How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10: all the methods, from simple to complex

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and is it hidden under a sticker on your router that's long since worn off? Or do you need to connect a new gadget but can't remember the password combination? This situation is familiar to many people—especially if the network was set up a long time ago or the password was entered automatically. Luckily, Windows 10 There are several ways to retrieve a saved Wi-Fi password without resetting the router or calling the provider.

In this article we will look at all current methods — from standard system tools to advanced utilities that will come in handy if conventional methods fail. You'll learn how to find a password using Windows Settings, Command line and even using free programs. Also, why some networks may not appear in the list of saved networks and what to do in such cases.

Important: All described methods only work for networks to which your computer is connected. I've already connected beforeIf you're trying to hack someone else's Wi-Fi, it's illegal and technically impossible without specialized equipment. We're exclusively talking about legal recovery. own data.

Method 1: View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method doesn't require installing any additional software or knowing any commands—everything is done through a graphical interface. It's suitable for most users, even if you've never messed around with network settings before.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon) or click Win + I.
• 🌐 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Scroll down and click Managing known networks.
• 📋 Select the desired network from the list and click Properties.
• 👁️ In the field Network password click Show symbols — the system will require you to enter your Windows account password.

If the button Show symbols is inactive or the password field is empty, then:

• ❌ The network was connected manually without saving the password (for example, through netsh or third-party utilities).
• ❌ You do not have administrator rights on this PC.
• ❌ The password was changed on the router after last time the computer was connected.

Method 2: Command Line - A Universal Method for Advanced Users

If the graphical interface does not show the password or the required network is not in the list, it will help Command line (CMD). This method works even on older versions of Windows and does not require administrator rights to view. already saved passwords.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Launch Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator) or Windows PowerShell (Administrator)).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   Find the name of the desired network in the list (Profile name).

3. Copy the network name (eg. MyWiFi_5G) and enter:

   netsh wlan show profile name="MyWiFi_5G" key=clear

   Replace MyWiFi_5G to the current name.

4. Find the line in the results Key content - this is the password.

If the command returned an error Failed to execute command:

• 🔄 Make sure the network name is entered exactly (taking into account case and symbols).
• 🛡️ Launch CMD on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔧 Check if the service is disabled Automatic WLAN configuration (enter services.msc in the search bar and find the service in the list).

Method 3: View the password in the Windows registry (for hidden networks)

The Windows registry stores information about all connected networks, including those not displayed in the default settings. This method is useful if a network has been removed from the list of known networks, but its information still remains in the system.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly editing the registry may disrupt system operation. Follow the instructions carefully and do not edit other parameters.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter regedit and confirm the launch.
2. Follow the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\{GUID}\Profiles

   Instead of {GUID} there will be different identifiers - open each folder Profiles inside.

3. In each folder Profiles find the parameter ProfileName — this is the network name. Open the folder with the desired name.
4. Double click on the parameter MSMUserData → in the field Meaning find the line PskValue=The characters after it are the password in hexadecimal format.
5. Copy the value (eg. 3132333435) and convert it to text using an online service (for example, CyberChef).

Conversion example:

Via Windows Settings|Command Prompt|Registry|Third-party programs-->

Method 4: Third-party Wi-Fi password recovery programs

If standard methods fail, free utilities can help. They scan system files and display all saved passwords in a convenient format. We tested several programs and selected the most reliable.

Top 3 Wi-Fi Password Viewing Utilities:

• 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - shows all saved networks and passwords, supports export to .txt.
• 🔍 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, works without installation.
• 🛡️ Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords in a table with the ability to copy.

⚠️ Attention: download programs only from official websites of developers (For example, nirsoft.net). Utilities from unknown sources may contain malicious code.

Instructions for WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the archive with the program and unzip it.
2. Run the file WirelessKeyView.exe (administrator rights are not required).
3. Find the required network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
4. Export data via if necessary File → Save All Items.

Download the program from the official website|Check the file on VirusTotal|Run without administrator rights (if possible)|Do not enter personal data in the program-->

Why might the network I need not be in the list of saved networks?

Sometimes users encounter the problem that the network they were definitely connected to is not displayed in any Parameters, not in netshLet's look at the main causes and solutions:

Possible reasons:

• 🗑️ The network was removed from the list of known networks manually or by clearing the cache.
• 🔄 Connection configured via WPS (button on the router) without saving the password.
• 🖥️ A VPN or proxy was used that masked the real network name.
• 🔧 The network was added via proprietary software (for example, utilities from Intel, Broadcom or Qualcomm).

Solutions:

• 🔍 Check the list of networks in the registry (method 3).
• 📋 Try connecting to the network again - Windows may save the password when you reconnect.
• 🖱️ If the network was added via a third-party utility, open its settings (usually in the tray next to the clock).

How to secure your Wi-Fi after resetting your password?

If you were able to recover your password, but it turned out to be too simple (for example, 12345678 or password), we recommend changing it to a more secure one. This will protect your network from hacking and unauthorized access.

Safety tips:

• 🔐 Use a password that is long at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (for example, MyWiFi@2026#Secure!).
• 🔄 Change your password every 6-12 months.
• 📵 Turn off WPS in the router settings - this protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
• 🛡️ Enable encryption WPA3 (or WPA2-PSK, If WPA3 (not supported).
• 👥 Limit the number of connected devices in your router settings.

To change your password:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in (default logins/passwords are indicated on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi → Security (or Wireless Security).
4. In the field Password (Password or Pre-Shared Key) enter a new password.
5. Save the settings and reconnect all devices.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Users often encounter common problems when trying to view their Wi-Fi password. We've compiled a list of the most common errors and solutions.

Error 1: "You don't have permission to view this setting"

⚠️ Attention: This means your Windows account does not have administrator rights. To fix this:

• 👤 Temporarily log in as an administrator.
• 🔑 Ask your PC administrator to grant you rights.
• 🛠️ Use it Command line without administrator rights - sometimes it shows passwords without them.

Error 2: The network is listed, but the password is not displayed.

This happens if:

• The password was changed on the router. after last PC connection.
• The network was connected via guest access (for example, in a cafe or hotel).
• Was used safety certificate instead of a password (in corporate networks).

Error 3: Command netsh returns an empty result

Possible reasons:

• 📡 The network was connected via Ethernet (cable), not Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 The network adapter is disabled in Device Manager.
• 🔧 Service Automatic WLAN configuration disabled (check in services.msc).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

netsh wlan delete profile name="NETWORK_NAME"