How to find out your Wi-Fi password on your computer: all the methods for Windows and macOS

Why might you need a Wi-Fi password from your computer?

You are connected to Wi-Fi A long time ago, you entered the password once and forgot it, and now you urgently need it: for a new device, a guest account, or to reset the router. Finding the code on the router's sticker isn't always possible (it might have worn off or be missing), and not all internet providers save it in your account. The only reliable way left is to retrieve the saved password directly from a computer that already has internet access.

Luckily, if your computer or laptop is already connected to this network, the password can be extract from system settings — without access to the router. In this article, we'll look at all the current methods for Windows 10/11 And macOS, including command-line methods, the graphical interface, and third-party utilities. We'll also explain why some common tips (such as viewing the password in the connection properties) no longer work in newer OS versions.

⚠️ Important: All methods in this article are intended only for extracting passwords from already saved connectionsIf you try to hack someone else's network, it's against the law (regulated in Russia). Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (regarding unauthorized access to computer information). We are not responsible for the illegal use of information.

Method 1: View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (Windows)

This is the easiest method for Windows 7/10/11, but it only works if the computer has previously connected to this network and the password is saved in the system. In newer versions of the OS (starting with Windows 10 1809) the interface has changed slightly, but the essence remains the same.

Instructions:

1. Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right on the taskbar) and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. In the window that opens, scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select on the left Changing adapter settings.
4. Find your wireless connection (usually called Wireless network or Wi-Fi), right-click on it and select Status → Wireless Properties.
5. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will appear in the field. Network security key.

🔹 What to do if there is no password field?

IN Windows 11 Microsoft has simplified the interface, and sometimes the password field is hidden. In this case, command line (method 2) or PowerShell (Method 3) Also check if you are using a connection through WPS — in this case, the password may not be saved in the system.

Method 2: Command Prompt (Universal Method for Windows)

If the graphical interface does not show the password, use console commandThis method works in all versions. Windows, including server editions, and does not require administrator rights (if you are already connected to the network).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   Remember the name of the network you need (for example, MyWiFi_5G).

3. Enter the command to extract the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

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

4. Find the line Key content - this is your password.

🔹 Example output:

Profile name: MyWiFi_5G
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: AES
Key contents: 12345678QwErTy

⚠️ Attention: If you see a blank line or message instead of a password The key is missing, Means:

• 🔄 Network connected via WPS (press the button on the router to reconnect).
• 🔒 The password is not saved in the system (for example, if temporary access was used).
• 🛡️ You do not have permission to view (relevant for corporate networks).

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (if normal mode doesn't work)

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Remember the exact network name (case sensitive!)

Check if your Wi-Fi adapter is disabled-->

Method 3: PowerShell – an alternative to CMD for advanced users

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It allows you not only to view the password but also to export all saved networks to a file. This method is useful if you need save a backup copy of passwords or transfer them to another computer.

Instructions:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator (Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin)).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   (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

3. Done! The table will display the network names (PROFILE_NAME) and their passwords (PASSWORD).

🔹 Export passwords to a file:

If you need to save the list (for example, for a backup), add to the end of the command | Out-File -FilePath "C:\wi-fi_passwords.txt"The file will appear on the disk. C:.

⚠️ Attention: Storing passwords in a text file on your desktop or in the cloud - security riskIf other people have access to the computer, it is better to use password managers (For example, KeePass or Bitwarden).

Why does PowerShell show blank passwords?

If the command returns empty values ​​in the PASSWORD column, it means that:

1. The password is not saved in the system (for example, connecting via WPS or guest access).

2. The network profile is damaged (try deleting the network in "Settings" and connecting again).

3. You do not have sufficient rights (run PowerShell as administrator).

Method 4: View your password on macOS (via Keychain)

On computers MacBook or iMac passwords from Wi-Fi stored in the system storage "Bunch of keys". They can be accessed through the standard application or Terminal.

Method 1: Via GUI

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
2. In the left column, select System, then Passwords.
3. Find the name of your network Wi-Fi and double-click on it.
4. Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

Method 2: Via Terminal (for advanced users)

If the Keychain interface does not show the password (this happens in older versions macOS), use the command:

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your network. The system will ask for your account password—after entering it, the key will be displayed. Wi-Fi.

🔹 Common problems on macOS:

• 🍎 In macOS Ventura and the newer Keychain interface has changed - look for passwords in the section Passwords (Not Notes).
• 🔑 If the password is not displayed, try reconnecting to the network (sometimes resetting the network settings helps) System Preferences → Network).
• 🛑 At corporate events Mac access to passwords may be blocked by policy MDM.

Method 5: View the password through the router settings

If your computer is not connected to the network (or the password is not saved in the system), but you have access to router, you can find the key through its web interface. This method is universal and works regardless of the operating system.

Instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address. Usually it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (You can see it in the connection properties or on the device sticker).
2. Open your browser and enter the address in the address bar. Log in (username and password are often used admin/admin or admin/1234).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless network, Wireless).
4. Find the field Password, Security key or PSK Password. Here you can see both your current password and the option to change it.

🔹 Table: Addresses and logins for popular routers

⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed your router's default login/password, anyone on your local network can access its settings! Be sure to change your login details in the section System Tools → Administration.

Method 6: Third-party programs for viewing passwords

If system methods don't work, you can use specialized utilitiesThey are convenient when you need to quickly extract passwords from all saved networks or export them to a file.

🔹 Top 3 programs for Windows:

• 🛡️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable (no installation required), shows all saved passwords Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export to .txt.
• 💻 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer - supports Windows 11, shows the signal strength.

🔹 How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (take the version for 32- or 64-bit system).
2. Unzip and run WirelessKeyView.exe (admin rights are not required).
3. The table will display all networks with passwords in the column. Key (Ascii).
4. To save the list, click File → Save All Items.

⚠️ Attention: Programs from NirSoft are often blocked by antivirus programs due to their ability to extract passwords. This false positive — the utilities themselves do not contain viruses, but they can be used by hackers. Download them only from official website!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

🔸 Error: "You do not have sufficient permissions" (Windows)

If you try to view the password through netsh or "Network and Sharing Center" this message appears, it means:

• You are logged in as guest account (you need an account with administrator rights).
• Password saved in system profile (Relevant for corporate PCs). Try the command with administrator rights:

runas /user:Administrator "netsh wlan show profile name=NETWORK_NAME key=clear"

🔸 Error: "Profile not found" (macOS)

If Keychain Access doesn't find the network, check:

• Computer connected to the network at the moment (if not, please reconnect).
• Network name entered no typos (case important!).
• The network has not been removed from the list of saved networks (check in System Preferences → Network).

🔸 Error: The router does not open the web interface.

If at the address 192.168.1.1 nothing opens:

• Check that the computer connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
• Try a different browser (sometimes Chrome caches the old login page).
• Find out the exact IP address of the router using the command:

  ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS)

  Look for the line Main gateway.

🔹 Table: Solutions for other errors

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the computer is not connected?

No, if the computer has never connected to this network, it's impossible to retrieve the password from its settings. In this case, the following remains:

• View password on router sticker (if it hasn't changed).
• Log in router settings (if you know the admin login/password).
• Reset the router to factory settings (using the button) Reset).

⚠️ Resetting the router will remove all settings, including network name, password and provider binding!

Why is there no Security tab in Wi-Fi properties in Windows 11?

IN Windows 11 Microsoft has simplified the interface, and passwords are now hidden deeper. To see them:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the current network → Properties.
3. Scroll down to the section Properties and press View network properties.
4. In the new window, select Security parameters → Show symbols.

If there is no password here either, use it command line (method 2).

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after viewing your password?

If you have extracted the password and are now concerned about security, follow these steps:

• 🔒 Change your password in the router settings (use WPA3 instead of WPA2, if supported).
• 📵 Disable WPS (this is a vulnerable protocol).
• 👥 Create a guest network for friends (so as not to share the main password).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware (closes vulnerabilities).

💡 Advice: Use passwords that are long 12+ characters with letters, numbers, and special characters. Example: Green$Tree7!Moon2026.

Is it possible to find out the password from a phone (Android/iOS)?

Yes, but the methods are different:

• Android: On most devices (except Samsung) need to root rightsWithout them, only through a router.
• iPhone/iPad: Passwords are stored in Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Password (you will need to enter the lock code).

📌 On Android 10+ Without root rights, the password can only be seen if the device connected to the network and you use a file manager with access to /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (technical skills required).

What to do if none of the methods work?

If systemic methods and programs do not help, radical measures remain:

1. Reset your router button Reset (10 seconds). After that, use the password from the sticker.
2. Contact your provider - he may have a backup copy of the router configuration.
3. Check your computer for viruses — Some malware blocks access to system settings.

⚠️ After resetting the router you will have to reconfigure the Internet (enter data from the provider).