How to find the Wi-Fi password on a Windows 10 computer: all the working methods

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password, and is it hidden under a sticker with faded symbols on your router? Or do you need to connect a new device, but are too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? On a computer running Windows 10 All saved wireless network passwords are stored in the system—they can be retrieved without any special software. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methodsHow to view a Wi-Fi password: from standard tools to advanced utilities for administrators.

It is important to understand that these methods only work for networks that the computer is connected to. I've already connected beforeIf you've never entered a password on this PC or the network has been removed from the list of saved networks, you'll have to look for other options (for example, resetting the router or contacting your ISP). Also, keep in mind legal restrictionsExtracting passwords from other people's devices without the owner's permission may violate data privacy laws.

Before you begin, please check:

• 🔹 You have rights administrator on your computer (most methods require elevated privileges).
• 🔹 The computer is currently connected to a network for which you need to find out the password (not required, but it simplifies the process).
• 🔹 The function is not enabled on the router WPS (its presence may block some methods).

1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method requires no additional software installation and is suitable even for beginners. All actions are performed through the system's graphical interface.

Instructions:

1. Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon) or click Win + I.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click Managing known networks - all networks to which this PC has ever connected will be displayed here.
4. Select the desired network and click Properties.
5. Scroll down to the block Network parameters and press View network properties.
6. In the window that opens, find the line Network security key — this is the password. By default, it's hidden behind dots; to reveal it, check the box. Show entered characters.

⚠️ Attention: If the button View network properties is missing or inactive, then the network is saved without a password (for example, if the connection was through WPS (or guest access). In this case, try other methods.

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct network|Open Settings as an administrator|Make sure the network appears in the Manage known networks list|The Show characters checkbox should be checked-->

2. Using the command line (for advanced users)

Command line (CMD) allows you to extract the password in a few seconds, but requires precise command entry. This method is universal and works even if the graphical interface is unavailable.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Administrator) or Windows PowerShell (Administrator).
2. Enter the command to display all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   In the list, find the name of the desired network (for example, TP-Link_1234).

3. Run the command to view the password (replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name):

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

4. Find the block in the results Security parameters - line Key content contains the password you are looking for.

💡 Helpful tip: If the network name contains spaces, enclose it in quotation marks: name="My Wi-Fi"To copy the result from CMD Right click on the window and select Select all, then press Enter.

What to do if the command doesn't work?

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

1. Correct spelling of the network name (case is important!).

2. Having administrator rights (run CMD through Win + X).

3. Is the service disabled in the system? Autoconfig (check in services.msc).

4. Is your antivirus blocking access to network settings (temporarily disabling it may help).

3. View the password in the Network and Sharing Center (alternative graphical method)

This method works for all versions of Windows 10 and doesn't require any command knowledge. The Network and Sharing Center interface has remained virtually unchanged since Windows 7, so the instructions are also applicable to older systems.

How to open:

1. Right click on the icon Wi-Fi in the tray (bottom right on the taskbar) and select Open Network and Internet settings.
2. Scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the window that opens, click on the active connection (next to the network name).
4. Click the button Wireless network properties → go to the tab Security.
5. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

⚠️ Attention: If the field Network security key empty, this means that the network is saved without a password (for example, through WPS (or guest access). In this case, try connecting to the network again and entering the password manually—it will be saved in the system.

4. Extracting a password via the Windows registry (for advanced users)

The Windows registry stores all system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords. This method is suitable if other methods fail, but caution is required: incorrect registry changes can disrupt the operating system.

Instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter regedit and press Enter (confirm administrator rights).
2. Follow the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\

   There will be folders with long names (these are network interface identifiers).

3. Open each folder and find the parameter ProfileName - its value corresponds to the network name.
4. Inside the desired folder, open the section Profiles → {Identifier} (long set of characters).
5. Find the parameter MSMSecurity → PSK - its meaning in hexadecimal format and there is a password. To convert it into a readable form, use an online converter (for example, Hex to String).

⚠️ Attention: Editing the registry is a risky operation. Before making changes Be sure to create a system restore point (Start → Control Panel → Recovery → Configure System Restore). The error can lead to Wi-Fi failure or even the inability to boot Windows.

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

If standard methods fail or you need to manage multiple networks, specialized utilities can help. They not only display passwords but also allow you to export them to a file or copy them to the clipboard.

Popular programs:

• 🔐 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a free utility that doesn't require installation. It displays all saved passwords in a table with the option to export them to .txt or .html.
• 🔓 WiFi Password Revealer — a simple program with a minimalist interface. Suitable for beginners.
• 🛡️ Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — in addition to passwords, displays additional information about networks (encryption type, router MAC address).
• 🖥️ NetPass — shows passwords not only for Wi-Fi, but also for VPN, dial-up, and other types of connections.

💡 Helpful tip: Before downloading programs, check them for VirusTotal — Some password extraction utilities may contain malicious code. Choose programs from the official websites of their developers (for example, NirSoft).

⚠️ Attention: Antiviruses (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block such programs from launching, considering them potentially dangerous. This is a false positive: the utilities simply read system data but don't send it anywhere. If necessary, add the program to your antivirus exclusions.

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

If you've tried all the methods but still can't extract the password, there may be a few reasons:

Possible problems and solutions:

• 🔌 The network has been removed from the saved list. - connect to it again and enter the password manually.
• 🔒 WPS is used — the password may not be saved. Disable it. WPS on the router and connect in the standard way.
• 🖥️ User without administrator rights — Request access from the PC owner or temporarily obtain administrator rights.
• 🛡️ Corporate network with certificates — passwords of such networks (for example, 802.1X) are not stored in clear text. Please contact your system administrator.
• 🔄 Resetting the router settings - if other methods are not available, click the button Reset on the router (hold for 10-15 seconds) and configure it again. The password will be reset to the factory default (indicated on the device's sticker).

🔍 Diagnostics: To make sure the problem is not with the system, check the integrity of system files. Open CMD as administrator and run the command:

sfc /scannow

If errors are found, the system will try to restore damaged files automatically.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Passwords in Windows 10

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

No, Windows only stores passwords for networks this PC has connected to at least once. If the network is new, you'll have to:

• Find out the password from the router owner.
• Look at the sticker on the router (if it hasn’t been changed).
• Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).

Why is there no "View network properties" button in Windows Settings?

This means that:

• The network is saved without a password (for example, via WPS or guest access).
• The network profile is corrupted (try deleting the network and connecting again).
• You don't have administrator rights (request them or use the command prompt).

Solution: Try other methods from this article (eg. netsh wlan (in the command line).

Is it possible to extract Wi-Fi password from someone else's computer without permission?

Technically yes, but this is against the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information"). Even if you do not cause harm to the owner of the PC or network, such an action may be classified as hacking. Use these methods only for their own devices and networks.

How to save your Wi-Fi password so you don't forget it?

Methods:

• Take a photo of the sticker on the router and save the photo in a secure cloud (for example, Google Drive with two-factor authentication).
• Use a password manager (KeePass, 1Password) - they encrypt data and synchronize between devices.
• Write down the password in a notepad and keep it in a safe place (not near the computer!).
• Export a list of networks with passwords via WirelessKeyView and save the file on the flash drive.

Why did my Wi-Fi passwords reset after updating Windows 10?

This is a rare problem, but it can occur when:

• Service failure WLAN AutoConfig (check her status at services.msc).
• Manually clearing network profiles through netsh wlan delete profile name=*.
• Restoring the system from a backup that did not contain saved networks.

Solution: Reconnect to the networks – passwords will be saved automatically.