbers, letters, and symbols.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I retrieve the Wi-Fi password of a network that my computer has never connected to?
A: No, you cannot retrieve the Wi-Fi password of a network that your computer has never connected to.
Q2: Should I use third-party software to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords?
A: Using third-party software can be a security risk, and it is recommended to use the built-in utilities in Windows 10 to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords.
Q3: Can I retrieve the Wi-Fi password using my phone?
A: No, you cannot retrieve the Wi-Fi password using your phone. You need to have access to the computer that has connected to the Wi-Fi network to retrieve the password.
Q4: Should I share my Wi-Fi password with others?
A: It is recommended to keep your Wi-Fi password private and not share it with others to ensure the security of your network.
Q5: How can I change my Wi-Fi password?
A: You can change your Wi-Fi password by accessing your router’s settings and navigating to the Wi-Fi settings section. You can then change the Wi-Fi password to a new password of your choice.
Final Thoughts
Retrieving the stored Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 can be helpful in various situations, such as connecting other devices to the network or resetting the network. In this blog post, we have discussed the three methods to get stored Wi-Fi passwords on Windows 10 and some fixes if you cannot retrieve the password. It is recommended to use the built-in utilities in Windows 10 to avoid any security risks associated with third-party software.