How to find out your computer's Wi-Fi password: all the working methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new device, but you haven't written down the password anywhere? This situation is familiar to many people, especially if the network was set up a long time ago or someone else did it. Luckily, on a computer running Windows 10 or 11 There are several ways to retrieve a saved Wi-Fi password without resetting the router and losing settings.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password on a PC: from a simple view through system settings to advanced commands in PowerShell and access to router settings. Each method is suitable for different situations—for example, if you don't have administrator rights or if your computer isn't currently connected to the network. You'll also learn how to protect your password from prying eyes and what to do if none of the methods work.

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

If your computer is already connected to a Wi-Fi network whose password you've forgotten, the fastest way is to look it up in the system settings. This method works on Windows 10/11 and does not require administrator rights (if you are logged in under an account that has previously connected to the network).

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon).
• 📶 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Scroll down and click Additional network settings (V Windows 11) or Managing known networks (V Windows 10).
• 📋 Find the desired network in the list and click on its name, then select Properties.
• 🔑 In the field Network password A hidden line will be displayed - check the box Show signsto see the password.

⚠️ Attention: If the button Show signs If your account is inactive, it means you don't have permission to view your password. Try logging in as an administrator or use another method.

This method is only suitable for networks the computer has previously connected to. If the desired network isn't listed, proceed to the next method.

2. Using Command Prompt (CMD) to extract the password

The command line is a universal tool that allows you to get a Wi-Fi password even if the Windows graphical interface isn't working or the network isn't visible in the settings. This method works on all versions of Windows, starting with Vista.

Follow the instructions:

1. 🔧 Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter (or search for "Command Prompt").
2. 📜 Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

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

3. 🔐 To see your password, follow these steps:

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

   Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name (for example, netsh wlan show profile name="TP-Link_1234" key=clear).

4. 📝 In the section Security parameters find the line Key content - this is the password.

If the command returned an error Failed to execute command, check:

• 🔄 Correctness of the network name (case is important!).
• 🛡️ Is the command prompt running as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
• 🖥️ Has this computer connected to this network before?

Run CMD as administrator

Make sure the computer has connected to the network before

Please enter the network name correctly (case sensitive)

Copy the password to a safe place-->

3. Extracting the password via PowerShell (CMD alternative)

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It not only lets you view passwords but also export all saved networks to a file. This is convenient if you need to transfer passwords to another computer.

Instructions:

1. 🔧 Launch PowerShell as administrator (find via search → right click → Run as administrator).
2. 📜 Enter the command to view all networks:

   (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

   Once completed, a table with network names and their passwords will be displayed.

If you only need information about one network, use a simplified command:

(netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear) | Select-String "Key Contents"

⚠️ Attention: Do not save the output PowerShell With passwords, you can store them in text files on your desktop or in cloud storage. This could lead to data leakage if someone else gains access to your computer.

4. View the password in the router settings

If your computer isn't connected to Wi-Fi or you want to find out the password for a network you've never connected to, the only reliable way is to access the router's web interface. You don't need to be an expert to do this: all you need is some knowledge. Router IP address and login information (usually found on the device sticker).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. 🌐 Find out your router's IP address:
   • Click Win + R, enter cmd, then run the command ipconfig.
   • Find the line Main gateway - this is the IP of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

🔗 Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, http://192.168.0.1).

🔐 Enter your login and password for access (standard ones are admin/admin, but may differ; look at the router sticker).

📡 Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network) → Security settings.

🔑 In the field Password (or PSK Password, Key) the current Wi-Fi password will be displayed.

⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed the default router login and password, any user connected to your network can access the settings. Be sure to change the login information in the section System or Administration.

5. Using third-party programs to recover your password

If standard methods fail (for example, due to restricted permissions or damaged system files), you can use specialized utilities. They scan Windows system files and extract saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Popular programs:

• 🛠️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a free utility that displays all saved passwords without installation.
• 🔍 WiFi Password Revealer — a simple program with a graphical interface.
• 📊 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — extracts passwords and allows you to export them to a file.

How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. 📥 Download the program from NirSoft official website (check the file for viruses!).
2. 📂 Unzip the archive and run WirelessKeyView.exe (no installation required).
3. 🔑 Find the desired network in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official websites. Many password crackers found online contain malware. NirSoft is one of the few trusted developers of password recovery utilities.

What should I do if the program doesn't show the password?

If the utility returns empty fields, check:

1. Is it run as administrator?

2. Has the computer been connected to this network before (if not, the password is not saved in the system).

3. Is the "WLAN Auto Configuration" service disabled (check in services.msc).

6. Password recovery by resetting the router (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked (for example, the computer was never connected to the network, and the router data was lost), the last option remains - resetting the router to factory settingsThis will erase all current settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and you will have to set up the network again.

How to reset a router:

1. 🔌 Find the small button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. 📍 Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing).
3. 🔄 After rebooting, the router will return to factory settings. Connect to it via cable or Wi-Fi (the network name and password will be the default ones, as indicated on the sticker).
4. 🛠️ Go to the router's web interface (as in Section 4) and set up a new network with the desired password.

Disadvantages of this method:

• ❌ All router settings (including PPPoE, IPTV, Port forwarding) will be reset.
• ❌ You will have to reconnect all devices to Wi-Fi.
• ❌ If your router is rented from a provider, resetting it may disrupt its operation (check with support before doing this).

7. How to protect your Wi-Fi password in the future

To avoid losing your password again, follow these simple rules:

• 📝 Keep your password in a safe place: use password managers (KeePass, 1Password, Bitwarden) or write it down in a physical notebook (but not on the router sticker!).
• 🔄 Update your password regularly: Change it every 3-6 months, especially if guests connect to the network.
• 🛡️ Use complex passwords: no less 12 characters, with letters, numbers and special characters (for example, GreenTree$2026!WiFi).
• 📱 Set up a guest network: If your friends often connect to your Wi-Fi, create a separate network with limited access.

Also useful:

• 🖼️ Take a photo of the router's factory data sticker and save it in a secure cloud storage.
• 📋 Export a list of networks and passwords via PowerShell (team from Section 3) and store the file in an encrypted archive.

If you frequently forget your passwords, consider using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) - this allows you to connect devices by pressing a button on the router without entering a password. However, keep in mind that WPS less safe than the classic one WPA2/WPA3.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery

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

No, if the computer has never connected to this network, the password isn't saved in the system. In this case, your only option is to access the router settings (if you have access) or reset it.

❓ Why doesn't the command prompt show the password?

Possible reasons:

• The computer was not connected to this network.
• The command prompt is not run as administrator.
• The password is saved in the system, but encrypted (for example, on corporate PCs).
• Service Automatic WLAN configuration disabled (check in services.msc).

❓ How do I find the Wi-Fi password on a Mac?

On macOS open Programs → Utilities → KeychainFind the network name in the list, double-click it and check the box. Show password (You will be asked to enter your Mac account password).

❓ Is it possible to hack someone else's Wi-Fi if you know its name?

No, modern encryption standards (WPA2/WPA3) reliably protect networks from hacking without physical access to the router. Attempts to guess the password are illegal and may result in your device being blocked by your provider or law enforcement.

❓ What should I do if I rent a router from a provider and resetting it is prohibited?

Contact your provider's support team - they can:

• Provide your Wi-Fi password (if it has not been changed).
• Reconfigure the router remotely.
• Send a technician to reset the settings.

Self-resetting of rented equipment may impair its operation.