It's very common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but forget the password. This could be a guest's new smartphone, a smart speaker, or a second laptop that you want to set up again. Fortunately, Windows and macOS operating systems have built-in mechanisms for storing access keys for networks you've previously connected to. If your computer is currently connected to Wi-Fi or has connected in the past, you can retrieve this information in minutes without having to access your router's settings.
However, if the computer does not remember the network, or you want to know exactly administrator password To access the router's settings, the approaches will differ. In the first case, system utilities will help, while in the second, physical stickers on the device's body or factory settings will help. It's important to understand the difference between the wireless network encryption key (WPA2/WPA3) and the password for accessing the router's web interface, as this often causes confusion among users.
In this guide, we'll cover all available methods for restoring access, from simple graphical interfaces to advanced commands. We'll cover methods for various Windows versions, including the latest builds, and also touch on macOS specifics. Attention: Some methods require administrator rights, so make sure you have access to them before starting the procedure.
Recovering your Wi-Fi password through Windows settings
The easiest and most secure way to access the saved key is to use the standard operating system interface. If your laptop or PC is currently connected to the desired network, Windows already knows the password and stores it encrypted, displaying it as asterisks in the interface. To view it, you need to go to the classic Control Panel, as this feature is often hidden or missing from the new "Settings" menu, depending on the OS version.
Open the Start menu and start typing Control Panel or Control Panel, then launch the application. In the window that opens, find the section Network and Internet and go to Network and Sharing CenterHere you'll see a diagram of your network; click on the link with the name of your Wi-Fi connection (usually highlighted in blue next to the word "Connections").
In the status window that opens, click the button Wireless network properties. Go to the tab SecurityThis is where the "Network Security Key" field is located, which is hidden by default. Check the box next to it. Show entered characters, and the system will show you the password you're looking for in clear text. This method works on almost all versions of Windows, from 7 to 11.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Security" tab is unavailable or the buttons are grayed out, your account may not have administrator rights. On corporate networks, access to these settings may be blocked by group security policies.
Using the Command Line to Extract Keys
For more advanced users or in situations where the graphical interface isn't working correctly, using the command line is the ideal solution. This method not only allows you to view the password for the current network but also displays a list of all saved Wi-Fi profiles on your computer. This is especially useful if you want to find the password for a network you connected to a month ago but are now out of range.
First, you need to launch the command prompt with administrator rights. Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator)First, let's list all saved networks by running the command:
netsh wlan show profilesIn the list, find the exact name of the network you need (SSID). Then use the following command, replacing Network_Name to the real profile name:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clearIn the command output, scroll down to the section Security parameters (Security settings). The password you are looking for will be indicated in the line Key content (Key Content). This method is universal and does not depend on the Windows version, making it a reliable tool in the system administrator's arsenal.
☑️ Check before entering a command
What to do if the command doesn't work?
If the system returns the error "The WLAN AutoConfig service is not running," you need to open services (services.msc), find the WLAN AutoConfig service, and start it manually. Without this service, Wi-Fi management in Windows is impossible.
Finding a password on macOS and Linux systems
Apple Mac users can also easily restore access to forgotten networks using the built-in Keychain Access utility. This program stores all passwords, certificates, and keys used by the system. To find a password, open Spotlight (Cmd+Space), enter Bunch of keys and launch the app. In the list on the left, select the "Passwords" category, then find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the general list.
Double-click the network name to open its properties. In the window that opens, check the box Show passwordThe system will ask you to confirm the action by entering your macOS account password or Touch ID fingerprint. Once successfully authorized, the password field will become readable. This is a standard Apple security procedure that protects data even with physical access to the device.
On Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora), passwords are typically stored in NetworkManager configuration text files. To access them, open a terminal and enter the command to view the connections file (requires sudo):
sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NetworkName.nmconnectionOr, in older versions:
sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/NetworkNameIn the contents of the file, look for the line psk=, followed by your password. If the files are stored in a secure format, you may need to use a utility nmcli with a flag --show-secrets.
Login to the router's web interface
If your computer isn't connected to the network or you don't remember the password, your only option is to access the router's settings. To do this, your device must be connected to the router via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi (if auto-connection is still enabled). Open your browser and enter the gateway's IP address in the address bar. This is most often 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1.
The exact address is often listed on a sticker on the bottom of the router, next to the default login and password. It can also be found in the Windows command line by entering the command ipconfig and finding the line Main gateway (Default Gateway). After entering the address, you will be asked to enter your username and password to access the control panel.
If you've never changed this information, it's also listed on the sticker. For popular models, the standard combinations are:
- 🔑 TP-Link: admin / admin
- 🔑 D-Link: admin / (empty) or admin / admin
- 🔑 Asus: admin / admin
- 🔑 Keenetic: admin / 1234
- 🔑 Xiaomi: admin / (password created during initial setup)
After successful login, go to the section Wireless (Wireless Network) -> Wireless Security (Security). There in the field PSK Password or Wireless Password The current Wi-Fi password will be displayed. You can not only view it but also change it to a more complex one.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly being updated. If you can't find the menu item you need, check the official instructions for your specific model on the manufacturer's website, as the menu layout may vary.
Comparison of access recovery methods
The method you choose depends on your current situation: whether you're connected to the network, whether you have physical access to the router, and what operating system you're using. Below is a table to help you quickly navigate the available options and their effectiveness.
| Method | Wi-Fi connection required | Admin rights required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Control Panel | Yes (preferred) | Yes | Low |
| Command line (netsh) | No (if the profile is saved) | Yes | Average |
| Keychain Access (macOS) | No (if the profile is saved) | Yes (Mac password) | Low |
| Router web interface | Yes (locally) | No (admin password required) | Average |
| Reset with the Reset button | No | No | High (risk of losing settings) |
As the table shows, software methods are preferable because they don't require a hardware reboot and don't reset user settings. Using the web interface is the "golden mean" if the password isn't saved on the computer.
Resetting the router to factory settings
If none of the software methods have helped, and the router's web interface password has been changed and forgotten, there remains a radical but effective method: a hard reset. On the body of each router, there is a small recessed hole with the inscription Reset or DefaultTo activate the function, plug the router into the network and press the button inside the hole with a thin object (paper clip, toothpick) for 10-15 seconds.
The front panel indicators should blink simultaneously, signaling the reset process has begun. After this, the router will reboot and return to its out-of-the-box state. All settings, including the Wi-Fi login and password for the admin panel, will be restored to the default settings on the factory sticker. However, This method will delete all provider settings (PPPoE, L2TP, static IP), so you will have to set up your Internet again.
Use this method only as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted, or if you know the exact internet connection settings provided by your ISP. After the reset, you'll need to log back into the web interface at the default address and run the quick setup wizard.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, make sure you have your internet service provider contract handy. Without your login and password (not your Wi-Fi password), your internet connection will not work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password while being nearby?
No, it's impossible to legally find out the password to someone else's closed network without access to its settings or without a previously saved profile on the device. Modern WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols reliably protect data transmission. All the methods described in this article only work with networks to which your device has previously connected or has authorized access.
What should I do if the netsh command says "Element not found"?
This means there's no saved profile on your computer for the network with the specified name. Check the spelling of the network name (SSID), including capitalization. If your computer has never connected to this network automatically, there's no profile in memory, and you'll have to use other methods, such as logging into your router.
Where can I find a QR code to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11?
Windows 11 now has a "Show QR code" feature in the Wi-Fi settings menu. Click the eye icon next to the network name in the list of available networks (or in the properties of an already connected one), and the system will generate a QR code that you can scan with your phone to instantly connect without entering a password.
Will my Wi-Fi password change after resetting my router?
Yes, after a reset, the Wi-Fi password will revert to the factory default, which is located on the sticker under the device. If you previously changed the network name, it will also revert to the original (e.g., TP-Link_XXXX).
Why doesn't my computer save my Wi-Fi password?
This could be due to a WLAN service failure, corrupted system files, or corrupted security policies. The password may also not be saved if the "Connect automatically" option was selected incorrectly during connection, or if the network adapter drivers are not working correctly. Try deleting the network profile in settings and reconnecting.