How to view the Wi-Fi password on a Lenovo laptop: all the methods (2026)

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but can't be bothered to find the router box? On laptops Lenovo (regardless of the model - IdeaPad, Legion, ThinkPad or Yoga) There are several ways to retrieve a saved network password. The key is that you've already connected to this Wi-Fi network at least once.

Unlike smartphones, where passwords are often hidden behind biometrics, Windows You can view them without third-party programs. But there are some nuances: the methods differ depending on the OS version (Windows 10/11), user rights, and even the network authentication type. We've collected all current methods — from standard to little-known ones that work even if the laptop is not connected to the network right now.

⚠️ Important: If you are trying to hack someone else's network, it is illegal (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). This article is only for restoring access to to his own Wi-Fi, the password for which was lost.

Method 1: Via Windows Settings (the easiest)

This is the official method from Microsoft that works on Windows 10 And Windows 11 No additional programs required. Suitable if you have a laptop. Lenovo is currently connected to the target Wi-Fi network.

Steps:

1. Click Win + Ito open Windows Settings.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click Managing known networks.
4. Select the desired network from the list and click Properties.
5. Scroll down to the block Network parameters and press View next to Password.
6. Enter your Windows account password (if required).

Done! The password will be displayed in the field. Network security key. If the buttons View No - it means your account does not have sufficient rights (administrator rights are required).

1. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.

2. Restart your laptop and try again.

3. Try the command line method (see below)

4. Check if you are connected to this network now-->

Method 2: Command line (works without a network connection)

This method is universal: it will reveal passwords all saved networks, even if the laptop Lenovo not connected to them at the moment. Suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11.

Instructions:

1. Open Command line as administrator:
   • Click Win + S, enter cmd.
   • Select Run as administrator.

netsh wlan show profiles

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

⚠️ Attention: If there is no line in the command output Key content, Means:

• 🔹 The password is not saved in the system (for example, the connection was via WPS).
• 🔹 The network uses authentication (802.1X).
• 🔹 You do not have administrator rights.

Method 3: Via the Network and Sharing Center (for Windows 7/8/10)

The good old method that works on all versions of Windows except Windows 11 (This section has been removed there.) Suitable if you prefer a graphical interface.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (bottom right).
2. Select Open Network and Internet settings (Windows 10) or Network and Control Center... (Windows 7/8).
3. Click on Changing adapter settings.
4. Find your active Wi-Fi connection, right-click on it → State → Wireless network properties.
5. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

This path doesn't work on Windows 11 - use Method 1 or 2.

Windows 10|Windows 11|Windows 7/8|I don't know-->

Method 4: Through the router settings (if you don't have access to a laptop)

If a laptop Lenovo If your router is broken or you can't log into Windows, you can find the password directly in the router settings. To do this:

1. Connect any other device (phone, tablet) to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Find out your router's IP address:
   • On Windows: ipconfig in the command line → line Main gateway.
   • On Android/iOS: in the network properties (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

⚠️ Attention: If you've never changed your router's login or password, anyone on your network can access its settings! We recommend changing your login information after viewing your password.

Method 5: Third-party programs (if nothing helps)

If standard methods fail, you can use password recovery utilities. They retrieve data from the Windows registry, where all saved networks are stored.

Top 3 proven programs:

• 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable, shows passwords of all networks.
• 🔧 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export passwords to a file.
• 🔧 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — works on Windows 7–11.

⚠️ Warning: Download programs only from official websites! Many "Wi-Fi hackers" on the internet contain viruses.

How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the archive from official website (chapter Download WirelessKeyView).
2. Unzip and run WirelessKeyView.exe (admin rights are not required).
3. Find the desired network in the list - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).

Common problems and solutions

Not all methods work equally well. Here are some common mistakes and their fixes:

• 🚫 Access Denied Error in Command Prompt:

  Run CMD as administrator (right click → Run as administrator).

• 🚫 There is no "View" button in Windows settings.:

  Log in with an account that has administrator privileges or use the command prompt.

• 🚫 The password is displayed as dots:

  In the Network and Sharing Center (Method 3), check the box Show entered characters.

• 🚫 The router does not open the web interface.:

  Check if you're connected to their network. Try a different browser or reset your router using the reset button. Reset (all settings will be reset!).

💡 Advice: If you often forget your passwords, create a text file with them and store it in an encrypted archive (for example, via 7-Zip with a password). Or use password managers like KeePass.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NAZVANIE_SETI.nmconnection | grep psk=