How to find out your computer's Wi-Fi password: all the methods in 5 minutes

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password or has the sticker on your router worn off? Don't rush to reset your router or call your ISP. Your Wi-Fi password is stored directly on your computer. — if it's connected to this network at least once. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods for finding it: from simple clicks in the graphical interface to commands for advanced users.

Please note: Methods vary depending on your operating system. We'll provide detailed instructions for Windows 10/11 And macOS, as well as a universal method via the router's web interface. If you're using Linux, In most distributions, passwords are stored in the file `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/` in unencrypted form, but you will need superuser rights to access it.

Before you begin, make sure your computer is currently connected to the Wi-Fi network you're looking for the password for. If the connection is lost, some methods won't work. Also remember: Extracting passwords from someone else's device without the owner's permission may be illegal. (in Russia this is regulated by Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on unauthorized access to computer information).

Below are step-by-step instructions with pictures, safety warnings, and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. The easiest way: via Windows Settings (without commands)

If you use Windows 10 or 11This method will take you no more than a minute. It doesn't require administrator rights and works even on accounts with limited rights.

Open the menu Start and go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. In the right part of the window, find the section Related parameters and click on the item Additional network settings.

Next, select More network settings → Network and Sharing CenterIn the window that opens, next to your Wi-Fi network, click on its name (it will be underlined in blue). A small window will open. Wi-Fi status - click on the button here Wireless network properties.

Go to the tab Security and put a check mark next to Show entered charactersThe Wi-Fi password will appear in the field. Network security key.

- The computer is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network

- You have permission to view network settings (even a guest account is usually fine)

- The hidden network mode (SSID) is not enabled on the router.

- You are not using a VPN that may block local settings-->

⚠️ Attention: If the password field is empty or filled with asterisks, but the check mark Show entered characters If it doesn't work, it means the password isn't saved in the system. Try other methods from this article.

2. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for Windows

This method works for all versions of Windows, including server editions. It's especially useful if the graphical interface is unavailable (for example, when connecting remotely via RDP) or if you prefer to work with the console.

Open Command line as administrator. To do this:

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd.
2. Clamp Ctrl + Shift + Enter (this will open the console with admin rights).

Enter the following command to see a list of all saved Wi-Fi networks:

netsh wlan show profiles

Find the name of the required network in the list (field User profile name) and copy it. Then run the command to display the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear

The password will be specified in the line Key content in the section Security parameters.

⚠️ Warning: This method reveals passwords all networks, to which the computer has ever connected. If the device has been used by multiple people, the list may include other people's networks—be careful with privacy.

3. PowerShell: An Alternative to the Command Prompt

PowerShell - a more powerful tool than the classical one cmdIt allows you to export passwords in a convenient format or even send them by email (if you configure the script). To easily view a password, follow these steps:

Open PowerShell as administrator (similar to command line: Win + R → powershell → Ctrl + Shift + Enter). Enter the command:

(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key contents\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); [PSCustomObject]@{PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

This command will automatically extract all saved Wi-Fi passwords and display them in a table with two columns: network name and password. If you only need one network, simplify the command:

netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear | findstr "Key Contents"

The result can be copied to the clipboard or saved to a file:

(netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear) | Out-File -FilePath "C:\wifi_password.txt"

What to do if PowerShell complains about execution policies?

Open PowerShell as administrator and run the command Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser. After that, try again. To revert the settings, use Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted.

4. How to find out the password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the keychain (Keychain Access). To find them:

1. Open Spotlight (combination Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
2. In the left menu, select System (or Local elements, if the password is saved in the user key).
3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Double-click on the found element and check the box. Show password.
5. Enter your account password Mac (this is a safety requirement).

The password will be displayed in the field. Show passwordIf it's not in your keychain, the network was added manually without saving the password. Try connecting again and enter the password when prompted.

For macOS Monterey and newer there is an alternative way through Terminal:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name. The system will ask for the account password; after entering it, the desired key will be displayed.

⚠️ Note: On some versions of macOS (e.g. Ventura) passwords may not appear in the keychain if the network is added via Apple Configurator (for example, in corporate networks). In this case, contact your network administrator.

Windows 10/11|Mac (macOS)|Linux|Other-->

5. Universal method: via the router's web interface

If the previous methods don't work (for example, the password isn't saved on your computer), the last option is to access your router settings. This method works regardless of your operating system, but requires access to the router.

Find out first Router IP addressTo do this:

• 🖥️ On Windows: open command prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the line Main gateway.
• 🍎 On Mac: open Terminal and do it netstat -nr | grep default.

Typically the router address looks like this 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1 (Depending on the model). Enter it in the browser's address bar. You'll be asked to enter your username and password—if you haven't changed them, try the standard combinations:

After authorization, find the section with wireless network settings (usually Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network). The password will be in the field Password, Key or Security key.

6. Third-party programs: when standard methods don’t work

If none of the above methods help, you can use specialized utilities. They are convenient when you need export all passwords at once or work with multiple devices.

Popular programs for Windows:

• 🔐 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable, shows all saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• 🛡️ WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export to .txt.
• 📊 NetPass - advanced features for network administrators.

For macOS will do WiFi Password (available in App Store). These programs do not require installation and work without administrator rights, but you should download them only from official websitesto avoid viruses.

⚠️ Attention: Antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or ESET) may block such utilities, considering them potentially dangerous. This is a false positive—add the program to your exceptions if you trust the source.

If you use Linux, passwords can be extracted using the command:

sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

The result will be in the format NETWORK_NAME: psk=YOUR_PASSWORD.

Bonus: How to remember passwords in the future

To avoid searching for passwords all over your computer, use these tips:

• 📝 Save your password in password manager (For example, KeePass, 1Password or built into the browser).
• 📱 Take a photo of the sticker from the router and save the photo in a secure folder (for example, in Google Photos with limited access).
• 🔄 Set up guest network on a router with a simple password (for example, guest1234) - you can share it with friends without risking the main network.
• 📋 Come up with something password generation rule. For example: the first letter of the network name + the current year + the symbol ! + 4 random numbers.

If you change passwords frequently (for example, for security reasons), keep a text file with the change history. Store it in an encrypted archive or cloud storage with two-factor authentication.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the computer connected to a long time ago but is not connected to now?

Yes, if the password is saved in the system. Windows use command line (netsh wlan show profiles), on Mac — a keychain. If the network hasn't been used for a long time, the system may have deleted its settings.

I entered a command, but instead of a password, I see asterisks or a blank field. What should I do?

This means the password isn't saved on your computer. Try:

1. Reconnect to the network and enter the password when prompted.
2. View the password on another device that is connected to this network.
3. Go to your router settings (method 5 in this article).

Is it safe to use third-party password extraction programs?

Yes, if you download them from official websites (NirSoft, Magical Jelly Bean). Avoid programs from suspicious forums or torrents - they may contain viruses. Check the file before using it. VirusTotal.

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password if my computer has connected to it?

Technically yes, but that's breaks the lawIn Russia, unauthorized access to computer information is punishable by Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code (a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment). Use this feature only for your own networks.

I reset my router to factory settings. How can I find the password now?

After the reset, the password is reset to the default (indicated on the router's sticker). If there is no sticker, check the device model and find the default login/password in the manual or on the manufacturer's website. For example, TP-Link Archer C6 This admin/admin.