How to find out your Wi-Fi password on your computer if you forgot it: all the methods

Forgotten your home Wi-Fi password is a familiar situation for almost everyone. You connected your laptop to the network a year ago, and now you need to connect a new smartphone or tablet, but the password has disappeared from your notes. Luckily, if your computer is already connected to the network, there are several ways to retrieve the saved password—without resetting the router or losing your settings.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password on a computer Windows 10/11 or macOSFrom simple viewing via a graphical interface to using the command line and third-party utilities. We will pay special attention to securityWhy you shouldn't share your password with strangers and how to protect your network from hacking.

Important: all methods only work if the computer already connected to the target Wi-Fi network. If the device has never connected to it, you will need to reset the router (usually by pressing the Reset on the back panel) or contact your network administrator.

1. View the password through Network Settings (Windows 10/11)

The easiest way is to use built-in tools WindowsIt doesn't require administrator rights (if you're already logged in) and takes less than a minute. It's compatible with all OS versions, starting from Windows 7.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet.
• 📡 Go to the tab Wi-Fi and press Managing known networks.
• 🔍 Select the desired network from the list and click Properties.
• 🔑 Scroll down to the field Network password and press Show (You will be asked to enter your Windows account password if one is set).

If the buttons Show If there is no password or the field is empty, it means the password is not saved in the system. In this case, try the other methods in the article.

Make sure your computer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Make sure you have administrator rights (if prompted for a password)

Close your VPN or proxy—they may be blocking access to network settings.

Take a screenshot of the password or write it down in a safe place

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⚠️ Note: If you're using a corporate or public network (e.g., at a cafe or office), your password may be hidden by security policies. In this case, you can only obtain it from your administrator.

2. Using the Command Prompt (CMD)

This method is for advanced users or when the graphical interface is unavailable. The command line allows you to extract the password in two commands, but requires precise typing.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select Terminal (administrator)).
2. Enter the command to view all saved networks:

   netsh wlan show profiles

   Remember the exact name of the network you need (case is important!).

3. Display the password for a specific network:

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

   Replace NAZVANIE_SETI to the name of your Wi-Fi network.

4. Find the line Key content - this is the password.

Example command output (password highlighted):

Profile name: MyWiFi_5G
Security type: WPA2-Personal
...
Security parameters
...
Key contents: 12345678QwErTy

⚠️ Attention: If the network name contains spaces or special characters (for example, My Wi-Fi@Home), wrap it in quotes: name="My Wi-Fi@Home"Otherwise the command will not work.

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

This method works in Windows 7/8/10/11 This works if the previous options didn't work. Here, the password is hidden behind asterisks, but it can be made visible.

How to do it:

• 🌐 Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray (bottom right) and select Open Network and Internet settings.
• 🔗 Scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center.
• 📶 Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (next to Connections).
• 🔐 In the window that opens, select Wireless Network Properties → Security.
• 👁️ Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

If the field Network security key empty, means:

• 🔄 The password is not saved in the system (for example, you connected via WPS).
• 🛡️ The network uses enterprise authentication (for example, in universities or offices).
• 🖥️ You are logged in as a guest without permissions.

4. How to find out the password on a Mac (macOS)

On computers Apple The process is even easier thanks to the utility Keychain Access (Keychain) where all your saved passwords are stored.

Instructions for macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur:

1. Open Spotlight (⌘ + Space), enter Bunch of keys and launch the application.
2. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
3. Double-click on the found entry and check the box. Show password.
4. Enter your account password Mac (if requested).

If the record is not found:

• 🔄 Try refreshing the list by clicking Categories → Passwords.
• 📱 Make sure that Mac connected to the desired network (sometimes the password is saved only after the first connection).
• 🛠️ Check your settings Time Machine - sometimes backups overwrite the keychain.

5. Third-party password extraction programs

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. They scan system files and display all saved Wi-Fi passwords. Important: Download programs only from official websites to avoid viruses.

Popular utilities:

• 🛡️ WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) - portable, does not require installation.
• 🔍 WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords in a convenient interface.
• 📊 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — exports passwords to a file.

How to use WirelessKeyView:

1. Download the archive from official website (link is safe).
2. Unzip and run WirelessKeyView.exe (administrator rights are not required).
3. Find your network in the list - the password will be in the column Key (Ascii).

⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs may block such utilities because they read protected system data. Add the program to the exceptions list or temporarily disable your antivirus. After using the utility, uninstall it to avoid potential risks.

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

If the utility returns an empty field or an error, check:

1. Is the computer connected to the network? at the moment (some programs require an active connection).

2. Does the antivirus block access to system files (for example, Kaspersky or Avast can remove such utilities).

3. Are you using a VPN or proxy - they can mask network data.

4. Is the program updated to the latest version (older versions are not supported) Windows 11).

6. If all else fails: resetting the router and alternative solutions

When all methods have been exhausted and the password is still not found, there remains a radical method - resetting the router to factory settingsThis will delete all personal data, including your 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 paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 seconds.
3. Wait for the reboot (the indicators should blink and light up in standard mode).
4. Connect to the network with the factory name (indicated on the router sticker) and configure it through 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

Alternative solutions:

• 📱 View the password on another device connected to this network (smartphone, tablet).
• 📄 Check the router box or the sticker on it—sometimes the password is listed there.
• 📧 Contact your ISP (if they provided you with the router) — they can reset your password remotely.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi password recovery

Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network to which the computer is not connected?

No, if the device has never connected to this network, it's impossible to extract the password. The only options are:

• Reset the router (using the button) Reset).
• Find out the password from the network administrator.
• Using specialized software for hacking (illegal and unethical).

If we are talking about neighboring network, attempts to connect without permission violate the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - unauthorized access to computer information).

Why is there no "Show Password" button in "Network Settings"?

This can happen for several reasons:

• You are logged in as guest account (requires administrator rights).
• The password is not saved (for example, you connected via WPS or QR code).
• The network uses enterprise authentication (802.1X), where passwords are not stored locally.
• The computer has installed corporate policies (in office PCs, access to network settings is often blocked).

Try the method with Command line or third-party utilities.

How to protect your Wi-Fi from hacking after recovering your password?

If you were able to extract the password, we recommend that you do so immediately. strengthen network security:

• 🔒 Change your password complex (at least 12 characters, with numbers, letters, and special characters). Example: kT7#pL9@mN2!qR.
• 🛡️ Disable WPS - This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• 📡 Hide the SSID (network name) or change it to something non-obvious (not Home_123).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware - outdated versions contain vulnerabilities.
• 📱 Enable MAC address filtering (allow connection only to your devices).

For more information on setting up security, read our guide "How to Protect Your Wi-Fi from Hackers in 10 Minutes».

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on Android or iPhone?

On mobile devices, extracting a password is more difficult due to OS limitations, but there are ways:

• Android (rooted):
• Use a file manager (eg. Root Explorer) and open /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
• Or install the utility WiFi Password Viewer (requires root).
• iPhone (no jailbreak):
• Passwords are synchronized via iCloud KeychainLook at them on Mac through A bunch of keys.
• Or check the backup in iTunes (passwords are stored in encrypted form).

How to extract password from smartphone without root or jailbreak impossible.

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?

A reset returns the router to factory settings, so you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection. Instructions:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi with the factory name (indicated on the sticker).
2. Open in browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (the address is indicated on the router).
3. Enter your login/password to log in (usually admin/admin or admin/empty).
4. Go to the section WAN or Internet and enter the provider's details (they are specified in the contract):
• Connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP and others).
• Username and password (if required).
• VLAN ID (if required).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

If you've lost your provider's data, call support—they'll remind you of your connection details.