How to see your Wi-Fi password on your computer: all the methods for Windows and macOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new device but don't have the password handy? This situation is familiar to many. Fortunately, if your computer or laptop is already connected to the network, you can retrieve the saved password in just a few minutes—without resetting the router or losing your settings.

In this article we will analyze all current methodsHow to view your Wi-Fi password on a computer Windows 10/11 And macOSFrom standard system tools to the command line and specialized utilities. We'll also explain why some methods might not work and how to fix them.

Important: all described actions are only legal for your own networkUsing these methods to hack other people's networks is punishable by law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

If you are a network administrator in an office or public place, make sure you have permission to view passwords. In corporate networks, they are often encrypted using Radius servers or WPA-Enterprise, and standard methods won't work.

1. How to find your Wi-Fi password using Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method is suitable for Windows 10 And Windows 11 and doesn't require administrator rights if you're already connected to the network. The interface may differ slightly depending on the OS version, but the basic idea remains the same.

Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. In the block Related parameters select Additional network settings (V Windows 11) or Managing Wi-Fi network settings (V Windows 10).

Next, click on the name of your network (for example, TP-Link_1234) and select Properties. Scroll down to the section Security parameters - there will be a line Network security keyBy default, the password is hidden by dots, but you can see it by clicking the button Show symbols.

Open Windows Settings (Win + I)

Go to the "Network and Internet" section

Select an active Wi-Fi network

Click "Properties" and find the "Security Settings" section.

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⚠️ Attention: If the button Show symbols If the password is inactive or missing, your account doesn't have permission to view passwords. Try logging in as an administrator or using the command line method (Section 2).

This method only works for networks to which the computer is connected. at the momentIf the network is saved but not active (for example, you are at home and need the network from the office), use the following method.

2. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (for all saved networks)

This method allows you to see passwords all saved networks, even if you're not connected to them right now. Suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11.

Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Managing wireless networks (V Windows 10/11 This item may be called Changing adapter settings).

Find the required network in the list, right-click on it and select Properties. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

If the network you need isn't listed, it's not saved on this computer. In this case, try connecting to it at least once so Windows remembers the password.

Once a month

Rarely, but accurately

I never forget

I keep it in a notepad/password manager-->

3. How to extract a Wi-Fi password via the command line (CMD)

This is a universal method that works in all versions. Windows and does not require a graphical interface. Suitable for remote access (for example, via RDP) or if the system boots into safe mode.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Admin)) and enter:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will output a list all saved Wi-Fi networks. Find the one you need in it (for example, Keenetic-5G) and copy its name exactly the same, case-sensitive.

Now enter:

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your network (in quotation marks!). In the results, find the section Security parameters - line Key content and will be your password.

What to do if the command doesn't work?

If you see an error after entering the command "Failed to execute command", check:

1. Is the command prompt run as administrator (required!).

2. Is the network name spelled correctly (case is important!).

3. Is the Wi-Fi adapter connected (check in Device Manager).

If the network is connected via VPN or proxy, the password may not be displayed.

⚠️ Attention: In corporate networks with WPA2-Enterprise or 802.1X This method will only show partial data (such as the authentication server name), but not the password itself. For such networks, please contact your administrator.

The advantage of this method is that it works even if the Windows graphical interface is damaged or the computer is controlled remotely. The disadvantage: it requires precise command entry.

4. Using PowerShell to Extract Passwords (CMD Alternative)

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It can be used to export passwords. all saved networks into a convenient format (for example, CSV).

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

(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}} | Export-Csv -Path "WiFiPasswords.csv" -NoTypeInformation -Encoding UTF8

This command:

1. Gets a list of all Wi-Fi profiles.

2. Extracts passwords for each of them.

3. Saves the result to a file WiFiPasswords.csv on the desktop.

The file can be opened in Excel or Notepad - there will be two columns: network name (PROFILE_NAME) and password (PASSWORD).

(netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear) | Select-String "Key Contents"

Replace NETWORK_NAME to the name of your network.

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This method is convenient for system administrators, which manage multiple devices. For example, you can collect passwords from all computers in the office and store them in a secure vault.

5. How to view your Wi-Fi password on a Mac (macOS Ventura and later)

On computers MacBook or iMac With macOS Viewing passwords is implemented differently than in Windows. It uses a built-in application. Bunch of keys (Keychain Access), where all saved credentials are stored.

Open Spotlight (combination Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keysIn the window that opens:

1. In the left column, select System or Local elements (depending on macOS version).

2. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.

3. Double-click on the found element (for example, airport_network_password).

4. Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

The password will be displayed in the field. Show passwordIf the checkbox is grayed out, you don't have administrator rights. Log in with a different account or request permission from the Mac owner.

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⚠️ Attention: IN macOS Sonoma (2023+) Apple has tightened its security policy. Now, viewing passwords may require entering Apple ID password or confirmation via Touch ID, if the function is enabled Two-factor authentication.

If you use Mac At work, please note: some corporate policies block access to Keychain For regular users. In this case, please contact the IT department.

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

If standard methods don't work (for example, due to restricted rights or damaged system files), you can use specialized utilities. They are convenient because they reveal passwords. all networks in one window and often offer additional functions (export, QR code generation, etc.).

The most popular programs:

• 🔹 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - free, portable (no installation required), displays passwords in a table.
• 🔹 WiFi Password Revealer - simple interface, supports export to TXT.
• 🔹 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords with the option to copy them to the clipboard.
• 🔹 NetSpot — in addition to passwords, it analyzes signal strength and suggests network optimization.

Example of working with WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (take it Zip version, so as not to install).

2. Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (as administrator).

3. The program window will display all saved networks with passwords in the column Key (Ascii).

Important: Some antivirus programs (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block NirSoft programs, considering them suspicious. This is a false positive—add the utility to your antivirus exclusions.

Windows default settings

Command Prompt (CMD/PowerShell)

Third-party programs

Keychain Access (on Mac)

Resetting the router-->

7. 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 network uses WPA3-Enterprise or 802.1X - such passwords are not stored locally.
• 🖥️ Your account does not have administrator rights (try logging in with a different account).
• 🔄 The password was changed on the router, but the computer has not yet connected to the network with the new password.
• 🛠️ Windows system files are damaged (the command will help) sfc /scannow).
• 📡 The network is saved, but was never successfully connected (Windows does not save passwords for unsuccessful connections).

In such cases, there are two options left:

1. Reset your router settings (button Reset on the back panel) and configure it again. Cons: You'll have to reconfigure all devices on the network.

2. Connect to the router via cable (through Ethernet) and go to its web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). The router password is often found on a sticker at the bottom.

⚠️ Attention: If you rent a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), resetting the settings may block internet access. In this case, contact technical support—they will provide your current Wi-Fi password or help you change it.

If the router belongs to an organization (office, university, hotel), resetting it yourself may disrupt network operation for other users. Contact the administrator.

8. How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after password recovery

Once you know your network password, you should make sure it is secure enough. Here 5 Key Recommendations:

• 🔒 Use WPA3 instead of the outdated one WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 🔑 Create a password with a length of 12+ characters with letters, numbers and special characters (for example, Green$Tree7!Lamp2).
• 📡 Turn off WPS in the router settings - this is a vulnerable protocol.
• 👥 Create guest network for friends and temporary devices.
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3–6 months).

To check how strong your current password is, you can use services like How Secure Is My Password (Do not enter your real password - only examples with a similar structure!).

If you often forget your passwords, store them in password manager (For example, KeePass, 1Password or Bitwarden). It's safer than writing it down on a piece of paper or in notes on your phone.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords

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

No. Windows and macOS only store passwords for networks they've successfully connected to at least once. If the network is new, you'll have to connect to it (for example, by entering the password from your phone) or look it up on the router.

Why isn't my network listed in Keychain Access on my Mac?

Possible reasons:

• You connected to the network using a different account (passwords are linked to the user).
• The network uses pre-authentication (for example, in hotels or airports).
• macOS did not save your password due to an error (try connecting again).

Will it be visible that I viewed the password via the command line?

No, viewing the password is possible through netsh or PowerShell It leaves no traces in the system. However, if you're using a corporate computer, the administrator may see the fact that you ran the command prompt as an administrator in the security logs.

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

On Android 10+ this is only possible with root rights (via files in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml). On iPhone Without jailbreak it's impossible (iOS doesn't provide access to Wi-Fi passwords).

Alternative: Connect your phone to your computer and use one of the methods described above.

What should I do if my password is displayed as empty characters or hieroglyphs?

This is a sign that:

• The password is saved in an incorrect encoding (try changing the font in the command line to Lucida Console).
• The network uses safety certificates (for example, in universities or offices).
• Windows system files are corrupted (run sfc /scannow).