Find a Saved Wi-Fi Password Before Reconnecting Your Devices
Before forgetting a Wi-Fi network or resetting its settings, make sure you can reconnect. If a Windows PC already has the credentials for a network you own or are authorised to manage, its saved-network settings can help retrieve them.
Do this privately. A displayed password or connection QR code can give someone access to the network. Do not include either in a public screenshot, repair advertisement or general chat. For workplace or school Wi-Fi, use the administrator's approved onboarding process rather than redistributing saved credentials.
Read the right saved network
On current Windows 11, open Settings, Network & internet and the connected network's Properties. Microsoft documents a Show control beside Wi-Fi network password. For a previously saved network, use Wi-Fi, Manage known networks, select the intended entry and look for the same password control.
Confirm the exact network name before copying anything. A laptop may retain credentials for an old router, a guest network and a phone hotspot. A stored password can also be outdated if the router password changed after the PC last connected.
If your version presents different controls, use the appropriate Microsoft instructions for that version instead of installing a password-extraction utility. The task is retrieving an authorised saved setting, not bypassing another person's access controls.
Verify with a normal connection
On the device you want to connect, choose the correct network and enter the credential through its normal Wi-Fi interface. Test a routine connection. If it fails, compare the network name and confirm the current password with the network owner before changing router settings.
Close the password display when finished and store a needed household recovery record securely. Avoid leaving a screenshot in a shared photo library. Most importantly, do this preparation before disruptive troubleshooting. A network reset followed by an unknown Wi-Fi password can turn a limited connection issue into a complete loss of access.
Reference: Microsoft Support.