How to find out your Wi-Fi password if your computer is connected via a network cable

You are connected to the Internet via network cable, but you need to know the password from Wi-Fi For example, to connect a smartphone, tablet, or other device. This is a common situation: the router was configured a long time ago, the password sticker has worn off, and access to the administrator's web interface has been lost. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover or find a saved Wi-Fi password, even without connecting to a wireless network.

In this article, we will look at all the working methods - from viewing the password in the settings Windows (if the computer has ever connected to this network via Wi-Fi) before resetting the router settings and selecting default combinations. Important: some methods require administrator rights on a PC or physical access to the router. If you rent a place or use a corporate network, it's best to confirm the password with the network owner—trying to do so on your own could violate security regulations.

1. Checking saved Wi-Fi networks in Windows

If your computer has ever connected to this Wi-Fi over the air (even a year ago), the password could be saved in the system. Windows 10 And Windows 11 It can be extracted without additional programs.

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

netsh wlan show profiles

In the list, find the name of your network (field Profile name). Then enter:

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

Find the line in the results Key content — this is the password. If the command returned an error The operation failed., then the network profile is not saved.

• 🔹 Only works if the PC has previously connected to this network via Wi-Fi.
• 🔹 In Windows 7 The path to the network settings is different: Start → Control Panel → Network Connections.
• 🔹 If the password is not displayed, check your administrator rights.

2. View the password in the router settings

The most reliable way is to log in router web interface and view the password in your wireless network settings. To do this:

1. Find out Router IP addressOpen the command prompt and enter:

   ipconfig

   Find the line Main gateway - this is the address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

2. Enter the address in your browser. The system will ask for your login and password. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/password (depending on the model).
3. Go to the section Wireless (or Wi-Fi, Wireless network) → Security (Security). Field Password/PSK contains the current password.

Make sure the cable is connected to the WAN/LAN port|Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)|Reset your browser cache or open the page in incognito mode|Check if JavaScript is disabled (needed for the interface to work)

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If the default login/password doesn't work, it means they've been changed. In this case, only resetting the router to factory settings (see section 4).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic or MikroTik) The administrator interface may be blocked by your provider. In this case, please contact technical support.

3. Using specialized programs

If system methods fail, you can use third-party password recovery utilities. They scan stored data in the system and extract security keys.

Example of working with WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the program from the official website (avoid third-party sources!).
2. Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (as administrator).
3. Find your network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).

⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus programs may block such utilities as "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—the programs don't steal data, they only read local settings. But download them ONLY from official websites!

4. Reset the router to factory settings

If none of the methods worked, there remains a radical solution - resetting the routerThis will reset all settings to factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi password (it will be located on the device's sticker).

Instructions:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 seconds, until the indicators blink.
3. After rebooting, the router will be as good as new. Connect to it via cable, log in to the web interface (default login and password), and configure Wi-Fi again.

• 🔹 On some models (ASUS, TP-Link) the reset button may be called WPS/Reset.
• 🔹 After the reset, you will have to set it up again Internet connection (data from the provider).
• 🔹 If you rent a router from a provider, resetting it may block network access. Contact support for details.

What to do if the Reset button does not work?

If the router does not reset by holding the button, try:

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then repeat the procedure.

2. Use another sharp object (sometimes the contacts become oxidized).

3. On some models (Huawei, Tenda) you need to hold the button until 30 seconds.

If nothing helps, the router may be faulty.

5. Alternative methods: from stickers to social engineering

Before you delve into the settings, check the obvious:

• 📋 Sticker on the router. On the back of most devices is indicated Wi-Fi Password or Network Key (if the network has not been reconfigured).
• 📄 Documents from the provider. The contract or instructions for the router sometimes indicate a standard password.
• 📱 Other devices. If your phone or tablet is connected to this Wi-Fi, look at the password in the settings (on Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → Share).
• 👨‍💼 Ask the administrator. In offices, hotels or rented apartments, the password may be known to the network owner.

If the router was issued by the provider (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS), the standard password is often generated using a template: the first 8 characters of the MAC address or serial number of the device. Look at this data on the sticker and try it as a password.

TP-Link|ASUS|D-Link|Zyxel Keenetic|Huawei|MikroTik|Other Brand|Don't Know

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6. If all else fails: extreme measures

In rare cases, it's impossible to recover your password. Then, you have two options:

1. Connection via WPS. Click the button WPS On the router (usually near the ports), then select WPS connection on the device. This is a temporary password bypass, but not all devices support this method.
2. Replacing the router. If the device is old or broken, it's easier to buy a new router and set it up from scratch. Modern models (TP-Link Archer AX23, ASUS RT-AX55) support simple setup via a mobile app.

⚠️ Attention: The WPS method is vulnerable to hacking - after connecting, disable this function in the router settings (Wireless → WPS → Disable).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the computer has never connected to it via Wi-Fi?

No, if the PC is connected only via cable and has never used a wireless network, the password is not saved in the system. In this case, the only options are through the router (web interface or reset) or contacting the network administrator.

I reset my router, but the internet isn't working. What should I do?

After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your connection to your provider. Typically, you'll need the contract information: connection type (PPPoE, L2TP), login, and password. If you don't have them, contact your provider's technical support—they'll help you with the settings.

Password recovery programs show empty fields. Why?

This means the network profile is not saved in the system. Possible causes:

• The computer has never connected to this WiFi over the air.
• The password was entered manually and not saved (the "Connect automatically" box was not checked).
• The system was reinstalled or wiped.

Try other methods from the article.

Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi if I know the network name?

Technically possible, but illegallyHacking into other people's networks violates Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information") and may result in a fine or criminal liability. This article is intended only for restoring access to his own networks.

My ISP has blocked access to my router settings. What should I do?

Some providers (eg Dom.ru or Third Transport Ring) block user access to the router to prevent incorrect settings. In this case:

• Call support and ask for your Wi-Fi password.
• Check if it is possible to unblock access to the interface (sometimes this is done upon request).
• If you rent a router, replace it with your own (purchased) one - many providers allow this.