How to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on a laptop: all methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't remember the password? Luckily, the password for the network your laptop is already connected to can be easily retrieved from the system settings—without resetting the router or losing the connection. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for Windows 10/11, macOS And Linux, including hidden methods via the command line and third-party utilities.

Important: The methods vary depending on the operating system and version. For example, in Windows 11 The network settings interface has changed compared to the "ten", and in macOS Ventura and newer versions have introduced additional restrictions on access to system files. We've taken all the nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will work even if you're not a device administrator.

Before you begin, please check:

• 🔹 Laptop connected to the target Wi-Fi network (or was connected earlier).
• 🔹 You have rights administrator (for most methods).
• 🔹 The device does not have corporate security policies installed (they may block access to passwords).

1. Method for Windows: via "Network Settings" (without commands)

The easiest method is to use the graphical interface WindowsIt is suitable for most users and does not require knowledge of commands. The instructions are relevant for Windows 10 And Windows 11, but with slight differences in the arrangement of menu items.

How to view the password:

1. Open Parameters (keys Win + I).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click Managing known networks.
4. Select the desired network and click Properties.
5. Scroll down to the block Security parameters.
6. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

⚠️ Attention: If the button Properties inactive or missing item Show entered characters, Means:

• 🔸 You do not have administrator rights.
• 🔸 The network was added via a corporate profile (for example, Windows Domain).
• 🔸 The password is saved in the cloud account Microsoft (see method 3).

2. Command Prompt (CMD): A Universal Method for Windows

If the graphical interface does not work, use command lineThis method works on all versions. Windows from 7 to 11, including server editions. The main advantage is that you don't need to install additional software.

Step-by-step instructions:

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

   netsh wlan show profiles

3. Find the name of the desired network in the list (for example, MyWiFi_5G).
4. Run the command to extract the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to real):

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

5. In the block Security parameters find the line Key content - this is the password.

🔹 Example output:

Profile name: MyWiFi_5G
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: qW3$rT9!pL2#

3. Wi-Fi passwords in your Microsoft account (for synced devices)

If you are using an account Microsoft and enabled settings sync, Wi-Fi passwords can be stored in the cloud. This allows you to restore them even after a reinstallation. Windows or on a new device.

How to check:

1. Go to the account management page: account.microsoft.com/devices (authorization required).
2. Select a section Devices → Sync Settings.
3. Make sure the option is Passwords included.
4. On your laptop, open Settings → Accounts → Sync settings and update the data.

⚠️ Attention: This method only works if:

• 🔸 An account is used on the laptop Microsoft (not local).
• 🔸 Password synchronization has been activated to first connection to the network.
• 🔸 The network was not added manually via netsh or third-party utilities.

🔹 If syncing is disabled, but you remember your account password Microsoft, try turning it on and waiting 5-10 minutes. Sometimes passwords are loaded retroactively.

4. macOS: How to extract a password via Keychain

On laptops MacBook (and other devices with macOS) Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the system storage "Bunch of keys". They can be accessed through the standard application or Terminal.

Method 1: Via the Keychain app

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
2. In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
3. Find the network name in the list and double-click on it.
4. Check the box Show password and enter your account password Mac.

Method 2: Via Terminal (for advanced users)

1. Open Terminal (Programs → Utilities).
2. Enter the command (replace NETWORK_NAME):

   security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME"

3. Enter your account password Macwhen the system asks.

⚠️ Attention: IN macOS Ventura 13.3+ Apple has tightened access to system passwords. If the command in Terminal returns an error error -25293, Means:

• 🔸 You do not have administrator rights.
• 🔸 Feature enabled FileVault (disk encryption).
• 🔸 The network was added via a configuration profile (for example, in corporate Mac).

In this case, use only the first method via Keychain.

5. Linux: Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora)

In distributions Linux Wi-Fi passwords are stored in cleartext in configuration files. Their location depends on the network manager: NetworkManager (most distributions) or wpa_supplicant (server versions).

For NetworkManager (Ubuntu, Mint, Debian):

1. Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Run the command to view all saved networks:

   nmcli -s -g NAME connection show

3. Find the network name in the list and copy it.
4. Extract the password with the command (replace NETWORK_NAME):

   nmcli -s -g 802-11-wireless-security.psk connection show "NETWORK_NAME"

For wpa_supplicant (Arch, Gentoo, server versions):

1. Open the configuration file in a text editor:

   sudo nano /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

2. Find the block network={...} with the name of your network (ssid="...").
3. The password will be in the line psk="..." (sometimes encrypted - see spoiler below).

What to do if the password in wpa_supplicant is encrypted?

If instead of a password you see a line like this psk=1234abc5678def90..., this is a hash. To decrypt it, use the utility wpa_passphrase or online services (not recommended for corporate networks!).

🔹 Example output for NetworkManager:

802-11-wireless-security.psk:  My$ecureP@ss123

6. Third-party programs for viewing passwords

If system methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. They are suitable for Windows and are often able to extract passwords even from hidden networks or corporate profiles.

🔹 Top 3 programs:

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official websites! Many "password crackers" in search results contain viruses. Before installing, check the file for viruses. VirusTotal.

🔹 How to use WirelessKeyView:

• 🔸 Download the archive and unzip it.
• 🔸 Launch WirelessKeyView.exe (as administrator).
• 🔸 Find the desired network in the table - the password will be displayed in the column Key (Ascii).
• 🔸 To export, click File → Save All Items.

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

If you have tried all the methods but still cannot extract the password, the reasons may be as follows:

🔹 The laptop is connected via a corporate network (802.1X):

• The password is stored on the authentication server (e.g. Radius).
• Try contacting your IT department or refer to the connection instructions (often the password is given upon first login).

🔹 The network was added via a USB adapter or virtual router:

• Passwords for such networks can be stored in adapter drivers.
• Check the settings of the program that created the connection (for example, Connectify, MyPublicWiFi).

🔹 Laptop with Windows 11 in mode S Mode:

• In this mode, access to system files is limited.
• Exit: Switch your device to normal mode (free) via Settings → Update & Security → Activation.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password to which the laptop is currently connected but not saved?

No. If the network is marked as Do not save When connecting, the password is not stored in the system. The only way is to look it up on the router (on a sticker or in the web interface at 192.168.1.1).

Will the password be visible if the laptop is connected via WPS?

Yes, but only if the connection was completed manually (by entering a password). If the button was used WPS On the router, the password might not have been saved. Check through netsh wlan show profiles — if the network is not in the list, then the data is not stored.

How do I view the password on a laptop with two operating systems (dual bootloader)?

Passwords are stored separately for each system. For example, if you have Windows 11 And Ubuntu on one device:

• 🔹 In Windows use netsh or "Network Settings".
• 🔹 In Linux — nmcli or /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf.

The password from one OS will not be visible in another.

Is it possible to extract the password from a laptop that is currently turned off?

Technically yes, but this will require:

1. Connect the laptop hard drive to another PC.
2. Find files with passwords:
   • 🔸 In Windows: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Profiles\Interfaces\{GUID}\.
   • 🔸 In macOS: /Library/Keychains/System.keychain (access to encrypted storage is required).

Use decryption utilities (for example, Elcomsoft Wireless Security Auditor).

Attention: This method requires skills in working with system files and may damage the integrity of the data.

How to protect your Wi-Fi passwords from being extracted?

If you are concerned about security:

• 🔹 In Windows: Disable password synchronization on your account Microsoft (Settings → Accounts → Sync settings).
• 🔹 In macOS: turn on FileVault (disk encryption) and set a strong account password.
• 🔹 On the router: change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months) and use the standard WPA3 instead of WPA2.
• 🔹 For corporate networks: set up authentication via 802.1X (For example, Radius) so that passwords are not stored on devices.