Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored on your computer and how to find them: A complete guide

Forgot your home or work Wi-Fi password, but your computer is connected to it? Don't rush to reset your router or call your ISP. All saved wireless network passwords are stored directly in the system—you can retrieve them in just a few minutes. In this article, we'll cover how. 5 proven methodsHow to find your Wi-Fi password Windows 10/11 And macOS, including methods through command line, Control Panel, credential manager and even router settings.

Important: Most methods require administrative rights on your computer. If you're using a work PC with restricted access, some methods may not work. Also, keep in mind that passwords are stored encrypted—they can't be retrieved unless you're logged in to the system using the account that maintained the connection.

Before you begin, check if your computer is connected to the correct network. Wi-Fi (Even without internet access). If not, try connecting for at least a few seconds so the system can cache network data.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password using Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method works in Windows 10 And Windows 11 without any additional programs. Suitable if you want to find out the password for current network, to which the computer is connected.

Instructions:

  • 🖱️ Open Start → Settings (⚙️) → Network & Internet.
  • 📡 In the section Wi-Fi click on Managing known networks.
  • 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and click on it.
  • 🔑 Choose View network properties → scroll down to the field Password.
  • 👁️ Click the button Show next to the dots - the system will ask for confirmation through UAC (User Account Control).
⚠️ Attention: If the button Show is inactive, then your account doesn't have administrator rights. Try logging in with a different account or use the command line method (section 2).

This method is suitable for 90% of home users, since it does not require knowledge of commands and works even on laptops with limited rights (if you know the administrator password).

📊 What kind of computer do you have?
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Desktop PC
MacBook/iMac
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2. Extracting the password via the command line (CMD)

If the graphical interface does not show the password (for example, due to a system error), this will help command lineThis method is universal and works even on older versions of Windows.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Launch CMD as administrator:
    • Click Win + R, enter cmd.
    • Clamp Ctrl + Shift + Enter (or right click on Command line → Run as administrator).
  • Enter the command to view all saved networks: 
    netsh wlan show profiles

    Remember the exact name of the network you need (case is important!).

  • Extract the password with the command (replace NAZVANIE_SETI to the name of your network): 
    netsh wlan show profile name="NAZVANIE_SETI" key=clear
  • Find the line Key content - this is the password.

    • Example of command output:

    Profile name: HomeWiFi

    ...
    

    Security parameters
    

    Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
    

    Encryption type: CCMP
    

    Key contents: 12345678

    ⚠️ Attention: If asterisks are displayed instead of a password (), then the network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in offices or universities). In this case, the password is stored in Credential Manager — see section 4.

    Is CMD running as administrator?

    Is the network name spelled correctly (case sensitive)?

    Is the computer connected to the correct network (at least once before)?

    Are there any spaces or special characters in the network name (they need to be escaped with quotation marks)-->

    3. View passwords through the Network and Sharing Center (Windows 7/8/10)

    The good old way that works on all versions of Windows, including Windows 7Suitable if you prefer a graphical interface.

    Algorithm of actions:

    • 🖥️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right) → Open Network & Internet Settings.
    • 🔗 In the section Wi-Fi click Network and Sharing Center.
    • 🌐 Click on the name of the current network (blue link next to Connections).
    • 🔐 In the window that opens, click Wireless network properties → tab Security.
    • 👁️ Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

    If the tab Security is missing or the password field is empty, then:

    • 🔌 Network connected via WPS (press the button on the router).
    • 🔒 The password is stored in Credential Manager (section 4).
    • 🖥️ You do not have administrator rights.

    4. Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored in Windows Credential Manager?

    Some networks (especially corporate ones) store passwords not in the Wi-Fi settings, but in Credential Manager. Data will also be stored there if you connected via WPS or Enterprise authentication (for example, in universities or offices).

    How to find:

    1. Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Credential Manager.
    2. Go to the tab Windows credentials.
    3. Find the entry in the list with the name of your Wi-Fi network (it may start with WiFi- or WLAN-).
    4. Click on the line → Show → Enter your Windows account password.

    If the network is not listed, try:

    • 🔍 Use a keyword search (e.g. WiFi).
    • 🔄 Reconnect to the network - sometimes the entry appears after re-entering the password.
    • 🖥️ Check it out Web browser credentials (if the network requires authorization via a page).
    ⚠️ Attention: Corporate networks with 802.1X authentication (For example, PEAP or EAP-TTLS) can only store logins and certificates, but not passwords. In this case, contact your network administrator.

    5. How to find out the Wi-Fi password through the router settings

    If none of the previous methods worked, you can view the password directly in router web interfaceThis is a universal method, but it requires:

    • 🌐 Access to local network (through Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
    • 🔐 Login and password from router admin panel (usually indicated on the device sticker).

    Instructions:

    1. Find out Router IP address:
      • IN CMD enter ipconfig and find the line Main gateway (For example, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
      • Or look at the router sticker (usually next to the SSID).
  • Open your browser and enter the IP address in the address bar (e.g. http://192.168.1.1).
  • Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/empty).
  • Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network) → Security (Security).
  • Find the field Password (Password, Key, Passphrase).
    • Router brand Wi-Fi password path Default login/password
    TP-Link Wireless → Wireless Security → Password admin/admin
    ASUS Wireless Network → General → WPA Pre-Shared Key admin/admin
    Keenetic Wi-Fi → Access Point → Network Key admin/1234
    Zyxel Network → Wi-Fi → Security → Passphrase admin/1234 or admin/empty
    MikroTik Wireless → Security Profiles → WPA Pre-Shared Key Login is missing, password is empty
    ⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed the default password of your router, you can find it on the sticker of the device (field Password, Key or PIN). After logging into the admin panel Be sure to change your password to a more reliable one!
    What to do if you can't access your router?

    If the standard password (admin/admin) doesn't fit, then it was changed. In this case:

    1. Find the button Reset on the router (usually in a small hole).

    2. Press it with a pin for 10-15 seconds - the settings will be reset to factory settings.

    3. Connect to the network with the router name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and enter the standard data panel.

    ⚠️ After the reset, all settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will return to factory settings!

    6. Third-party programs for extracting Wi-Fi passwords

    If standard methods don't help, you can use specialized utilities. They are convenient when you need save all passwords to a file or transfer them to another computer.

    Popular programs:

    • 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, shows all saved passwords, supports export to .txt.
    • 🛡️ WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, works without installation.
    • 🔍 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords in a convenient list with the ability to copy.
    • 🖥️ NetPass - shows passwords not only for Wi-Fi, but also for VPN, RDP and other connections.

    How to use (using example) WirelessKeyView):

    1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (take it Zip version, so as not to install).
    2. Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (as administrator).
    3. The program will automatically display all saved networks and passwords in the column Key (Ascii).
    4. To save the list, click File → Save All Items.
    ⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official websites! Many "cracked" versions of password extraction utilities contain viruses or minersPlease check the file before using it. VirusTotal.

    How to Find Wi-Fi Passwords on MacOS (MacBook, iMac)

    On computers Apple passwords are stored in a bunch of keys (Keychain Access). To view them:

    Steps:

    1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys (Keychain Access).
    2. In the left menu, select System or Login (depending on which account the password is saved under).
    3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
    4. Double-click on the found entry → check the box Show password.
    5. Enter your account password macOS (the one you use to log in).

    If the password is not displayed:

    • 🔄 Try reconnecting to the network - sometimes the entry appears after re-entering.
    • 🔐 Check access rights: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall → Advanced.
    • 🖥️ Use it Terminal (analogue CMD): 
      security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

      (replace NETWORK_NAME to the name of your Wi-Fi).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your computer

    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. Passwords are stored only for networks to which there has been at least one successful connection. The exception is if you know the router password and can access its settings (see Section 5).

    I reset my router and now I don't know the password. How can I recover it?

    After resetting the router, the password is reset to the factory default (indicated on the device's sticker). If there is no sticker, try the following:

    • View the default passwords for your model in database.
    • Contact your provider (if the router was provided by them).
    Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from a phone (Android/iPhone)?

    Yes, but the methods are different:

    • Android: Wanted root rights or access to the file /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml (a file manager with root access is required).
    • iPhone: Impossible without jailbreak. With jailbreak, through Keychain-Dumper.

    The easiest way to view the password is on your computer (if it is connected to this network) or in the router settings.

    The password is displayed as dots, but the "Show" button is disabled. What should I do?

    This means that:

    • Your account does not have administrator rights.
    • The network uses enterprise authentication (the password is stored in the credential manager or on the server).
    • Password saved in TPM chip (on some corporate PCs).

    Solutions:

    • Log in as an administrator.
    • Use CMD (section 2) or third-party utilities (section 6).
    • Contact your network administrator (if this is a work computer).
    Is it possible to export all Wi-Fi passwords to a file for backup?

    Yes, there are several ways:

    • IN Windows: Use WirelessKeyView (section 6) → File → Save All Items.
    • IN macOS: Open Bunch of keys, select the desired entries → File → Export Elements (a file will be created .keychain).
    • Through CMD (for advanced users): 
      netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="C:\WiFi_backup\"

      (in the folder C:\WiFi_backup files will appear .xml with passwords).

    ⚠️ Store exported passwords in a safe place (for example, in an encrypted archive)!

    📖 Read also

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