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

Have you connected to a Wi-Fi network on your computer but forgotten the password? Or do you need to share your internet connection with a friend, but the sticker on the router has long since worn off? This situation is familiar to many people, especially if someone else set up the network. Luckily, operating systems Windows And macOS They store passwords for all connected networks and can be easily retrieved without special programs.

In this article we will look at 5 legal waysHow to find out your computer's Wi-Fi password—from standard system tools to hidden commands. Important: All methods only work for networks you've enabled. already connected earlier. If you're trying to hack someone else's network, it's punishable under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal access to computer information).

Let's start with the simplest solutions for Windows 10/11, then we'll move on to macOS and consider alternative options for experienced users.

1. How to view 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 instructions take less than a minute:

1. Open Windows Settings (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 item Network password and press Show.

Done! The password will be displayed in the text field. If the button Show is inactive, which means your account does not have permission to view network settings.

Check your network connection|Run settings as administrator|Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers|Try another method from the article

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⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 versions 22H2 and the newer interface may be slightly different - instead of Managing known networks look for Additional network settings.

2. Use the Network and Sharing Center (for Windows 7/8/10)

Good old Network and Sharing Center It still works in modern versions of Windows and sometimes saves the day when the new Settings app crashes. Here's how to use it:

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (bottom right of the taskbar).
2. Select Open Network and Internet settings (or Network and Control Center... V Windows 7/8).
3. Click on the link Changing adapter settings.
4. Double-click on the active connection Wireless network.
5. In the window that opens, click Wireless Network Properties → Security.
6. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

This method is universal and works even on older versions of Windows. If you have Windows 11 and there is no point Network and Sharing Center in the context menu, click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter - this will open the desired window directly.

3. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for All Windows Versions

If the graphical interface doesn't help, there's a solution command lineThis method works in Windows XP and newer, including server editions. You will need administrator rights.

Open Command line as administrator (Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and run:

netsh wlan show profiles

You will see a list of all saved networks. Copy the name of the one you need (for example, TP-Link_1234) and run:

netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_1234" key=clear

In the section Security parameters find the line Key content — this is the password. If you see asterisks instead of a password, your account doesn't have sufficient rights.

What to do if the command prompt says "Access denied"

This means your account doesn't have administrative privileges. Try:

1. Run the command prompt as administrator (right-click → "Run as administrator").

2. Log in to the system using an account with administrator rights.

3. Use PowerShell with the command Get-NetConnectionProfile (requires module NetAdapter).

⚠️ Attention: In some corporate networks (for example, with WPA2-Enterprise) The password may not be displayed due to domain security policy. In this case, please contact your network administrator.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a MacBook or iMac

IN macOS The process is even simpler than in Windows. Apple stores all passwords in a bunch of keys — a secure storage facility accessible through standard tools. Here's how to get there:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Keychain (or find via Spotlight upon request Keychain Access).
2. In the left column, select System or Login (depending on where the password is saved).
3. In the search bar, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Double-click on the found entry.
5. Check the box Show password and enter the password for your account Mac.

Done! The password will be displayed in the field. Show passwordIf the entry is not found, try searching in the category Application passwords or Shared passwords.

If you use Mac At work, some corporate networks may block viewing passwords via keychain. In this case, contact your IT department.

5. Alternative methods: PowerShell and third-party utilities

If standard methods don't work, you can use PowerShell or specialized programs. These methods are suitable for experienced users.

Method 1: PowerShell (Windows 10/11 only)

Launch 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}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

This command will output a table with all saved networks and their passwords. Suitable for bulk data export.

Method 2: Password Viewer Programs

There are utilities like WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) or WiFi Password Revealer, which automatically retrieve all saved passwords. However:

• 🔹 Risk of viruses: Download programs only from official websites.
• 🔹 The antivirus may complain: Many such utilities are labeled as HackTool.
• 🔹 No admin rights required, but require running as administrator.

⚠️ Warning: Using third-party password extraction programs may violate your company's security policy if the computer belongs to your employer. On corporate networks, this is often considered an attempt at unauthorized access.

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

If you've tried everything but still can't find the password, here are some alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Reset the password on your router: Click the button Reset on the back of the router (hold for 10 seconds). After resetting, use the default password (usually found on a sticker).
• 📡 Connect via cable: If you have access to the router through Ethernet, go to its web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and look at the password in the settings Wi-Fi.
• 📞 Contact your providerIf your router was provided by your internet service provider, call support—they can reset your password remotely.

If your router belongs to your employer, university, or hotel, changing the settings yourself may result in device blocking online. In such cases, it's best to check the password with the administrator.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your computer

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I haven't connected to?

No, all the methods described only work for networks to which the computer already connected previously. If you try to access someone else's network without permission, it qualifies as unauthorized access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or imprisonment.

Why are there asterisks or an empty field instead of a password in the command line?

This means one of three things:

1. Your account does not have administrator rights.
2. The network uses a corporate authentication type (e.g. WPA2-Enterprise).
3. The password was changed after the last connection (the computer does not know it).

Try running the command prompt as administrator or check your router settings.

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

Yes, but the methods are different:

• Android: On phones with root rights You can use applications like WiFi Password ViewerWithout root—only if the phone was previously connected to this network (on some firmware versions, the password is visible in the router settings).
• iPhone: On iOS There is no built-in way to view the password. You can only share the network via AirDrop (for devices Apple) or reset the router.

How do I protect my Wi-Fi from being hacked after I know the password?

If you suspect that someone has connected to your network, follow these steps:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password in your router settings (use WPA3, if supported).
2. Turn it off WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
3. Enable filtering by MAC addresses (although this is not a panacea).
4. Update your router firmware to the latest version.

We also recommend disabling remote access to the router settings (usually port 8080 or 8443).

Why did saved passwords stop displaying after a Windows update?

This is a known issue after major updates (eg. moving from Windows 10 on Windows 11). Reasons:

• Reset network settings during update.
• File corruption wlan.profiles in the registry.
• Wi-Fi adapter driver conflict.

Solution: Try restore the system to the point before the update or reconnect to the network again.