Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but don't have time to tweak the router settings? You can view your saved Wi-Fi password directly from your computer. — you don't need to be an IT specialist or install additional programs to do this. Depending on the operating system and access rights, there are at least 5 working methods, and we will examine each of them in detail.
In this article you will find step by step instructions for Windows 10/11, macOS, as well as universal methods through router settings or the command line. All methods have been tested on current OS versions and don't require extensive technical knowledge. If you're a network administrator or simply want to restore access, read on.
⚠️ Important: Extracting passwords from a computer is only possible for those networks to which the device is connected. already connected beforeIf the Wi-Fi is new or the data has not been saved, you will have to use alternative methods (such as resetting the router).
1. How to find your Wi-Fi password on Windows using Network Settings
The easiest way is to use built-in tools Windows 10 or Windows 11He works. without administrator rights, if your account has access to saved networks.
Open the menu Start → Settings → Network & Internet. In the section Wi-Fi find the item Manage Known Networks** – This displays all the networks your computer has ever connected to.
Select the desired network and click PropertiesScroll down to the block "Network Information"** - there will be a line there Network passwordBy default, the symbols are hidden by dots, but they can be made visible by clicking the button Show (you will be asked to enter your account password Windows, if installed).
Find the name (SSID) of the desired network in the list|Make sure the computer is currently connected to this network|Remember the password for your Windows account (if required)|Disable the VPN (it may block access to settings)-->
⚠️ Attention: If the button Show is inactive or missing, then your account No rights to view passwordsIn this case, try the methods in the following sections or log in as an administrator.
- ✅ Pros: No command line or third-party software required.
- ❌ Cons: Only works for networks saved in the profile Windows.
- 🔄 Alternative: If the network is not displayed, try connecting to it again.
2. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (for Windows 7/8/10/11)
This method is suitable for all versions Windows, including legacy ones. It's a bit more complicated than the previous one, but more reliable—especially if the Settings interface doesn't display the network you need.
Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet Settings. Next, go to Network and Sharing Center (V Windows 11 this point may be hidden behind Additional network settings).
In the window that opens, find the active Wi-Fi connection and click on its name (link Wireless network "Network_Name"). A window will open. "Wi-Fi Status"** - Click the button here Wireless network properties, and then go to the tab Security.
Check the box next to Show entered characters — in the field Network security key The password you're looking for will appear. If the field is empty or the button is inactive, the password isn't saved in the system (or you're using a guest account).
What should I do if the Security tab is missing?
This means that the connection is configured through WPS or another authentication protocol (eg 802.1X). In this case, the password is not stored in Windows, but on the router or authentication server side. Try the methods from sections 4 or 5.
| Windows version | Path to settings | Do you need admin rights? |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Manage networks |
No (if the password is saved) |
| Windows 10 | Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center |
No |
| Windows 7/8 | Control Panel → Network and Internet → Control Center |
Yes (for some networks) |
3. How to extract a Wi-Fi password via the command line (CMD)
If the graphical interface doesn't help, there's a solution command line. This method is universal and works even on damaged systems (provided the network profile is saved).
Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item). Enter the command:
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearReplace NETWORK_NAME to the actual name of your Wi-Fi (case-sensitive!). For example, if the network is called MyWiFi_5G, the command will be:
netsh wlan show profile name="MyWiFi_5G" key=clearIn the execution results, find the section Security parameters - there will be a line Key contentThis is your password. If you see asterisks or a blank field instead of a password, it means:
- 🔐 The network uses another type of protection (For example, WPA3-Enterprise).
- 🖥️ The network profile is damaged or not saved.
- 👤 Your account does not have viewing rights.
Via "Network Settings"|Via "Control Center"|Via the command line (CMD)|Via the router settings-->
4. Viewing your password on MacOS (for Apple users)
On computers MacBook or iMac With macOS Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a bunch of keys — built-in credential manager. To extract them:
Open the app "Keychain"** (find it through Spotlight upon request Keychain Access). In the left menu, select System, and in the right part of the window find the name of your Wi-Fi network (in the column Name).
Double click on the network and check the box. Show password and enter the password for your account Mac. After that in the field Show password The security key will be displayed.
⚠️ Warning: If you are using macOS Ventura or newer, access to passwords may be restricted system protection (for example, if the computer is controlled via MDM on a corporate network). In this case, try an alternative method:
security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"This command will ask for the account password and output the Wi-Fi key to the terminal.
5. Universal method: password in the router settings
If none of the previous methods worked, The password can always be viewed in the router's web interface.This is the most reliable method, but it requires access to the router (physical or network).
Connect your computer to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if the connection is still active). Open any browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the exact address is indicated on the router sticker).
Enter your login and password to log in (by default this is usually admin/admin or admin/empty). If the data has changed, find it on the same sticker or reset the router using the button Reset (hold it for 10 seconds).
Find the section in the router interface Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network). There will be a subsection here. Security (Security), where in the field Password (Password, Key) displays the current key. Example for popular models:
- 📡 TP-Link:
Wireless → Wireless Security → Password - 📡 ASUS:
Wireless Network → Security Settings → WPA Key - 📡 Keenetic:
Wi-Fi → Access Point → Password - 📡 MikroTik:
Wireless → Security Profiles → WPA Pre-Shared Key
⚠️ Router interface settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version. If your model isn't listed, check the instructions on the manufacturer's website.
6. Third-party password extraction programs (if nothing else helps)
If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilitiesThey scan system files. Windows or macOS and retrieve saved passwords. Important: use only proven programs to avoid viruses.
For Windows will do:
- 🔓 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a portable utility that does not require installation.
- 🔓 WiFi Password Revealer — shows all saved passwords in one window.
- 🔓 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — supports exporting passwords to a file.
For macOS:
- 🔓 Keychain Access (built-in utility, see section 4).
- 🔓 WiFi Password (appendix from Mac App Store).
⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or ESET) may block such utilities as "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—add the program to the exceptions list or temporarily disable protection.
The only time third-party programs are truly necessary is if the password is stored in an encrypted system file (for example, after migrating to a new OS or resetting the settings).
7. What should I do if I couldn't recover my password?
If none of these methods work, don't despair—there are still a few options:
1. Reset your router to factory settings. Press and hold the button Reset on the back of the router (usually 10-15 seconds). After this, the network will be named by default (for example, TP-Link_1234), and the password is indicated on the sticker.
2. Check your backups. If you have ever saved your router settings to a file (for example, via System Tools → Backup), the password can be extracted from it using a text editor.
3. Contact your provider. Some internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) link your Wi-Fi password to your account. Visit their website or call support—they can send you a key via SMS or reset it remotely.
4. Use WPS. If the router supports WPS (the button on the case), press it, and then connect the device without a password within 2 minutes. This method is temporary, but it will help you connect and change settings.
⚠️ Resetting the router will remove All settings, including the network name, passwords, and firewall rules, will be deleted. After this, you'll have to reconfigure your internet connection (the details for this are usually included in your contract with your provider).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords
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 connected to this network, the password is not stored in its memory. In this case, the only option is to reset the router or contact the network administrator.
Why are asterisks showing up in the command line instead of a password?
This means the password is saved, but your account does not have permission to view it. Try running CMD as administrator or use third-party utilities (see section 6).
How to change Wi-Fi password after recovery?
Go to your router settings (see section 5), find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless network, and in the field Password Enter the new key. Don't forget to save the settings and reconnect all devices.
Is it safe to use password extraction programs?
Yes, if you download them from official websites (for example, NirSoft or Magical Jelly Bean). Avoid pirated versions—they may contain viruses. After use, uninstall the program to avoid leaving traces in your system.
Is it possible to find out the password from an Android or iPhone phone?
On Android 10+ this is only possible with rights root or through ADBOn . iPhone passwords are stored in Settings → Wi-Fi → (click the "i" next to the network), but you need it to view it Jailbreak or backup in iTunes.