How to find out the Wi-Fi password you're connected to from your computer: all working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your computer is connected to the network? It's a familiar situation: you set up your router years ago, wrote the password down on a piece of paper that's long since been lost, and now you need to connect a new device. Luckily, The Wi-Fi password is stored in the system - it can be extracted without resetting the router or calling the provider.

In this article - 5 proven methodsHow to find out the password for the current Wi-Fi network from a computer Windows 10/11 or macOSWe'll cover standard OS tools, the command line, and specialized utilities. We'll also explain why some methods might not work and how to fix them.

⚠️ Important: All methods work only for networks to which the computer is connected. already connectedIf you're trying to hack someone else's Wi-Fi, it's illegal and punishable under Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"). We only consider legal scenarios—restoring access to his own networks.

1. How to view your Wi-Fi password via Network Settings (Windows 10/11)

The easiest way is to use the built-in settings WindowsIt does not require administrator rights (if you are already connected to the network) and works on all versions of the system after Windows 7.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet.
• 📡 Go to the section Wi-Fi and click on the name of your network (in the block Related settings).
• 🔍 Scroll down to the item Properties and find the line Network passwordThere will be a button nearby. Show - press it.
• 🔐 Confirm the action by entering your account password Windows (if required).

If the buttons Show no or the password field is empty, then:

• ❌ You do not have administrator rights (you need to log in with an account that has the appropriate permissions).
• ❌ The network is saved, but the computer is not currently connected to it (try connecting again).
• ❌ The password is not saved in the system (this happens when connecting via WPS or guest access).

2. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for Windows

If the GUI does not show the password, try console methodIt works even on older versions. Windows and does not depend on the system shell.

Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item) and enter:

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi (case-sensitive!). For example:

netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_5G_123" key=clear

In the execution results, find the block Security parameters. Lines Key content - this is your password.

⚠️ Attention: On some corporate laptops (e.g. with BitLocker or Domain Policy) Access to Wi-Fi passwords may be blocked by security policies. In this case, only a network administrator can help.

3. View passwords through the Network and Sharing Center (alternative method)

This method is suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11 and uses the classic control panel. It's useful if the new interface Parameters does not display the required data.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. In the window that opens, find your wireless connection (usually it is called Wireless network or Wi-Fi). Right-click on it and select State.
3. In the new window, click Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security.
4. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will appear in the field Network security key.

If the tab Security is missing or the password field is empty, this means that:

• 🔄 The network uses dynamic key (for example, in hotels or airports).
• 🔒 Connection configured via 802.1X (corporate networks with certificates).
• 🛠️ The network profile is corrupted (try deleting the network and connecting again).

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple The process is even simpler - all saved passwords are stored in Keychain (Keychain Access).

Instructions for macOS Ventura and newer:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys.
• 📂 In the left menu, select System → Passwords.
• 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
• 👁️ Double-click on the found element and check the box Show password. The system will ask for your account password Mac.

⚠️ Attention: If you use iCloud Keychain (password synchronization via iCloud), then the Wi-Fi password may be stored in the cloud. In this case, you can view it from iPhone or iPad in the settings Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to the network name.

On older versions macOS (to Monterey) the path may differ:

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 export all saved passwords or work with damaged profiles.

Popular programs:

• 🛠️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, shows all saved Wi-Fi passwords, works without installation.
• 🔍 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, export passwords to a file.
• 🔐 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer - supports Windows 11 and networks with WPA3.

⚠️ Warning: Download programs only from official websites of developersMany "Wi-Fi hackers" listed in search engines contain viruses or spyware. For example, WirelessKeyView does not require installation and is digitally signed by NirSoft, a sign of security..

Example of working with WirelessKeyView:

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

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

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

• 🔌 The computer is connected to the network via WPS (button on the router) - in this case, the password is not saved.
• 🏢 Corporate network (for example, in an office or university) - the password can change dynamically or be stored on the authentication server (RADIUS).
• 🔄 The network profile is damaged - try deleting the network in the settings and reconnecting.
• 🛡️ The computer has data protection software installed (e.g. Kaspersky Endpoint Security), which blocks access to passwords.

In such cases, there are two options left:

1. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset (on the back panel). After this, you'll have to reconfigure the network using the information on the sticker on the router.
2. Contact your provider — he has saved the access data to your equipment (if it was leased).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router will remove all settings, including network name, password, binding MAC-address and parameters IPTVIf you're unsure of your abilities, it's best to call a provider specialist.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords

netsh wlan show profiles