How to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords saved on your PC

One of the biggest pains of Wi-Fi is actually something that's self-inflicted: forgetting your network password. We've all been there. You take the advice of the security experts by creating a random, long Wi-Fi network password...and then promptly lose or forget that complicated password. 

  That's not a problem for any of the machines that were previously set up, but it could be an issue when you have guests or bring home a shiny, new Chromecast for your TV.
Here's how to retrieve all those seemingly lost passwords from your PC.

When currently connected

For users on Windows 7 and up it's easy to uncover the password for the network you're currently connected to. The instructions here are for Windows 10, but are generally the same for Windows 8.1, 8, and 7. If you'd like OS-specific instructions, however, check out Microsoft's help page.
In Windows 10, right-click on the Start menu and select Control Panel. With the category view selected click on Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
At the top of the window you'll see a section called "View your active networks" listing your current connection. Click on the blue link listed as "Connections."

Windows 7 and up can show you the password for your current Wi-Fi network.

This opens a window called Wi-Fi Status. Now click Wireless

Properties and in the new window click on the Security tab. Here you'll see a text entry box called "Network security key," with the Wi-Fi password represented as a series of black dots. Don't worry if the number of black dots don't line up with your actual password length as these are just placeholders.

To see your password click the Show characters box and your password will appear in the network security key box. Now you can copy it or show it to someone else.