How to find out your Wi-Fi password if your computer is connected via a local area network (LAN)

Are you connected to the internet via a network cable but have forgotten your Wi-Fi password? This situation is familiar to many: the router was set up a long time ago, the password was entered automatically on phones and laptops, but when you need to connect a new device, you can't remember the combination. Fortunately, if your computer is connected to the network via LAN cableThere are several ways to recover your Wi-Fi password—without resetting your router or losing your settings.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods, including built-in tools Windows, access to the router's web interface, and specialized utilities. Important: all methods are legal if you own the network or have permission to access its settings. Also, keep in mind that some methods require administrator rights on the PC.

If you're looking for a way to bypass someone else's network security, this guide isn't for you. We only cover legitimate scenarios, such as when you've forgotten your own password or need to connect a guest to your home network.

1. View the password through the Network and Sharing Center (if Wi-Fi has ever been connected to this PC)

This method will only work if your computer I have connected to this Wi-Fi before. (even just once) and saved the password. If the PC was always connected via cable only, proceed to the next section.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

  1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
  2. In the window that opens, find the icon Wi-Fi (may be called "Wireless Network"), right-click on it and select State.
  3. Click the button Wireless network properties, then go to the tab Security.
  4. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will be displayed in the field Network security key.

If "Wireless Network" isn't listed, your Wi-Fi adapter is disabled or has never been used on this PC. In this case, try the alternative method via command line (section 2).

📊 How often do you forget your Wi-Fi passwords?
Often, you have to reset the router
Sometimes, but I restore it through the settings
Almost never
I store all my passwords in the manager.

2. Extracting the password via the command line (if the network is saved in Windows profiles)

The command line allows you to extract the password from wireless network profiles, even if Wi-Fi is currently disabled. This method only works if the PC has previously connected to this network.

Follow these steps:

netsh wlan show profiles

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

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

In the execution results, find the section Security parameters - line Key content contains the password you are looking for.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Make sure the network name is entered correctly.

Check the "Security Options" section in the command output.

Copy the password to a safe place-->

Limitations of the method:

  • 🔹 Only works for networks to which the PC has previously connected.
  • 🔹 Requires administrator rights.
  • 🔹 It won't show the password if the network was configured via WPS or other alternative methods.
⚠️ Attention: If the command output displays asterisks (), then the network profile is damaged or the password is not saved in the system. Try other methods.

3. Access the password via the router's web interface

The most universal way is to go to router admin panel and view the password in the wireless network settings. This doesn't require the PC to have previously connected to Wi-Fi—LAN access is sufficient.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Find out Router IP address:
    • Click Win + R, enter cmd, then ipconfig.
    • Find the line Main gateway - this is the IP of the router (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  • Enter the IP into the address bar of your browser (e.g. http://192.168.0.1).
  • Log in using your login and password (often by default) admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
  • Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless, Wireless network) and find the field Password (Password, Key).

    • The interface may vary depending on the router model. Below is an example for popular brands:

    Manufacturer Path to Wi-Fi settings Password field
    TP-Link Basic → Wireless Wireless Password
    ASUS Wireless → General WPA Pre-Shared Key
    Keenetic Wi-Fi → Hotspot Network key
    MikroTik Wireless → Security Profiles WPA2 Pre-Shared Key
    ⚠️ Attention: If you haven't changed the default router administrator password, anyone connected to your network can access the settings. After restoring your Wi-Fi password, be sure to change your login/password for accessing the router control panel (the "System" or "Administration" section).

    4. Using third-party utilities to recover passwords

    If built-in methods don't work, you can use specialized programs. They scan the system for saved passwords or connect to the router to extract data.

    Popular utilities:

    • 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - shows all Wi-Fi passwords saved in the system. No installation required, works on Windows XP–11.
    • 🔧 RouterPassView — attempts to guess default passwords for logging into the router (if they haven't been changed). Supports most models. TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS.
    • 🔧 WiFi Password Revealer — extracts passwords from the Windows registry. It has a simple interface, but may not work on the latest OS versions.

    How to use WirelessKeyView:

    1. Download the program from official website (portable version does not require installation).
    2. Launch WirelessKeyView.exe on behalf of the administrator.
    3. Find your network name in the table - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).
    What should I do if the utility doesn't show the password?

    If in the column Key (Ascii) empty or characters are displayed ••••••••, Means:

    1. The password is not saved in the system (the PC has never connected to this network via Wi-Fi).

    2. The network profile is damaged (try deleting the network in Windows Settings and connecting again).

    3. You do not have sufficient rights (run the program as administrator).

    Warning: Download utilities only from the developers' official websites. Many "cracked" versions of password recovery programs contain malware.

    5. Resetting the router to factory settings (extreme case)

    If none of the methods worked, there remains Hard reset of the routerThis will delete all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, but will allow you to set a new one.

    How to reset a router:

    1. Find the button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
    2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
    3. Release the button and the router will reboot with factory settings.
    4. Connect to it via cable, go to the web interface (the IP is indicated on the sticker) and set up Wi-Fi again.
    ⚠️ Note: After the reset you will need:
    • 🔄 Re-configure your internet connection (enter your provider login/password if used) PPPoE or VPN).
    • 📡 Set a new name and password for Wi-Fi.
    • 🔧 Restore advanced settings (eg. DMZ, Port Forwarding, Parent Control).

    6. Alternative methods (if there is no access to the router)

    In rare cases, access to the router may be restricted (for example, if it's a corporate network or the device is blocked by the ISP). In this case, you can try:

    • 📱 View password on another device, which is connected to this Wi-Fi (smartphone, tablet). On Android for this you need root rights or an app like WiFi Password ViewerOn . iPhone You can't view the password without jailbreak.
    • 📄 Check documents from the provider — sometimes the password is specified in the contract or instructions for the router.
    • 📞 Contact your internet provider's support teamIf the router is rented, they can provide the password over the phone (identity verification will be required).

    If the network belongs to an organization (hotel, cafe, office), contact the administrator. Self-recovery of the password in such cases may violate security regulations.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery

    Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the computer is only connected via cable and has never been on that network wirelessly?

    Yes, but only through router web interface (section 3) or reset settings (Section 5). If you don't have access to your router's admin panel, other methods won't work.

    I entered a command in CMD, but instead of a password, I see asterisks. What should I do?

    This means the password isn't saved in your Windows profile. Try:

    1. Connect to Wi-Fi at least once (enter any password, then cancel the connection - sometimes this creates a profile).
    2. Use the utility WirelessKeyView - it can show the password even if CMD does not display it.
    3. Go to router settings (section 3).
    Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password if my computer is connected to their network via cable?

    Technically yes (via the router's web interface), but it's breaks the law (Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code – unauthorized access to computer information). Use these methods only for your own networks.

    After resetting my router, my internet connection disappeared. What should I do?

    A reset clears all settings, including your ISP connection parameters. Here's what you need to do:

    1. Check with your provider for the connection type (PPPoE, DHCP, Static IP) and authorization data.
    2. Log into the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
    3. In the section WAN or Internet enter parameters from the provider.
    4. Save settings and reboot the router.

    If you're not sure, call your provider's support team; they'll help you set up the connection.

    How to protect your Wi-Fi from such password recovery methods?

    To minimize risks:

    • 🔐 Change the default router administrator password (admin/admin) to complex.
    • 🛡️ Disable access to the web interface via Wi-Fi (allow only via LAN).
    • 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly.
    • 📵 Use guest network for temporary devices.

    📖 Read also

    How to connect Wi-Fi to the Lenovo B570e: step-by-step instructions A detailed guide to setting up a wireless network on a Lenovo B570e laptop. Troubleshooting issues with the driver How to Control a Wi-Fi Router: A Complete Guide Learn how to control your Wi-Fi router remotely. Configure access, filter traffic, and parental controls. How to connect TP-Link to the Internet via a Wi-Fi router: step-by-step setup Detailed instructions on how to connect a TP-Link router to an existing Wi-Fi network or set it up as How to Reconfigure a Laptop to Use as a Wi-Fi Router: A Complete Guide Step-by-step instructions: how to switch a laptop to a new router. Setting up IP, DNS, and resetting the network in Windows How to Find a Wi-Fi Password: 7 Methods for Windows, Android, and iOS Learn how to view your Wi-Fi password on your computer, phone, or router. Full instructions for W Why Rostelecom Wi-Fi Speed ​​Is Slow: 7 Reasons and Solutions Is your Rostelecom internet slow? We'll explore the causes of slow Wi-Fi router speeds and equipment settings.