How to view your Wi-Fi password on Windows 10 if you forgot it: all the working methods

Forgetting your home or office Wi-Fi password is a situation almost every user has encountered. It's especially frustrating when you need to connect urgently and don't have your router or a note with the access code. Fortunately, Windows 10 stores all saved wireless network passwords. in encrypted form, and they can be extracted without special programs.

In this article we will look at 5 reliable waysHow to find out the Wi-Fi password on a computer Windows 10 — from standard system tools to advanced methods for experienced users. You'll learn how to use Control Panel, Command line or even PowerShell, and also what free utilities Help if system tools fail. Plus, important security details and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. The easiest way: via Windows Settings

If your computer already connected to the desired network (or was connected previously), the fastest method is to use the built-in settings Windows 10This method does not require administrator rights and works even on limited accounts.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon) or click Win + I.
• 📶 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Scroll down and click Managing known networks.
• 📋 Select the desired network from the list and click Properties.
• 🔑 In the field Network password a hidden line will be displayed - click Show (you will be asked to enter your Windows account password if it is protected).

Limitation of the method: If the network was connected a long time ago and its data is not in the "known" list, this method will not work. It is also useless if you never connected to this access point from this PC.

2. Classic method: via the Network and Sharing Center

A more versatile way is to use Control panels, which stores data about all connections, even old ones. This method also works in Windows 7/8.1, if you happen to use them.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Control Panel (can be found through the search in the menu) Start or click Win + R and enter control).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select on the left Managing wireless networks (V Windows 10 This item may be called Changing adapter settings).
4. Find the desired network in the list, right-click on it and select Properties.
5. In the window that opens, go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

Important: If the required network is not in the list, it means that Windows has “forgotten” it (for example, after resetting the settings or reinstalling the system). In this case, try other methods in this article.

3. For advanced users: how to find out a password via the command line

If the graphical interface doesn't help, help will come Command line (CMD). This method works even on damaged systems and does not require the installation of additional software.

Follow these steps:

1. Launch Command line as administrator (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
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 network information including password:

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

   Replace NETWORK_NAME to the real name (for example, TP-Link_1234).

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

Example of command output:

Profile name: HomeWiFi
...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678

Advantages of the method: works even if the network is not active at the moment, but was connected previously. Flaw: requires the exact network name (including spaces and symbols).

4. CMD Alternative: Using PowerShell

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than Command line, and also allows you to extract Wi-Fi passwords. This method is useful if netsh for some reason it didn't work.

Instructions:

• 🔧 Launch PowerShell as administrator (find in the menu Start, right-click → Run as administrator).
• 📜 Enter the command to display all saved 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

• 🔍 As a result, you will receive a table with all networks and their passwords.

This command will automatically extract all saved passwords and displays them in a convenient format. If you only need information for one network, simplify the command:

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

Run as administrator|Check network name (case sensitive!)|Copy command without errors|Be prepared for possible UAC warnings

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5. Third-party programs: when system methods don't work

If none of the above methods helped, help will come specialized utilitiesThey are convenient because they show all saved passwords in one window, including networks connected a long time ago or through other accounts.

Top 3 Free Wi-Fi Password Recovery Software:

⚠️ Attention: Download programs only from official websites of developers (For example, NirSoft or Magical Jelly Bean). Many "cracked" versions of password recovery utilities contain viruses or spyware.

Example of working with WirelessKeyView:

1. Download and unzip the archive with the program (no installation required).
2. Run the file WirelessKeyView.exe (administrator rights may be required).
3. In the program window you will see a list of all networks with speakers Network Name (network name) and Key (Ascii) (password).
4. To copy the password, right-click on the line and select Copy Key.

6. If nothing helps: reset the router password

In rare cases, the password may not be saved in the system (for example, if the connection was configured via WPS or the network uses 802.1X authentication). Then the only way out is reset the router settings and set a new password.

How to do it:

• 🔌 Find the button on your router Reset (usually it is recessed into the body and requires a paper clip or toothpick).
• 🕒 Press it on 10-15 seconds (until the indicators blink).
• 🔄 After the reset, the router will return to factory settings. Connect to it via cable or Wi-Fi using the default name (e.g. TP-Link_XXXX).
• 🔐 Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and set a new password in the section Wireless or Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the router deletes all settings, including the network name, passwords, MAC address bindings, and firewall rules. After the procedure, you will need reconfigure your Internet connection (enter login/password from the provider, if used).

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact instructions from the router manufacturer or internet provider support. Many companies (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) provide remote assistance in setting up equipment.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Password Recovery

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Profiles\Interfaces