To find passwords saved on your Windows 10 computer, open Credential Manager (search for it in the Start menu), click Web Credentials, expand an entry, and click Show next to Password; Windows asks for your own PIN or password first. Most website passwords, though, are saved in your browser: in Microsoft Edge go to Settings > Passwords (or edge://wallet/passwords), and in Chrome go to Google Password Manager (chrome://password-manager). For a saved Wi-Fi password, check your network’s Wireless Properties > Security > Show characters.
These steps are for recovering your own saved passwords on a computer you use. Windows and browsers require you to verify your identity before showing them, which protects you if someone else uses your PC.
Method 1: Credential Manager
- Click Start, type Credential Manager, and open it.
- Choose Web Credentials (websites saved by older Edge and Internet Explorer) or Windows Credentials (network shares, apps, and some Microsoft services).
- Click an entry to expand it.
- Click Show next to the password and confirm with your Windows PIN, password, or Windows Hello.
Windows Credentials usually don’t reveal passwords; you can only edit or remove them.
Method 2: Browser password managers
- Microsoft Edge – click the three dots > Settings > Passwords (under Profiles or Wallet, depending on version). Click the eye icon next to a password and sign in to confirm.
- Google Chrome – open chrome://password-manager (or three dots > Passwords and autofill > Google Password Manager), choose a site, and click the eye icon.
- Firefox – three lines > Passwords, choose a login, and click the eye icon.
If you sync your browser, the same passwords are also available at your account’s online password manager.
Method 3: Saved Wi-Fi passwords
For the network you’re connected to
- Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click your Wi-Fi network name next to Connections.
- Click Wireless Properties > Security tab and check Show characters.
For networks you’ve used before
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
netsh wlan show profilesto list saved networks. - Run
netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clearand look for Key Content.
Keep your passwords safe
- Set a PIN or password on your Windows account so others can’t view saved passwords.
- Lock your PC (Windows + L) when you step away.
- Consider a dedicated password manager for strong, unique passwords everywhere.
- Remove saved passwords before selling or giving away the PC.
Can’t find a password?
- It may have been saved in a different browser or browser profile.
- It may never have been saved; use the site’s Forgot password option.
- For your Microsoft account password, reset it at the Microsoft account recovery page; Windows doesn’t show it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see my Windows login password?
No. Windows doesn’t store your sign-in password in a viewable form. Reset it if you’ve forgotten it.
Why does Windows ask for my password to show others?
It’s a security check to make sure you’re the account owner.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. Credential Manager, browser settings, and the netsh commands work the same way.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.