In Windows 8, you could view connection properties just by right-clicking any WiFi connection. In Windows 8.1, things got a bit more complicated if you need to find the WiFi password for a specific connection. In this post, you’ll learn how to display the WiFi security key for your current connection and for previous connections.
Latest posts by Michael Pietroforte (see all)

You might have to find the WiFi password for several reasons. If you often connect to a WiFi network, you will probably forget the security key at some point. If someone asks you about the WiFi password (say, in a coffee shop), you might want to make it visible in the networking settings. However, the main reason I often need to view the connection properties is to troubleshoot a WiFi connection.

As I explained before, whenever you can’t connect to a WiFi network that previously worked, a good start is to tell Windows to forget the WiFi connection (right-click the connection). Unfortunately, this means Windows will also forget the password. Thus, you will find yourself again bothering the person who is managing the WiFi password.

In Windows 8, you could just click the WiFi icon on the systray and right-click the WiFi connection to access the View connection properties dialog. For some reason, Microsoft removed this feature in Windows 8.1.

View connection properties option no longer available in Windows 8.1

View connection properties option: no longer available in Windows 8.1

However, in Windows 8.1, two other ways exist to access the WiFi password. You’ll find one way in the Network and Sharing Center for your current connection, and you can also use the netsh command to view the connection properties of previous WiFi connections.

View WiFi password of current connection

  1. Right-click the WiFi symbol in the systray and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
    Network symbol in systray
  2. Click Change adapter settings.
    Change adapter settings
  3. Right-click the WiFi adapter. In the context menu, navigate to Status.
    Status of WiFi connection
  4. In the WiFi Status dialog, click Wireless Properties.
    WiFi Status
  5. Click the Security tab and then check Show characters.
    Show characters to display WiFi password

You now see the WiFi password of your current connection. Doing so takes a few more clicks than in Windows 8, but you won’t have to do this often.

Find WiFi password of previous connections

If you are more the type-type type, you will prefer the netsh command anyway. This method allows you to find not only the WiFi password of your current connection but also that of previous connections. The syntax of the command looks like this:

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

Find WIFI password on the command prompt with netsh

Finding WiFi password on the command line with netsh

Notice that you only need the quotation marks for the connection name (profile name) when the name contains a blank. You can find the password in the Security settings section next to Key Content.

To get a list of your previous WiFi connections, type this command:

netsh wlan show profiles

If you prefer a GUI, you can also list all of your previous WiFi connections in Windows 8.1 in the PC Settings:

WIN + C > Settings > Change PC settings > Manage known networks (under your current connection)

Previous WiFi connections in Windows 8.1

Previous WiFi connections in Windows 8.1

75 Comments
  1. Lucas 7 years ago

    Worked perfect!! You da man!!

  2. Luvian 7 years ago

    Worked perfectly. Thanks!

  3. Ali 7 years ago

    Does it work on windows 10?

  4. Delila 7 years ago

    What if you get the password from your computer to put into your phone and the password does not work? Has the password been changed? My wifi won’t connect on my phone even though i’m connecting it to the wifi my computer uses….

  5. Ali Ahmad 7 years ago

    Is there any way to see WiFi Passwords, If network adapter is removed.

  6. Johar 7 years ago

    How to find my Password. when my Computer is no Wireless Properties.

  7. Mikaela 7 years ago

    Worked for me. thank you!

  8. Dear Micheal

    I would like to pass my regard to you indeed,I try it but it tell to enter Administrative Password in order to open the WiFi.

    I will look for your wonderful support.

  9. Shi 6 years ago

    Very helpful. Thanks a lot!

  10. kazyarnold 6 years ago

    Thanks this can work!!!!!!!!!!!_____________________@

  11. bansilal 6 years ago

    hi iam using windows 8 os , wifi name is not showing while connectiong to wireless internet , earlier it was showing what is the solution??

  12. Amar 5 years ago

    Thanks a ton!

  13. XD|pU$$ySLayEr69| :) L0L 8=> 64 csmoney.com lmao OwO 5 years ago

    my security content is absent

  14. Stephen 3 years ago

    It worked! Thank you Michael.

  15. ijaz 2 years ago

    When I opened this “netsh wlan show profiles”, it turn off after a second automatically. Can u please help?

  16. Jokerian 1 year ago

    Thanks a lot.

  17. JC 9 months ago

    thanks ! Works like a charm ^^

  18. Rex 9 months ago

    How to get the password, when the wifi provider has been change name?

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