Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the password on your router? Or do you need to connect a new device but are too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? On a computer running Windows 10 All saved passwords for wireless networks are stored in the system and can be easily retrieved without additional programs. The main thing is that you must have administrator access to the PC and connect to the desired network at least once in the past.
In this article we will analyze all working methods: from standard tools Windows to alternative utilities. Please note: if you have never connected to this network from your current computer, You won't be able to see the password — you will have to reset it on the router or check with the network owner.
The methods in the article are relevant for Windows 10 all versions (including 22H2), as well as for Windows 11 with minor interface changes. If you have a different OS, check the official documentation for method compatibility. Microsoft.
1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)
This method doesn't require any commands or software installation—it's all done through a graphical interface. It's suitable if you're currently connected to the desired network or have previously connected to it.
Step 1. Open the menu Start and go to Parameters (gear icon) → select a section Network and Internet.
Step 2. In the left menu, click on Wi-Fi, then in the right part of the window, click Managing known networks.
Step 3. Find the name of your network in the list (SSID) and click on it. A window with a button will open. Properties - press it.
Step 4. Scroll down to the block Network parameters and press Show next to the field Network security keyThe system may ask for confirmation via UAC (User Account Control) - Allow the action.
Done! The password will be displayed in the text field. You can copy it (Ctrl+C) or write down.
Are you connected to the correct Wi-Fi network?
Does your account have administrator rights?
Has the password been changed since the last connection?
Is the VPN disabled (it may block access to network settings)-->
⚠️ Attention: If the button Show is inactive or the password field is empty, which means the network is saved without a security key (open network) or the password has been changed on the router after last connection.
2. Using the command line (for advanced users)
The way through CMD It is universal and works even if the graphical interface Windows is not available (for example, when connecting remotely). The commands are the same for all versions of the system, including Windows 10 LTSC.
Step 1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator:
- 🔍 Click
Win + S, entercmd. - 🖱️ Right click on
Command lineand selectRun as administrator.
Step 2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:
netsh wlan show profilesOn the list User profiles Find your network name (case is not important).
Step 3. Display the details of a specific network by replacing NETWORK_NAME to its real name:
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearStep 4. Find the block in the results Security parameters - line Key content contains the password you are looking for.
What to do if the command doesn't work?
If you see an error after entering the command "Failed to execute command", check:
1. The network name is correct (including spaces and symbols).
2. Is the command prompt run as administrator?
3. Is the service disabled? Automatic WLAN configuration (check in services.msc).
4. Is your antivirus blocking access to network settings (temporarily disabling it may help).
Critical detail: if the command results show asterisks (), then the network profile is damaged or the password was changed manually through the registry.
3. Alternative Method: PowerShell
PowerShell — a more powerful tool than CMD, and also allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords. This method is useful for automation or if you need to export data to a file.
Step 1. Launch PowerShell from administrator:
- 🔍 Click
Win + Xand selectWindows PowerShell (Administrator). - 🛡️ Confirm your rights in the window UAC.
Step 2. Enter the command to display all saved passwords:
(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(); $_} | %{[PSCustomObject]@{PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSizeResult: The table will display the network names (PROFILE_NAME) and their passwords (PASSWORD). If there is no data, it means the networks are not saved or the passwords have been reset.
⚠️ Attention: Teams PowerShell may be blocked by security policies (for example, in corporate networks). If the script does not run, try running it in -ExecutionPolicy Bypass.
4. View passwords through the Windows registry
All data about Wi-Fi networks is stored in the registry Windows, but in encrypted form. To read them, you'll need an additional utility or manual decoding.
Step 1. Open Registry Editor:
- 🔧 Click
Win + R, enterregeditand confirm. - 📁 Follow the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\
Step 2. In the folder Interfaces find subfolders with long names (this is GUID network adapters). Open them one by one and look for the settings with the name of your network in the section Profile.
Step 3. The password is stored in a binary parameter PSK or KeyMaterial, but it's encrypted. You can use a script to decode it. Python or utility WirelessKeyView (more about her below).
5. Third-party password extraction programs
If standard methods fail, specialized utilities can help. They not only reveal passwords but also export them to a file or copy them to the clipboard.
Top 3 proven programs:
| Name | Peculiarities | Link (official) |
|---|---|---|
| WirelessKeyView | Portable, no installation required. Shows passwords for all saved networks, including hidden ones. | nirsoft.net/utils/wireless_key.html |
| WiFi Password Revealer | Simple interface, export to .txtPowered by Windows 7-11. |
magicaljellybean.com/wifi-password-revealer/ |
| Dumeter | Monitors traffic and displays passwords. Paid, but there's a trial period. | dumeter.com |
How to use WirelessKeyView (step by step):
- 📥 Download the archive with the program and unzip it.
- 🖥️ Run the file
WirelessKeyView.exe(admin rights are not required). - 🔍 Find your network in the table - the password will be in the column
Key (Ascii). - 📋 To copy all passwords, click
File → Save All Items.
⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official websites! Many "cracked" versions of password viewing utilities contain malicious code that can steal All saved data.
6. What should I do if my password is not displayed?
Sometimes, even after all these steps, the password remains hidden. Let's look at some common causes and solutions:
Problem 1: The network is not saved in the system
- 🔌 You may have connected via WPS or guest access without entering a password.
- 🔄 Solution: Reconnect to the network by entering the password or find it on the router's sticker.
Problem 2: The password has been changed on the router
- 🔒 If the password was changed after the last connection, the system stores the old version.
- 🔧 Solution: Reset your router (button)
Reset) or check the new password with your network administrator.
Issue 3: Group Policy Limitations (Corporate PCs)
- 🏢 In office networks, access to passwords may be blocked.
- 📞 Solution: Contact your IT department - extracting the password yourself may violate security policy.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 10
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've never connected to?
No. Windows only stores data about networks you've connected to at least once. If the network isn't on the list Managing known networks, it is impossible to extract its password without access to the router.
Is it safe to use third-party password viewers?
Yes, if you download them from official sources (for example, NirSoft or Magical Jelly Bean). However, such utilities may be blocked by antivirus software—this is normal, as they work with protected system data. Always check files for VirusTotal before launch.
Why are asterisks showing up in the command line instead of a password?
This means that the network profile is corrupted or the password was changed manually through the registry/group policies. Try deleting the network from the list of saved networks (netsh wlan delete profile name="NETWORK_NAME") and reconnect.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password from an Android phone?
Yes, but only if you have root rightsWithout them Android does not provide access to system files with passwords. On some firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI) the password can be viewed in the router settings through the manufacturer's application (Xiaomi Wi-Fi, Huawei AI Life).
How to protect your passwords from being extracted?
To prevent access to saved passwords:
- 🔐 Use BitLocker to encrypt the system disk.
- 👤 Disable guest access to your account.
- 🛡️ Configure Group Policy:
gpedit.msc→Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Manage Wireless Networks→ enable the optionDeny access to wireless network properties.