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Show a saved Wi-Fi password on Windows

Reveal the stored password of a wireless network Windows has connected to, using netsh wlan show profile key=clear.

WindowswlanpasswordscmdWi-FiMedium risk
Run `netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear` and read the password next to "Key Content".

01Command

Command
$ netsh wlan show profile name="HomeWiFi" key=clear

02What it does

Windows stores the password of every network it connects to. The key=clear option tells netsh to display that stored key in plain text instead of hiding it. Look for the "Key Content" line in the output. This only works for networks this PC has previously joined.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
RequirementsThe network must be a saved profile on this PC. Reading the key may require an administrator terminal on some setups.
!Warning: Anyone at the keyboard can read the password, so run this only on your own computer and don't paste the output into chat or screenshots.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • netsh
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents netsh WLAN commands including `netsh wlan show profile name=... key=clear` and `netsh wlan delete profile name=...`.
  • Netsh commands - Windows CMD
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Reference for netsh context commands such as wlan delete profile and winhttp proxy.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Network

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