Needing to find a forgotten wireless network password is a common situation. It's common to connect a new laptop or smartphone and can't remember the password you set when you first set up the router. If you don't have a device that's already connected to the network and can share the password via QR code, a wired connection can help.
Usage LAN cable (Ethernet) is the most reliable way to restore access to wireless network settings. Unlike wireless access, which can be lost if the key is lost, a physical connection provides direct access to the router. This allows you to either view the password stored in the operating system or access the device's admin panel to change settings.
This method is universal and suitable for most router models, whether TP-Link, Asus, Zyxel or MikroTikThe main requirement is a network cable and a free LAN port on the router. Below, we'll detail the steps for various operating systems and web interfaces so you can quickly restore internet access.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
Before you start searching for the coveted string of characters, you need to ensure a stable physical connection between your computer and the router. Find the patch cord included with your router (usually a yellow, blue, or black cable with RJ-45 connectors). Plug one end of the cable into any of the router's LAN ports (often numbered 1, 2, 3, or 4), and the other end into the network card of your computer or laptop.
Once connected, pay attention to the indicators on the router. The corresponding LED next to the port where you plugged the cable should light or blink. If the indicator is lit, physical contact has been established. The operating system should now automatically obtain an IP address from the router if automatic network configuration (DHCP) is enabled on your computer.
⚠️ Attention: If the LAN indicators don't light up, try replacing the cable or connecting it to a different port. Also, make sure the network adapter on your computer isn't disabled by software in Device Manager.
In some cases, especially on corporate networks or with specific security settings, automatic address acquisition may not work. In these cases, you will need to manually assign a static IP address in the same subnet as the router. Typically, the default gateway address is listed on a sticker on the bottom of the device (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). You can assign the address to your computer. 192.168.0.50 with a mask 255.255.255.0to ensure access to the router's network.
Viewing your password in Windows using the Network and Sharing Center
The Windows operating system has built-in functionality for managing network connections. Even if you're not currently connected to Wi-Fi, if this computer has previously connected to this network, Windows may have saved an access profile. However, to view the password via a cable, we need to use the properties of the active adapter or previously saved profiles if the system considers the network accessible via a bridge or virtual adapter.
The most direct method, which works in Windows 10 and 11, is when the PC is connected to the router via cable but you need to find the password for the Wi-Fi segment. This often requires using the command line, as the graphical interface only displays the Ethernet connection status. However, if you want to view the password for the network to which the computer is connected right now (even via cable, if the router broadcasts network data), you can try the following method.
Open Settings (you can click Win + I), then go to the "Network and Internet" section. In the left menu, select "Ethernet" (since you're connected via cable). Find the link "Network and Sharing Center" (in Windows 10) or "Advanced network settings" (in Windows 11). Here you'll see your active connection. Click the name of your wireless adapter (if active) or go to "Manage known networks."
However, the most effective method in Windows when connected via cable is to use the command line to retrieve the saved profile. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the window that opens, enter the command:
netsh wlan show profile name="Your_Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content." This is where the password you're looking for will be located. This method works if the computer has ever connected to this Wi-Fi network, even if it's currently connected via cable.
Using the Command Prompt to Extract the Security Key
Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell are powerful system administration tools that allow access to hidden network settings. The method described above is the "gold standard" for Windows. It doesn't require access to the router's web interface and operates at the operating system level.
To successfully run the command, you will need administrator privileges. If the regular command prompt window fails to return results or displays "Access Denied," run the console as an administrator. To do this, search for "Command Prompt," right-click, and select the appropriate option.
Let's look at the command syntax in more detail. Parameter name="Name" requires the exact network name (SSID). If the name contains spaces, quotation marks are required. Parameter key=clear Instructs the system to display the key in plain text, rather than hiding it with Asterisks. This is only possible because Windows stores this data in encrypted form, accessible to the system but hidden from the user by default.
- 🔍 Search for a name: First, do the following
netsh wlan show profilesto copy the exact network name. - 📝 Copying: Select the network name in the list and press
Ctrl+Cto insert it into the command without errors. - 🔑 Getting the key: Paste the name into the command with the clear key and get the password.
It's important to note that this method only displays the password for networks whose profile is saved on this computer. If you're connected to someone else's router via cable and have never connected to their Wi-Fi from this computer, it won't be in the profile list. In this case, the only solution is to access the router's settings.
What to do if the command doesn't work?
If the system reports that the WLAN autoconfiguration service is not running, click Win+R, enter services.msc, find the "WLAN AutoConfig" service and start it.
Logging into the router's web interface via a browser
If Windows software methods fail, the most reliable option is to access the router's control panel. Since you're connected via cable, you should be able to access the web interface without any issues, even if you don't know the Wi-Fi password. First, you need to find out the IP address of the default gateway.
Open command prompt and enter the command ipconfigFind the section that corresponds to your Ethernet connection. The "Default Gateway" line will indicate the router's address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.10.1Enter this address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
Next, you'll need to log in. The login and password for accessing the router settings are often different from the Wi-Fi password. By default, the following combinations are used: admin/admin or admin/passwordThis information is always printed on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed the administrator password before and forgot it, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings using the button. Reset.
⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse your Wi-Fi password with the web interface password. These are two different security measures. To access the settings, you'll need the router administrator password.
Interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Find the section related to wireless networking. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Network," or "WLAN." Within this section, look for a subsection called "Security" or "Security Settings."
Finding the security key in your wireless network settings
Once in the wireless settings section, you'll see the current network name (SSID) and security settings. We're interested in the "Password," "Key," or "Passphrase" fields. Depending on your router model, the password may be hidden behind asterisks. Next to the entry field, there's often a "Show" button or an eye.
If there's no show button, you can still see the password. Just right-click the password field (if your browser allows it) and select "Inspect." In the developer toolbar that opens, find the line with the input type. type="password" and replace the word password on text. The password will become visible.
In some modern routers, for example, Keenetic or MikroTik, the interface may be more complex. In Keenetic You need to go to the “My Wi-Fi networks” menu, where the password is displayed in plain text or hidden by clicking on it. MikroTik (WinBox or WebFig) look for the section Wireless -> tab Security ProfilesThere in the field WPA Pre-Shared Key will be your key.
| Router brand | Menu section | Subsection | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless | Wireless Security | Wireless Password |