Before you start
- Administrator access on Windows, or your Mac login password
Method 1 Windows 11: view it in Settings
This option is in recent Windows 11 versions. If you don’t see it, use the command below.
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Step 1: Open Wi-Fi settings
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
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Step 2: Open the network
Click [network name] properties for the connected network, or Manage known networks and pick one.
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Step 3: Click Show
Next to Wi-Fi network password, click Show. The password appears.
Method 2 Any Windows version: netsh command
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Step 1: Open Terminal
Right-click Start > Terminal (Admin) or open Command Prompt as administrator.
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Step 2: List saved networks
Run the first command to see the names of all networks you’ve saved.
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Step 3: Show the password
Run the second command with the exact network name. Look for Key Content under Security settings.
netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="Your Network Name" key=clearMethod 3 Windows 10: Control Panel
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Step 1: Open adapter status
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center and click your Wi-Fi network name next to Connections.
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Step 2: Show characters
Click Wireless Properties > Security and tick Show characters.
Method 4 Mac
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Step 1: System Settings
On macOS Ventura or later: System Settings > Wi-Fi, click ⋯ next to the network (or Advanced > known networks) and choose Copy Password. Paste it into a note.
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Step 2: Keychain Access or Passwords app
Open the Passwords app (macOS Sequoia and later), click Wi-Fi in the sidebar, select the network and hover over the dots next to Password to show it. On older macOS, use Keychain Access: search the network name, double-click it and tick Show password.
Troubleshooting
“The Wireless AutoConfig Service is not running”
Open services.msc, start WLAN AutoConfig, and set it to Automatic.
Key Content is missing
Run Terminal as administrator, and check the network uses a password (enterprise networks like eduroam use your account login instead).
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to view saved Wi-Fi passwords?
Yes, on your own computer for networks you’re allowed to use.
Can I see passwords for networks I never joined?
No. Only networks your laptop has connected to are saved.
Summary
On Windows 11, click Show next to Wi-Fi network password in Wi-Fi settings, or run netsh wlan show profile name="…" key=clear. On a Mac, use Copy Password in Wi-Fi settings or the Passwords app.
