How to find out your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10: all the methods, from simple to complex

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or do you need to connect a new gadget but are too lazy to look for the piece of paper with the code? Is your computer under Windows 10 All saved wireless network passwords are stored in the system—they can be retrieved in a couple of clicks. In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods: from standard tools to advanced utilities for experienced users.

Important: If you've never connected to this network from your current PC, the system hasn't saved the password—you'll have to reset the router or look for the code on another device. However, if the network was connected at some point, even a year ago, the data will still be accessible. Even for hidden networks (with SSID disabled)!

All methods in the article have been tested on the latest builds. Windows 10 (versions 21H2–22H2). Windows 11 The algorithm is similar, but with minor changes to the interface. If you have a different OS, check the official documentation for compatibility. Microsoft.

1. The easiest way: via Windows Settings

This method doesn't require administrator rights and works even for users with limited rights. It works if you're currently connected to the desired network or have previously connected to it.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start → Settings (gear icon) → Network and Internet.
• 📶 Go to the tab Wi-Fi and press Managing known networks.
• 🔍 Find the desired network in the list and click on it.
• 👁️ Click Properties, then scroll down to the field Network password.
• 🔓 Next to the password entry point, click Show — the system will display the saved key.

If the button Show inactive or the field is empty, then:

• ❌ You have never connected to this network from this PC.
• ❌ The network was configured via WPS (button on the router), and the password was not saved.
• ❌ The network profile is damaged (resolved by deleting and reconnecting).

2. Command line: a universal method for all networks

If the graphical interface does not show the password, this will help command line (CMD). This method works even for networks you haven't connected to in a while, and doesn't require installing any additional software.

Open CMD as administrator (right-click on Start → Command Prompt (Administrator)) and perform in order:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will list all saved networks. Find the one you need. SSID (network name) and copy it exact name (case sensitive!).

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

Replace NAZVANIE_SETI to the copied name. In the execution results, find the block Security parameters - there will be a line Key content with your password.

What if the network name contains spaces?

If the network name contains spaces, put it in quotation marks: name="My Wi-Fi"The command won't work without the quotes!

⚠️ Attention: if you are using a corporate network with 802.1X- authentication (for example, at an office or university), this method will not reveal the password. Such networks require special utilities or access to the router settings.

3. PowerShell: A CMD Alternative for Advanced Users

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than CMD, and also allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords. This method is useful if standard methods fail or you need to export the data to a file.

Launch PowerShell as administrator and run:

(netsh wlan show profiles) | Select-String "\:(.+)$" | %{$name=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_= $name; (netsh wlan show profile name="$name" key=clear) | Select-String "Key contents\W+\:(.+)$" | %{$pass=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); $_= [PSCustomObject]@{ PROFILE_NAME=$name;PASSWORD=$pass }}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

Script automatically:

• 📋 Lists all saved networks.
• 🔑 Extracts passwords for each.
• 📊 Outputs the result in the form of a table with the network name (PROFILE_NAME) and password (PASSWORD).

To save the list to a file, add the following to the end of the command:

 | Out-File -FilePath "C:\wifi_passwords.txt" -Encoding UTF8

File wifi_passwords.txt will appear on the disk C:.

4. Third-party programs: when standard methods don’t work

If system tools don't help, specialized utilities can help. They're useful for:

• 🔄 Password recovery after system reset.
• 📱 Export a list of networks for transfer to another PC.
• 🔍 View additional information (for example, encryption type).

Top 3 proven programs:

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from the official websites of the developers! Utilities from NirSoft are often counterfeited - pirated versions may contain viruses or spyware. Before installing, check the file for VirusTotal.

Important: Some antivirus programs (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) may block password extraction utilities, considering them "potentially dangerous." This is a false positive—add the program to your antivirus exceptions.

5. Extracting a password from the Windows registry (for advanced users)

All Wi-Fi passwords are stored encrypted in the Windows registry. They can be extracted manually, but this method requires caution—incorrect registry changes can disrupt the system.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter regedit and confirm (Enter).
2. Follow the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\{GUID}\

   (Where {GUID} — unique adapter identifier).

3. In each folder {GUID} find the parameter Profile - it contains encrypted network data.
4. Export the registry branch (File → Export) and use online decoders (for example, CyberChef) for decryption.

🔹 Alternative route (For Windows 10 1803+):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\{GUID}\Profiles\{ProfileGUID}\

Here in the parameter MSMSecurity the encrypted password is stored.

Common problems and solutions

Not all methods work equally well. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: if you use Windows 10 LTSC or the enterprise version with enhanced security policies, some methods may be blocked by the domain administrator. In this case, please contact your organization's IT department.

Bonus: How to Find Someone Else's Wi-Fi Password (Ethically!)

Let's say you're helping a friend or relative and need to extract a password from their PC. Here's how to do it. legally and without violating confidentiality:

1. Obtain consent from the PC owner. Without this, any actions with his data violate the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information").
2. Use the methods in this article (eg. netsh wlan show profile), But do not save passwords in files - just show them on the screen.
3. After extracting the password delete command history V CMD (cls) and close all utilities.

🔹 Ethical advice: If you're an office administrator and need to retrieve the password for your work network, use official channels (e.g., requesting it from the IT department). Retrieving it yourself may violate corporate security policies.

What happens if I use a password without permission?

Unauthorized connection to someone else's Wi-Fi network may be classified as a violation of Article 272 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Unauthorized access to computer information"), punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or correctional labor.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network I've never connected to?

No. Windows 10 only saves passwords for networks that this PC has connected to at least once. If the network is not in the list Managing known networks, it is impossible to extract its password. Alternatives:

• View the password on another device that has connected to this network.
• Reset the router to factory settings (the password will be on the sticker).
• Log into the router admin panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

Why does the password appear as blank characters in the command line?

This happens if:

• The network uses WPS-connection (password is not saved).
• The network profile is corrupted (try deleting the network and connecting again).
• You are using Windows 10 S Mode (abridged version with limitations).

Solution: Check the list of networks with the command netsh wlan show profiles - If the required network is not there, it means it is not saved.

How to find out the Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 without administrator rights?

The following work without admin rights:

• Method through Settings → Network & Internet (if you are connected to the network now).
• Programs WirelessKeyView or WiFi Password Revealer (no installation required).

The following will not work:

• Teams netsh V CMD (requires elevated rights).
• Editing the registry.
• Some functions PowerShell.

Is it possible to recover a password if Windows 10 is reinstalled?

No. When you clean install Windows, all saved networks and passwords are deleted permanently. Exceptions:

• You made a backup copy of the registry before reinstalling.
• Used a password backup program (for example, NetPass with export function).
• The password is saved in the account. Microsoft (if the PC was linked to the account).

In other cases, you will have to reset the router or look for the password on other devices.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from password theft?

To make it more difficult to extract passwords from connected devices:

• Use complex password (12+ characters, with letters, numbers and special characters).
• Turn it off WPS in the router settings (this protocol is vulnerable to hacking).
• Set up guest network with a separate password for temporary devices.
• Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
• Turn on MAC filtering (Allow only trusted devices to connect).

⚠️ Important: Even with all the security measures in place, the password can be retrieved from a device already connected to the network. Therefore, don't allow strangers to access your Wi-Fi.