How to view your Wi-Fi password on your computer: all the methods for Windows and Mac

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off or was never there? This situation is familiar to many, especially if the network was set up a long time ago or if a technician did it for you. Luckily, the Wi-Fi password can be easily found directly on your computer if it's connected to the network at least once. In this article, we'll look at how. all working methods For Windows 10/11 And MacOS, including methods without administrator rights and without installing third-party programs.

It's important to understand: your computer stores Wi-Fi network passwords in encrypted form, but the operating system provides legal tools for viewing them. We won't be hacking other people's networks—this is purely about restoring access to your network, which you previously connected to. If you try to obtain the password for someone else's access point, this is against the law and network regulations.

All methods in this article have been tested on current OS versions as of 2026. However, system interfaces may be updated, so if you can't find a menu item, check your OS version or use an alternative method.

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

This method works on Windows 10 And Windows 11 No additional software required. You'll need administrator rights, but only for viewing—no need to change any settings.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet.
• 📡 Go to the section Wi-Fi and find the block Well-known networks.
• 🔍 Click on your network name, then select Properties.
• 🔑 Scroll down to the item Network password - it will be hidden by dots. Click the button Show.

If the button Show is inactive or the system asks for an administrator password, try the following method.

Make sure you are logged in with an account that has administrator privileges|Restart your computer and try again|Use the alternative method via Command Prompt|Try connecting to the network again to refresh your saved data

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⚠️ Note: On some corporate or school computers, access to viewing Wi-Fi passwords may be blocked by group policy. In this case, you will need to contact your network administrator.

2. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (for Windows 7/8/10/11)

This method works on all versions of Windows, including older versions. It takes a bit longer, but is more reliable if the first method doesn't work.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (bottom right of the taskbar) and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. In the window that opens, click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Next to your network connection, click on its name (blue link).
4. In the new window, select Wireless network properties → tab Security.
5. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible in the field Network security key.

If the password field is empty or filled with asterisks, but the checkbox doesn't work, it means the password isn't saved in the system. This happens if the connection was configured via WPS or an external configurator.

What should I do if the Security tab is missing?

This means your connection is configured via Ethernet (cable) or VPN, not Wi-Fi. Check that you're actually connected to the correct wireless network, not a wired one. If the problem persists, use the command line method (Section 3).

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

This method is for experienced users, but it's actually easier than it seems. The command line allows you to retrieve the password. without a graphical interface, which is useful if the system is experiencing errors or you are connected to the PC remotely.

Run the following commands in order:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will display a list of all saved networks. Find your network name (case-sensitive!). Then enter:

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME to the actual name (in quotation marks!). In the execution results, find the line Key content - this is your password.

If the command returns an error Failed to execute command, check:

• 🔠 Correct spelling of the network name (including spaces and case).
• 🛡️ Is the command prompt running as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
• 📶 Have you connected to the network at least once before?

4. Viewing your Wi-Fi password on MacOS (for Apple computers)

On MacBook or iMac You can find out your Wi-Fi password using the built-in utility Klyuchaynok (aka Keychain Access). This method works on all versions MacOS, including Ventura And Sonoma.

Instructions:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (combination Cmd + Space) and enter Klyuchaynok.
• 📋 In the left column, select System, then in the right part of the window find the name of your Wi-Fi network.
• 🔑 Double-click on the network and check the box Show password and enter the password for your account MacOS.

If the network isn't listed, it means your Mac didn't save its password. This happens when connecting via WPS or if the network was configured manually without saving the key.

⚠️ Note: On corporate MacBooks with the FileVault or MDM profile Access to the keychain may be restricted. In this case, please contact your organization's IT department.

5. Using third-party programs (if standard methods do not work)

If none of the above methods help, you can use specialized utilities. They not only reveal passwords, but also allow you to export them to a file or manage saved networks.

Popular programs:

Warning: Download programs only from official websitesMany "Wi-Fi hackers" on the internet contain viruses or spyware. Before installing, check the file using VirusTotal.

Windows 10|Windows 11|MacOS|Linux|Other-->

6. How to find out the Wi-Fi password on a router (if the computer didn't save it)

If none of the methods worked, the password isn't saved on your PC. In this case, you can find it on the router itself - either on a sticker or via a web interface.

Methods:

• 📋 Look at the back of the router - the standard network is usually indicated there (SSID) and password (Password or Key).
• 🌐 Enter in your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, log in (logins admin/admin or admin/password from the sticker) and find the section Wireless → Security.
• 📱 Use the router manufacturer's mobile app (for example, Mi Wi-Fi For Xiaomi, TP-Link Tether For TP-Link).

If you reset your router to factory settings, the password will be reset to the default one (found on the sticker). All connected devices will need to be reconnected.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to find a Wi-Fi password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

• 🚫 Error "No administrator rights" → Run the command prompt or "Settings" as administrator (right click → Run as administrator).
• 🔍 The network is not displayed in the list of saved networks. → Make sure you've connected to it from this computer at least once. If not, reconnect.
• 🔄 The password is displayed as asterisks and is not shown. → Try copying it (right-click → Copy) and paste into notepad.
• 📵 Team netsh doesn't work → Check if the service is enabled Automatic WLAN configuration (services.msc).

If you use Windows 11 and you don’t see the section Wi-Fi In the settings, your wireless network adapter may be disabled. Enable it through device Manager or key Fn + F2 (on laptops).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without administrator rights?

On Windows, no, administrator rights are required to view passwords using standard tools. However, if you have access to the command prompt (even without administrator rights), try the command netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear — sometimes it works. On MacOS, you can view the password via Klyuchaynok, but you will need to enter your account password.

I reset my router and now I don't know the password. What should I do?

After resetting the router, the password is reset to the factory default (indicated on the sticker on the device). If there is no sticker, try the standard combinations for your model (for example, admin or 12345678). If it doesn't work, contact your provider: many operators (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) link the password to the contract number.

Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password?

Technically yes, but that's illegallyUnauthorized access to someone else's network violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information") and can result in a fine of up to 200,000 rubles. If you need internet, it's best to use a mobile hotspot or ask the network owner for the password.

The password is displayed, but it doesn't work when connecting. Why?

Possible reasons:

• You copied a password with spaces or invisible characters (try entering it manually).
• The router has the function enabled WPA3, and the device only supports WPA2 (check the security settings on your router).
• The password was changed on the router, but not updated on the computer (connect again).

How to save your Wi-Fi password so you don't forget it?

Methods:

• 📱 Take a photo of the sticker on the router and save the photo in a secure folder (for example, Google Photos with limited access).
• 🔐 Use a password manager (1Password, KeePass) and save the password with the tag "Wi-Fi".
• 📄 Export the list of networks via WirelessKeyView into an encrypted file.
• 📧 Send the password to yourself by email with the subject "Home Wi-Fi" (but do not include the network name in the email!).