How to view your Wi-Fi password on a laptop: step-by-step instructions for Windows and macOS

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the router is in a hard-to-reach place? Or need to connect a new gadget, but the access code sticker has long since worn off? This situation is familiar to many. Fortunately, if your laptop is already connected to this network, you can retrieve the saved password. security key You can do it in just a few minutes - without resetting the router and losing settings.

In this article, you will find up-to-date methods on how to find out the Wi-Fi password on a laptop with Windows 10/11 or macOS — from standard system tools to advanced methods for experienced users. We'll also discuss why some methods may not work and what to do if your laptop has never connected to the desired network. All instructions have been tested on the latest OS versions and adapted for typical home routers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and others).

Before you begin: If you are looking for a password for someone else's network (for example, a neighbor or public Wi-Fi), we warn you immediately - this violates the law on personal data (Federal Law No. 152) and may result in administrative liability. All methods in the article are intended exclusively for working with own networks, to which you have legal access.

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

If your laptop is on Windows 10/11 If you're already connected to the desired network, the fastest way is to use the built-in system settings. This method doesn't require administrator rights and works even on accounts with limited rights.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon).
• 📡 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Scroll down and click Managing known networks.
• 📋 Find the desired network in the list and click on it.
• 🔑 Choose Properties, then scroll to the block Security parameters.
• 👁️ Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

If the point Managing known networks No, then your laptop has never connected to this network. In this case, try the other methods in this article or contact your network administrator.

2. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (alternative method for Windows)

This method works on all versions. Windows starting from 7 This method is suitable if the "Settings" interface has changed (for example, after a system update). This method is a bit longer, but more reliable—it even reveals hidden networks.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (bottom right corner of the screen) and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. In the window that opens, scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select on the left Managing wireless networks (V Windows 11 This item may be called Changing adapter settings).
4. Find the desired network in the list, right-click on it and select Properties.
5. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

If asterisks are displayed instead of a password (••••••••), and the checkbox is inactive, it means your account does not have viewing rights. Try logging in as an administrator or use command line method.

3. How to find out your Wi-Fi password using the command line (for advanced users)

Command line (CMD) is a universal tool that works even if the Windows graphical interface is damaged. This method is suitable for all operating systems and does not require any additional software.

Instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Click Win + X and select Terminal (Administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).
   • IN Windows 11 You can use the search: enter cmd, then select Run as administrator.

netsh wlan show profiles

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

If a blank field is displayed instead of a password, this means:

• 🔴 The network does not require a password (open access point).
• 🔴 The laptop was connected to the network via WPS (button on the router), and the password was not saved.
• 🔴 Insufficient user rights (run CMD from the administrator).

Is the command prompt running as an administrator?|Is the network name entered correctly (case-sensitive)?|Has the laptop been connected to this network before?|Does the network name contain spaces or special characters?-->

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a laptop with macOS (for Apple)

On MacBook or iMac The process is a little different, but no less simple. The system macOS stores all passwords in the keychain (Keychain Access), and you can extract them in a few clicks.

Instructions for macOS Ventura and newer:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (click Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys (Keychain Access).
• 📂 In the left column, select System (or Local elements, if the network is not in the system keys).
• 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
• 📋 Double-click on the found entry.
• 🔑 Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

If the password is not displayed, check:

• 🔹 Did you connect? MacBook to this network (if not, try connecting again).
• 🔹 Are you using a guest account (it doesn't have access to the keychain)?
• 🔹 Have your network settings been reset (check in System Preferences → Network).

Windows|macOS|Linux|Other-->

5. Using third-party programs to extract Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. These are convenient when you need to retrieve passwords for all saved networks at once or when access to system tools is restricted.

Top 3 proven programs:

Important! Download programs only from official websites. Many "Wi-Fi hackers" on the internet contain viruses or spyware. Linux you can use the utility nmcli (part of NetworkManager).

6. What to do if the laptop has not connected to the network before

If your laptop has never connected to the desired Wi-Fi network, it's impossible to extract the password programmatically. In this case, there are three options:

1. View the password on the router:
   • 📋 Turn the router over - the password is often indicated on a sticker under the model.
   • 🖥️ Log in to your router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, login/password — admin/admin), then find the section Wireless → Security.
2. Reset the router to factory settings:
   • ⚠️ Attention: This will erase all settings, including the network name and password. After the reset, use the information from the sticker on the router.
   • 🔄 Press and hold the button Reset (usually hidden in a hole) for 10-15 seconds.