If you have forgotten the password key for networks you use regularly but are not connected to it, you may be able to retrieve the password.

First you need to open a Command Prompt window.

RIGHT click the start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin)

(This will work on other versions of Windows but you need to be able to ruin the command prompt as Administrator for it to work, usually you can search for command prompt then select the admin option)

Now we need to invoke the Network shell -a small windows utility.

To get there type netsh and press enter.

Then type: wlan show profile and press enter

Now you will see a list of Wi-Fi networks you have connected to recently.

Make a note of the one you want the password for, remember the correct spelling is vital.

In my example I will use my ‘Dave’ network.

The next stage is to get the password for that network, you need to substitute the name (Dave) for your WiFi network you want the password for within the quote marks.

So  type: wlan show profile “YOUR NETWORK NAME” key=clear and press enter

You will see the wireless key password revealed in the section headed Security settings.

Make a note of it and close the window.

What if you are already connected to a network wirelessly but have forgotten that password? No problem, a different process can reveal it for you.

Right click the small Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
Click the option to go to the Network and Sharing Centre.

In the top LEFT corner select the Change adapter settings option.

Double click the connection icon

A screen appears with various options

Click the Wireless properties option in the centre.

On the Security tab you will have the option to Show characters  –this is the Wi-Fi password you are connected with.

Make a note of it and close all open windows.