How to view your Wi-Fi name and password on your computer: all the working methods

Forgot your Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker on your router? Or do you need to connect a new device but can't be bothered to find the router box? This situation sounds familiar to many. Luckily, find out the network name (SSID) and password You can do this directly from your computer—without accessing the router or installing any additional software. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for Windows 10/11 And macOS, including methods through command line, Control Panel And terminal.

Important: These instructions only work for networks that your computer is connected to. already connectedIf you are trying to hack someone else's Wi-Fi, it's illegally and is fraught with criminal liability under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). We consider only legal scenarios - restoring access to his own networks.

Before you begin, please check:

• 💻 Your computer must be connected to the target Wi-Fi network (or have been connected previously—some methods also work for saved networks).
• 🔒 You must have administrator rights on your PC (for most methods).
• 📡 If you use Windows, update your system - in older versions (before 1809) some commands may not work.

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

This is the basic method for Windows 10/11, which doesn't require knowledge of commands or software installation. Suitable if your PC currently connected to the desired network.

Instructions:

1. Open Windows Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click Managing known networks.
4. Select the desired network and click Properties.
5. Scroll down to the block Security parameters - there will be a field there Network security key.
6. Click on the eye (Show symbols) - the password will be displayed.

⚠️ Attention: If the buttons Show symbols No, then your account doesn't have administrator rights. Try logging in with a different account or use the methods below.

This method shows Current Password, even if it was changed after connecting the computer. However, if the network is saved but not active, you will have to use command line or Control Panel.

The computer is connected to the desired Wi-Fi|

The account has administrator rights|

The system has been updated to the latest version|

The network is not hidden (if hidden, the SSID name will not be displayed)

-->

2. View the password through the Control Panel (for saved networks)

If your computer has ever been connected to the network, but is currently inactive, the password can still be retrieved through Control PanelThis method works for all saved networks, even if they are not currently available.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Control Panel (type in search or use Win + R → control).
2. Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select on the left Managing wireless networks (V Windows 11 This item may be called Changing adapter settings).
4. Find the desired network in the list, right-click and select Properties.
5. Open the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

🔹 What to do if the network is not on the list?

• 🔄 The network may have been removed from your saved connections. Try connecting to it again.
• 🖥️ If you use Windows 11, some of the old networks may not be displayed - use command line (method 3).
• 🔧 On some corporate PCs, access to this menu may be blocked by security policies.

Why isn't there a "Manage Wireless Networks" option in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, Microsoft simplified the interface, replacing the classic network management menu with "Settings" → "Network & Internet." However, legacy networks are still stored in the system and accessible via the command line or registry.

3. How to find out the Wi-Fi password via the command line (CMD)

This method is universal and works for all saved networks, even if they are currently unavailable. Suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11.

Run the following commands in order:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will output a list all saved networksFind the one you need by name (SSID).

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name (for example, netsh wlan show profile name="my_wifi" key=clear). In the results, find the line Key content - this is the password.

📌 Example output:

SSID Name: my_wifi
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678

⚠️ Attention: If a blank space or message is displayed instead of a password The key is missing, Means:

• The network was connected without a password (open access point).
• The password has been changed since the last connection.
• The network profile is corrupted (try deleting and connecting again).

netsh wlan export profile key=clear folder="C:\WiFi_Passwords"

This command will save all passwords to a folder. C:\WiFi_Passwords in the form .xml-files.-->

4. View your Wi-Fi password on macOS (via Keychain)

On computers MacBook or iMac Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the system storage Bunch of keysTo extract them:

Method 1: Through Spotlight Search

1. Click Cmd + Space and enter Bunch of keys.
2. In the window that opens, find the desired network in the list (section System passwords or My certificates).
3. Double click on the network and check the box. Show password and enter your account password Mac.

Method 2: Through Terminal (for advanced users)

security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name (for example, security find-generic-password -wa "my_wifi"). The system will ask for an administrator password and display the network key.

⚠️ Attention: On macOS Ventura and newer, access to passwords through the Terminal may be restricted. If the command doesn't work, use A bunch of keys.

5. Alternative methods: via a router or third-party programs

If none of the above methods worked, there are two options left:

1. Viewing via the router's web interface

• 🌐 Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔑 Enter your login/password (often by default) admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
• 📡 Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network - there will be SSID (network name) and Password/Key (password).

2. Using third-party utilities

For Windows The following programs are suitable:

• WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - shows all saved passwords.
• WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface for extracting keys.
• Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — exports passwords to .txt.

⚠️ Attention: Download software only from official websites (NirSoft, MajorGeeks). Many "Wi-Fi hackers" on the internet contain viruses or spyware.

6. Comparison table of methods: which one to choose?

7. Common problems and their solutions

Problem 1: The command line says No profile found for the specified network name.

🔹 Solution:

• Check your spelling SSID (case important!).
• Make sure the network is actually saved on this PC (see the list via netsh wlan show profiles).
• If the network was connected a long time ago, the profile may have been deleted - try connecting again.

Problem 2: IN Control Panel Saved networks are not displayed.

🔹 Solution:

• IN Windows 11 Some of the old networks may be hidden - use CMD.
• Check if the service is disabled Automatic WLAN configuration (Win + R → services.msc).
• If you are using a corporate PC, access to networks may be restricted by domain policies.

Problem 3: On macOS The command in Terminal does not work.

🔹 Solution:

• Update your system - in older versions macOS The command syntax may vary.
• Use A bunch of keys - This is a more reliable method.
• Check if access to passwords is blocked in your security settings.

- Save screenshots of your router settings in an encrypted archive.

- Use password managers (KeePass, 1Password).

- Write down passwords in a physical notebook (if you're worried about them leaking to the cloud).-->

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the computer has never connected to?

No, if the computer has never been connected to the network, it's impossible to extract the password programmatically. The only options are:

• Look at the router sticker (if the password has not been changed).
• Access the router's web interface from another device connected to this network.
• Reset the router to factory settings (the password will become default, but all settings will be reset).

Why is there no "Manage wireless networks" section in Windows 11?

IN Windows 11 Microsoft has simplified the interface and the classic network management menu has been replaced with a section Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networksHowever, the old networks are still stored in the system and are accessible through command line or Control Panel (if you call it through control).

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from an Android phone?

Yes, but only if the phone has rights root or is used Android 10+ with function Share Wi-Fi (QR code generation). Without root, there is no access to system files with passwords. iPhone passwords can only be viewed through iCloud Keychain (if the device was connected to the network).

What should I do if my router password is displayed as asterisks?

In the router's web interface, the password is usually hidden behind asterisks (). To see it:

• Copy the asterisks to the clipboard, paste in Notebook - sometimes the password is displayed in clear text.
• Use a browser extension ShowPassword (works on most sites).
• Change your password to a new one (remember it!) and save the settings.

Is it legal to use Wi-Fi hacking software?

No, it is illegallyIn Russia, unauthorized access to computer information is subject to criminal liability under Article Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 7 years in prison). Even if you "just want to check your network," using programs like Aircrack-ng or Wireshark Intercepting traffic qualifies as hacking.

The only legal use of such tools is testing. his own networks for vulnerabilities (with the owner's permission).