If you need to find your Ethernet password on Windows 10, it’s actually pretty straightforward. You’ll be diving into your network settings to unearth this info. With a few clicks and a bit of patience, you can uncover this hidden gem. Ready? Let’s get started!
How to Find Ethernet Password on Windows 10
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to find your Ethernet password on Windows 10. Follow these steps precisely, and you’ll have your password in no time.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
The Control Panel is like the dashboard of your car—everything you need is right there. Finding and clicking on it is your first step.
Step 2: Click on Network and Sharing Center
Next, find and click on “Network and Sharing Center” in the Control Panel.
This section is where all your network magic happens. You can manage your connections and settings here.
Step 3: Click on Change Adapter Settings
Once you’re in the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.
Think of this like changing gears; you’re moving into the next phase of finding your password.
Step 4: Right-Click Your Ethernet Connection
Find your Ethernet connection, right-click it, and select “Status.”
Right-clicking here is like opening a secret door. “Status” will show you more details about your connection.
Step 5: Click on Wireless Properties
In the Status window, click on “Wireless Properties” and then the “Security” tab.
This might seem odd because it says “Wireless,” but don’t worry—you’re in the right place.
Step 6: Check Show Characters
In the Security tab, check the box that says “Show characters.”
By checking this box, the dots or asterisks hiding your password will transform into readable characters.
Step 7: Find Your Ethernet Password
Your Ethernet password should now be visible in the “Network security key” field.
Congratulations! You’ve just unlocked the secret to your Ethernet connection.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Ethernet password will be clearly displayed. You can write it down, save it securely, or use it as needed.
Tips for Finding Ethernet Password on Windows 10
- Make sure you’re logged in as an Administrator: Some settings might be restricted if you’re not.
- Take a screenshot: This can help you remember your password for future reference.
- Update your password: If you haven’t changed it in a while, now might be a good time.
- Keep it secure: Don’t share your password casually.
- Know your network name: This helps ensure you’re looking at the right connection.
Can I find the Ethernet password without admin rights?
No, you need admin rights to access certain network settings.
What if I don’t see “Wireless Properties”?
Make sure you’re connected to the network and try again.
Is it safe to show characters?
Yes, just make sure you’re in a secure environment to prevent others from seeing it.
Can I change my Ethernet password?
Yes, but you’ll need to do this through your router settings.
What if I forget my Ethernet password?
You can always go through these steps again to retrieve it.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Control Panel
- Click on Network and Sharing Center
- Click on Change Adapter Settings
- Right-click your Ethernet connection and select Status
- Click on Wireless Properties, then Security tab
- Check Show Characters
- Your password is visible
Conclusion
Finding your Ethernet password on Windows 10 is a breeze once you know where to look. We’ve walked through the steps, and now you’re equipped with the know-how to uncover this vital piece of information. Whether you’re trying to connect a new device or simply need to update your records, these steps will get you there.
Remember, keeping your network secure is crucial. If you haven’t updated your password in a while, take this opportunity to do so. And always ensure you’re sharing network information wisely.
For more tips on managing your Windows 10 settings or securing your network, check out our other guides. Getting familiar with these settings can save you a lot of headaches down the line. So, take control, stay secure, and happy networking!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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Wireless printing is a great thing to have when you use a laptop or have multiple devices in your home or office that share a printer.
Not every printer has this capability, but the Brother HL2270DW is one device that does.
Our Brother hl-2270dw wireless setup tutorial below will show you how to get the printer on your wireless network so that you can print to it without needing to physically connect a printer cable to your laptop or desktop computers.
Summary – Brother hl-2270dw Wireless Setup Steps
- Insert the installation disc or download the printer software.
- Choose the HL-2270DW option.
- Select the language.
- Click Install Printer Driver , then click Yes .
- Click Yes, choose Wireless Connection , then click Next .
- Select Brother Peer-to-Peer Network Printer and click Next .
- Choose Change the Firewall port settings to enable network connection and continue with the installation and click Next.
- Select Wireless Setup .
- Click No , then Next .
- Check the Checked and confirmed box and click Next .
- Choose Temporarily use a USB cable, and click Next .
- Connect the USB cable.
- Choose the printer and click Next .
- Select your Wi-Fi network and click Next .
- Enter the password, confirm the password, then click Next .
- Click Next , then next, then Finish .
Our guide continues below with additional information on the Brother hl-2270dw wireless setup, including pictures of these steps.
Two of the most important characteristics of a printer are the quality of its’ printouts and the speed at which each page is printed .
Brother’s line of laser printers offers both of these features, all for a relatively lower price than you will find with most other laser printers of this class.
The Brother HL2270DW steps up its level of convenience even more by offering a wireless feature in addition to the other laser printer benefits.
Some people might be intimidated by the prospects of a wireless printer, especially if they have ever encountered difficulty setting up a wireless router, but the wireless setup process for the Brother HL2270DW is very simple.
Additionally, once you have been able to set up wireless printing with the Brother HL2270DW on one computer, it is even easier to set the printer up with the rest of the computers in your home or office.
How to Complete a Wireless Setup for the Brother HL2270DW (Guide with Pictures)
The first thing to clarify when you are performing the wireless setup for this device is that your computer does not need to have wireless capabilities.
It simply needs to be connected to a network that has a wireless element. For example, I currently have this printer wirelessly connected to my desktop computer. The desktop computer does not have a wireless network card, but is connected to my wireless router using an ethernet cable.
The next point of clarification is that you will need a USB printer cable for the initial wireless setup of this device.
Since the printer does not have a way for you to manually input the settings for the wireless network, you will need to apply them to the printer from the computer.
Brother also does not include a USB cable with the printer, so you will either need to purchase one or, preferably, use the cable that was connecting your old, wired printer to your computer.
Begin the setup process by unpacking the printer from its packaging materials, then removing all of the stickers on the printer.
The toner cartridge is already in the printer , but you should take it out and shake it to reposition the toner inside. Replace the cartridge, then close the access door.
Connect the power cable to the back of the printer, then plug it in. Do NOT connect the USB cable yet . You will be prompted to do that later.
Turn on the printer, wait for it to boot up, then press the Go button on the top of the printer to print a test page.
Step 1: Insert the Brother installation disc into the disc drive on your computer, then click theSetup.exeoption in theAutoPlaywindow.
If you do not have a disc drive or you have misplaced the installation disc, you can download the driver software from here .
Step 2: Click theHL-2270DWbutton at the bottom of the window.

Step 3: Click your preferred language from the list.
Step 4: Click theInstall Printer Driverbutton at the top of the window. Click theYesbutton to allow this program to make changes to your computer.

Step 5: Click theYesbutton to accept the license agreement, click theWireless Connectionoption, then click theNextbutton.

Step 6: Check theBrother Peer-to-Peer Network Printeroption, then click theNextbutton.

Step 7: Choose the option toChange the Firewall port settings to enable network connection and continue with the installation, then click theNextbutton.

Step 8: Click theWireless Setupoption at the bottom of the window.
Note that when installing this printer on future computers, your printer will appear on this screen, and you will select it from the list.
Step 9: Click theNooption at the center of the next window, then click Next.

Step 10: Check the box to the left ofChecked and confirmed, then click theNextbutton.

Step 11: Check theTemporarily use a USB cableoption, then click theNextbutton.
Step 12: Connect the USB cable from the back of your printer to your computer, then wait for the computer to recognize the printer.
Step 13: Click your Brother HL2270DW printer from the list of available devices, then click theNextbutton.
Step 14: Click your wireless network from the list, then clickNext.
Step 15: Type your password into theNetwork Keyfield, retype it into theConfirm Network Keyfield, then click theNextbutton.
Step 16: ClickNext, clickNextagain, then clickFinishto complete the setup.
You can then disconnect the USB cable when prompted.
Now that you have completed the Brother hl-2270dw wireless setup, you will be able to print documents to this printer over your wireless network.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.