Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device but don't have time to go into the router settings? Is your laptop under Windows 10 All saved network passwords are stored in the system—they can be retrieved without special programs. In this article, we'll look at three proven methods: via graphical interface, command line and third-party utilities.
Important: The methods only work for networks that the laptop is connected to. I've already connected beforeIf you have never entered a password on this device (for example, you connected via WPS or through guest access), the system will not save it. Also, keep in mind that some methods will require administrator rights.
Before you begin, make sure your laptop is currently connected to the network whose password you want to find out. If the connection is lost, some methods will not work.
1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)
This method doesn't require installing any additional software and is suitable even for beginners. Everything is done through the standard menu. Windows 10, but there is a nuance: if your account does not have administrator rights, the system will not show the password.
Instructions:
- 🖱️ Open
Start → Settings(gear icon) or clickWin + I. - 📡 Go to the section
Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 In the block Related parameters select
Additional network settings. - 📋 Find your network name in the list and click on it, then click
Properties. - 🔐 Scroll down to the item Network password and check the box
Show entered characters.
Done! The password will appear in the text field. You can copy it or write it down.
Make sure your laptop is connected to the correct network|Check your administrator rights|Open Settings via Win + I|Don't close the window until you copy the password-->
⚠️ Attention: If the password field is empty or gray, it means the network is saved without a password (for example, a guest network) or the laptop was connected viaWPS/QSSIn this case, try other methods.
2. Using the command line (for advanced users)
The way through CMD It is universal and works even on older versions. WindowsThe main advantage is that you don't have to navigate through menus; you just enter a single command. The downside: if you're not familiar with the command line, you might accidentally execute the wrong command.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Run Command Prompt as Administrator:
- 🔍 Click
Win + S, entercmd. - 🖱️ Right click on Command line and select
Run as administrator.
- 🔍 Click
netsh wlan show profilesRemember the exact name of your network (case is important!).
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearReplace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi (in quotes!).
Example output (password highlighted):
...Key contents: 12345678Ab
...
⚠️ Attention: If asterisks (), then your account does not have permission to view. Try runningCMDas administrator or use the third method.
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 network name spelled correctly (case is important!).
2. Do you have administrator rights?
3. Has the laptop been connected to the network at least once before?
If the problem persists, try rebooting your router and try again.
3. Third-party programs for viewing passwords
If the first two methods don't work, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. They are convenient because they show all saved passwords In a single window, not just for the current network. The downside is that you need to download and install software, which always carries risks (especially from unverified sources).
Top 3 proven programs:
| Program | Pros | Cons | Link to the website |
|---|---|---|---|
| WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) | Portable (no installation required), shows all networks | The interface is in English and may be blocked by antivirus software. | nirsoft.net |
| WiFi Password Revealer | Simple interface, export passwords to a file | Requires installation and is updated less frequently. | magicaljellybean.com |
| NetPass | Shows passwords and connection history | Paid version with advanced features | nirsoft.net |
How to use WirelessKeyView (for example):
- 📥 Download the archive from the official website NirSoft and unpack.
- 🖱️ Run the file
WirelessKeyView.exe(as administrator). - 🔍 Find your network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
- 💾 Export data via if necessary
File → Save All Items.
4. Alternative methods: if nothing works
There are situations when none of the above methods work. For example, if:
- 🔒 The laptop was connected to the network via
WPSorQSS(without entering a password). - 👤 You don't have administrator rights, and the device owner is not nearby.
- 🖥️ The network is saved, but the password is not displayed (rare bug) Windows).
In such cases, try:
Resetting the password on the router
If you have physical access to your router, you can reset it to factory settings and set a new password. Typically, this requires:
- Press and hold the button
Reset(usually hidden in a hole) 10-15 seconds. - Wait until the router reboots (the indicators will flash).
- Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the sticker) and set a new password through
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1.
View your password on another device
If another laptop, smartphone, or tablet is connected to the same network, try extracting the password from there:
- 📱 On Android (with root rights): use WiFi Password Viewer.
- 🍎 On MacOS: open
Terminaland enter:security find-generic-password -wa "NETWORK_NAME" - 🖥️ On another PC with Windows: repeat the methods from this article.
5. Security: How to protect your password from leakage
Knowing how to extract passwords from a system is a useful skill, but it also creates risks. If an attacker gains access to your laptop, they can also obtain your Wi-Fi password. To prevent this:
- 🔐 Use complex passwords: minimum 12 characters with letters, numbers and special characters (eg.
Green$Tree77!Lamp). - 🔄 Change your password regularly: at least once every 3–6 months.
- 👤 Restrict user rights: Don't give administrator access to those who don't need it.
- 🛡️ Set up a guest network on the router for temporary devices.
- 📵 Disable WPS: This protocol is vulnerable and allows connection without a password.
It is also worth disabling the function Sharing your internet connection V Windows, unless you use it consciously. To do this:
- Open
Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center. - Select
Changing adapter settings. - Right-click on your connection →
Properties→ tabAccess. - Uncheck the box
Allow other network users to use the connection.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The password field is empty | The network is saved without a password (for example, open or through WPS) |
Try connecting again by entering the password or reset the router. |
Error Access denied in CMD |
Insufficient rights | Run Command Prompt as Administrator |
| The program does not show passwords | Antivirus software blocks access to system files | Add the program to your antivirus exceptions or use other software. |
| The password is displayed as asterisks | Account restrictions | Log in as administrator or use third-party utilities |
Another common mistake is trying to find out the password for the network to which the laptop is connected. never connectedIn this case, the system simply doesn't store the data. There's only one solution: find the password on another device or reset the router.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that the laptop has never connected to?
No. Windows 10 Stores passwords only for networks the device has connected to at least once. If you've never entered a password on this laptop (for example, if you connected via WPS (or guest access), the system won't save it. In this case, try:
- Find the password on another device (phone, tablet, second laptop).
- Reset the router to factory settings (button
Reset). - Look at the password on the router sticker (if it hasn’t been changed).
Why isn't there a Properties button for my network in Windows Settings?
This problem occurs in two cases:
- The laptop is not connected to the network at the moment.Solution: Connect to Wi-Fi and refresh the settings page.
- The network is saved but inactiveSolution: Click on the network name in the list.
Managing known networks, then selectProperties.
If the button is not even there, it means the network is not saved in the system (see the answer to the previous question).
Is it safe to use programs like WirelessKeyView?
Programs from trusted developers (for example, NirSoft) are safe, but:
- 🛡️ Download only from official websites — many viruses disguise themselves as such utilities.
- 🔍 Check your files with an antivirus before launch.
- 👤 Do not use on other people's PCs - this may be regarded as an attempt to hack.
Alternative: Use built-in tools Windows (the first two methods from the article), they do not require the installation of third-party software.
Is it possible to find out my neighbor's Wi-Fi password?
No, it's illegal. All methods in this article only work for networks that your laptop has already been connected before with your knowledgeTrying to extract a password from someone else's network (even if you've connected to it) may violate:
- 📜 Personal Data Law (if the network is linked to your personal account).
- 📡 Rules for the provision of Internet service providers.
- 🚔 Criminal Code (article on unauthorized access to computer information).
If you need internet, it's better to ask your neighbor for the password or use a mobile hotspot.
How to save your Wi-Fi password so you don't forget it?
There are several reliable methods:
- 📝 Write it down on paper and store it in a safe place (such as a desk drawer).
- 🔐 Use a password manager (KeePass, 1Password, Bitwarden).
- 📱 Save it to your phone's notes (in a secure folder or with encryption).
- 🖼️ Take a photo of the router sticker and save the photo to the cloud.
Do not store your password in plain text on your desktop or in unprotected files!