How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 11: all the methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker with the password on your router has long since worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device, but you're too lazy to look for the access code? On a computer running Windows 11 All saved wireless network passwords are stored in the system—they can be easily retrieved without special software. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methodsHow to find out your Wi-Fi password even if you're not a PC administrator.

Important: The methods only work for networks to which the computer is connected. I've already connected beforeIf you've never logged into this network from this device, you'll need to reset your router or contact your ISP. Also, keep in mind that some methods require administrator rights — without them, access to passwords will be limited.

We will look at how standard tools Windows 11 (via "Options" and command line), as well as alternative solutions using PowerShell and third-party utilities. For convenience, each method is accompanied by step-by-step screenshots and explanations.

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

This method does not require knowledge of commands or installation of additional software. It is suitable for users who have administrator rights on your computer. If you're logging in as a guest, this method won't work.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (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 section Security properties check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct network|Check your administrator rights|Open Settings via Win + I|Find the Network and Internet section

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If the button Properties inactive or missing, means:

• 🚫 You don't have administrator rights (you need to log in using a different account).
• 🔄 The network was connected via WPS or another method without entering a password.
• 📵 The network profile has been deleted from the system (try connecting again).

⚠️ Attention: In some builds Windows 11 (especially corporate) section Managing known networks may be hidden by security policies. In this case, use alternative methods.

2. How to find out the password through the Network and Sharing Center (classic method)

This method works on all versions of Windows, including Windows 11, and doesn't require any additional software installation. Suitable for users who prefer the Control Panel interface to the modern Settings.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right) and select Open Network and Internet settings.
2. In the window that opens, scroll down and click Additional network settings.
3. Select Additional sharing options (The Network and Sharing Center will open).
4. Click on the left Changing adapter settings.
5. Find your wireless connection (usually Wireless network or Wi-Fi), right-click and select Status → Wireless Properties.
6. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

If the tab Security is missing or the password field is empty, this may mean:

• 🔌 The connection was made through Ethernet, not Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 The password was changed on the router after the last connection.
• 🛡️ The network profile is corrupted (try deleting the network and connecting again).

3. Using the command line (for advanced users)

If the graphical interface is unavailable for some reason (for example, due to group policy restrictions), you can extract the password via command lineThis method is universal and works even in Windows 11 Lite or server editions.

Run the following commands in order:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will list all saved networks. Remember the name of the one you want (case-sensitive!).

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

In the execution results, find the line Key content - this is the password.

Example output:

Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678

⚠️ Attention: If a blank field or message is displayed instead of a password The key is missing, this means that the network was connected without a password (for example, via WPS) or the profile data is corrupted. Try deleting the network and connecting again.

4. Extracting the password via PowerShell (an alternative to CMD)

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the classic command line. It lets you not only view passwords but also export all saved networks to a file. This method is useful if you need to transfer Wi-Fi settings to another computer.

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

(Get-NetAdapter -Name "Wi-Fi" | Get-NetConnectionProfile).Name

This command will display the current network name. To view the password, enter:

(Get-NetConnectionProfile -Name "NETWORK_NAME" | Get-WlanConnectedPassword).Password

For export all saved passwords into a text file, use the script:

$profiles = netsh wlan show profiles | Select-String ": (.+)" | %{$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim()}
$output = @()
foreach ($profile in $profiles) {
$password = (netsh wlan show profile name="$profile" key=clear | Select-String "Key contents\s+:\s+(.+)" | %{$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim()})
$output += "$profile : $password"
}
$output | Out-File -FilePath "C:\WiFi_Passwords.txt" -Encoding UTF8

File WiFi_Passwords.txt will appear on the disk C:\ with all saved passwords.

What should I do if PowerShell gives me an "Access Denied" error?

The error occurs due to insufficient privileges. Run PowerShell as an administrator: find it in the Start menu, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator." If the problem persists, check whether script execution is blocked by a security policy (command Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned).

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

If standard methods don't work or you need to manage passwords on multiple devices, you can use specialized utilities. They offer additional features: export to CSV, generation QR codes for quick connection, remote control.

Popular programs:

• 🔐 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable, shows all saved passwords.
• 📊 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export to text file.
• 🔍 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer - supports Windows 11 and old versions.
• 🛡️ PassFab WiFi Key — paid version with advanced recovery features.

How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (portable version does not require installation).
2. Launch WirelessKeyView.exe on behalf of the administrator.
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.

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from the official websites of the developers. Many "cracked" versions of password viewing utilities contain malware. Check the file before using it. VirusTotal.

6. What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you've tried all the methods but still can't extract the password, there may be a few reasons:

• 🔄 The password was changed on the router after last time the computer was connected.
• 🛡️ The network profile is damaged (for example, due to a system crash or a virus).
• 🚫 You don't have administrator rights and your account is restricted by domain policies.
• 📡 The connection was made through WPS, WPA3-Enterprise or another method without saving the password.

Solutions:

1. Reset your router settings (button Reset on the back panel) - this will return the factory password (indicated on the sticker).
2. Connect to the router via cable and log in to the web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to see the current password.
3. Contact your provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) can provide a password upon request.
4. Use a system backup, if it was created before the password was changed (restore the file wlan.profiles from the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Profiles).

If the problem is with access rights, try:

• 🔑 Log in using an account with administrator rights.
• 🛠️ Temporarily disable User Account Control (UAC) through Control Panel → User Accounts.
• 🔧 Launch Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and check the settings in the section Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Network Connections.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords in Windows 11

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the computer has never connected to?

No. Windows 11 Stores passwords only for networks the device has previously connected to. If the computer has never connected to this network, it's impossible to retrieve the password using standard tools. In this case, the only option is to reset the router or contact the network administrator.

Why is there no Properties button for my network in Settings?

This could mean:

• The network was connected via WPS (without entering a password).
• The network profile is damaged or deleted.
• You do not have administrator rights.

Try deleting the network (button Forget) and reconnect.

Is it safe to use third-party password viewers?

Security depends on the source of the program. Official utilities (For example, WirelessKeyView from NirSoft) are time-tested and virus-free. However, pirated versions or programs from unknown sites may be infected.

Recommendations:

• Download software only from official websites.
• Check files via VirusTotal.
• Use portable versions (no installation required).

Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password from an Android or iPhone phone?

On Android (versions 10+) the password can be viewed through the settings:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the desired network → Share.
3. Confirm unlocking PIN code or a fingerprint.

On iPhone (iOS) There are no standard tools for viewing the password, but you can:

• Use Shortcuts (Scripts application) with ready-made scripts.
• View password on Mac, if the devices are synchronized via iCloud.

How to protect your Wi-Fi passwords from being seen by other PC users?

If other people have access to your computer, protect your passwords:

• 🔐 Create a separate account without administrator rights.
• 🛡️ Encrypt your drive with BitLocker (available in Windows 11 Pro).
• 🔄 Change your router password regularly (via the web interface).
• 📵 Disable the feature WPS on the router - it is vulnerable to hacking.

You can also restrict access to command line And PowerShell through Local Group Policy Editor.