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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and your router doesn't have a sticker with the connection information? Don't rush to reset the router or call your ISP. If your computer or laptop has connected to this network at least once, the password can easily be retrieved from system files. In this article, we'll look at how. all current methods — from standard tools Windows And macOS to specialized utilities.

It is important to understand that these methods only work for networks to which the device is connected. already connected beforeIf you are trying to hack someone else's network, it is illegal and technically difficult (modern protocols WPA3 reliably protected). We consider only legal scenarios - restoring access to his own networks.

Let's get to work. Below you'll find instructions for various operating systems, including visual methods and terminal commands. For your convenience, each method is illustrated with screenshots (where applicable) and provided with explanations.

1. View the password through Network Settings in Windows

The easiest way is to use built-in tools Windows 10/11It doesn't require administrator rights (if you're already connected to the network) and takes less than a minute. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Network Settings:

   Click Win + I, select a section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. In the block Related parameters click Additional network settings.

2. Go to Network and Sharing Center:

   In the window that opens, click Network and Sharing Center (V Windows 11 can be called Changing adapter settings).

3. Find your Wi-Fi network:

   In the list of active connections, right-click on the name of your network and select State → Wireless network properties.

4. Look at the password:

   Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters. The password will be displayed in the field. Network security key.

If the password field is inactive, your account does not have sufficient rights. In this case, use the method with command line (described below) or log in as administrator.

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network|Check your administrator rights (if the field is grayed out)|Disable your VPN (it may block access to network settings)|Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers (if the network is not displayed)

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2. Using the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows

This method is universal and works even if the graphical interface is unavailable (for example, when connecting remotely). You will need to run Command line as administrator:

1. Run CMD with administrator rights:

   Click Win + X and select Terminal (administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).

2. View the list of saved networks:

   Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   On the list User profiles Find the name of your network.

3. Extract the password:

   Run the command (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

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

   The password will be in the section Security parameters, line Key content.

If the command returns the error "The operation failed," make sure the network name is entered correctly and is case-sensitive. Windows 11 Sometimes adding quotation marks even for names without spaces helps.

3. Alternative Method: PowerShell for Advanced Users

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than CMD, and also allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords. This method is useful if you need to export data about all saved networks or automate the process.

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_} | %{(netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear)} | Select-String "Key contents\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); [PSCustomObject]@{PROFILE=$name;PASSWORD=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

This command will output a table with all saved networks and their passwords. If you want to save the result to a file, add the following to the end:

| Out-File -FilePath "C:\WiFi_Passwords.txt" -Encoding UTF8

⚠️ Attention: Password file (WiFi_Passwords.txt) contains confidential information. Keep it in a secure place or delete it after use.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on macOS

On computers Apple The process is even easier thanks to the utility Keychain Access (keychain). Here's how to do it:

1. Open Keychain Access:

   Click Cmd + Space, enter Bunch of keys and select the application.

2. Find your network:

   In the search bar, enter the name Wi-Fi. In the results, select the entry with the type AirPort network password.

3. Look at the password:

   Double-click on the entry and check the box. Show password and enter your account password macOS.

If the network is not displayed, check that your computer is currently connected to it. macOS Ventura and newer you may need to unlock the keychain via Touch ID or password.

5. Third-party programs for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. They're handy when you need to manage large numbers of networks or export data. Here are some proven programs:

• 🔹 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft):

  A free portable utility that displays all saved Wi-Fi passwords. No installation required, runs on Windows 7–11You can download it from official website.

• 🔹 WiFi Password Revealer:

  A simple program with a graphical interface. It displays passwords, signal strength, and encryption type. Supports export to .txt.

• 🔹 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer:

  An open-source utility. It works without administrator rights if passwords are already saved in the system.

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official developer websites. Password viewing utilities are often counterfeited by attackers who insert malicious code into them.

6. If nothing works: resetting the router and alternative methods

In rare cases, the password may not be displayed even through the administrator tools. This occurs if:

• 🔌 The network profile is damaged (for example, after an update) Windows).
• 🔒 Corporate authentication is used (802.1X).
• 🖥️ The computer was connected to the network via VPN or proxy.

In such situations, there are two options left:

1. Reset the router to factory settings:

   Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the network name and password will be the same as on the router sticker.

2. View password on another device:

   If connected to the network Android- smartphone with rights root or another computer, extract the password from there (for example, through ES File Explorer in the section /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml).

On routers of some providers (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) The factory password may differ from the one on the sticker. In this case, you can find it in your operator account.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NETWORK_NAME | grep psk=