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

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and the sticker on your router has worn off? Or need to connect a new gadget but can't be bothered to look for the piece of paper with the code? This situation is familiar to every second user. Fortunately, if your computer is already connected to the network, you can retrieve the password in just a couple of clicks—without installing any additional software or risking security.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi password Windows 10/11, MacOS or through the router settings. All methods work on computers and laptops that were previously connected to this network — even if the internet is currently down. Choose the appropriate option depending on your operating system and technical proficiency.

Important: If you are trying to get a password from someone else's network (for example, a neighbor's or a cafe), these methods won't work - they are intended for extraction only saved data on your device. Hacking into other people's networks requires special tools (which, by the way, is illegal in most countries).

1. The easiest way: through the Network and Sharing Center (Windows)

This method is suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11 and takes less than a minute. You don't need administrator rights or third-party utilities—just standard system tools.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Right-click on the icon Wi-Fi in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock).
• 📋 Select an item Open Network & Internet Settings (V Windows 11) or Network and Sharing Center (V Windows 10/7).
• 🔗 In the window that opens, click on the name of your Wi-Fi network (marked Connected).
• 🔑 Go to Wireless Network Properties → Security and check the box next to it Show entered characters.

Ready! In the field Network security key Your password will be displayed. You can copy it (Ctrl+C) or rewrite.

Check if you are connected to Wi-Fi (not Ethernet)

Update your network card drivers

Try the command line method (section 3)

Restart your computer-->

⚠️ Attention: If the password field is empty or filled with asterisks that do not disappear when you click on Display characters, then the password isn't saved in the system. Try the alternative methods in this article.

2. How to view your Wi-Fi password via Settings (Windows 10/11)

In modern versions Windows Microsoft has simplified access to network settings. Now you can find your password through an updated menu. Parameters - this is especially convenient for users Windows 11.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear) or press Win + I.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Click Managing known networks.
4. Select your network from the list and click Properties.
5. Scroll down to the block Security parameters and press Show next to the field Network password.

The system may ask for confirmation via UAC (User Account Control) - Click YesAfter this, the password will become visible.

3. Universal method: Command line (CMD)

If the graphical interface does not work for some reason (for example, due to a system crash), you can extract the password via command lineThis method works on all versions of Windows, including server editions.

Instructions:

1. Open Command line as administrator:
   • Click Win + X and select Terminal (Administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).
   • Or enter cmd in the search, then right-click and select Run as administrator.

netsh wlan show profiles

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

Example of command output:

SSID Name: MyWiFi_5G
...
Security parameters
...
Key contents: 12345678

⚠️ Note: On some corporate networks, the password may be displayed as Absent - this means that a certificate or other method is used for authentication (for example, 802.1X). In this case, it will not be possible to extract the password via CMD.

4. How to find the Wi-Fi password on a MacBook or iMac

On computers Apple Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the system storage Keychain Access (Keychain). You can access them without administrator rights if you're logged in with your account.

Step by step instructions for MacOS:

• 🔍 Open Spotlight (combination Cmd + Space) and enter Bunch of keys (or Keychain Access (on the English keyboard layout).
• 📂 In the left menu, select System (or Login, if the password is saved for the current user).
• 🔎 Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network in the search bar.
• 🔑 Double-click on the found entry and check the box Show password and enter the password for your account MacOS.

If you have forgotten your account password, you can reset it through Recovery mode (Cmd + R when loading). However, this will result in data loss if you do not have it enabled. FileVault.

5. Alternative method: via router settings

If none of the previous methods work (for example, the password isn't saved on your computer), you can connect to the router and view it directly. To do this, you'll need:

• 🌐 Any device connected to this Wi-Fi (even via cable).
• 🔑 Login and password for entering the router admin panel (usually admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).

Instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address:
   • IN Windows: open CMD and enter ipconfig — look for the line Main gateway (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
   • IN MacOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP - field Router.

⚠️ Note: If you've never changed your router's login/password and the default combinations don't work, your ISP has likely changed them. In this case, contact technical support or reset the router to factory settings (press the button). Reset on the back panel).

6. Advanced Method: Export Passwords from the Windows Registry

For advanced users there is a way to extract all saved Wi-Fi passwords Immediately—by exporting registry data. This is useful if you need to transfer settings to another computer or create a backup.

Instructions:

1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R → enter regedit → Enter).
2. Follow the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Wlansvc\Interfaces\

   There will be folders with long names (these are network interface identifiers).

3. Open each folder and find the parameter Profile - its value contains the name of the network.
4. There will be a parameter in this same branch KeyMaterial — This is an encrypted password. To decrypt it, copy the value and use an online decoder (for example, CyberChef with an algorithm Hex).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly editing the registry can cause system failures. We recommend creating a restore point before starting (Win + R → rstrui).

How to automate password export?

You can write a simple one .bat-script to extract all passwords:

@echo off
for /f "tokens=2 delims=:" %%a in ('netsh wlan show profiles ^| find "All user profiles"') do (
netsh wlan show profile name="%%a" key=clear | findstr "Key Contents"
)
pause

Save the file with the extension .bat and run as administrator.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even simple instructions sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

• 🔌 The computer is not connected to Wi-Fi: Most methods require the device to be connected to the network at least once. If the internet is currently disconnected, connect temporarily (even without network access).
• 🔒 No administrator rights: The command prompt and registry require administrator rights. If you have a limited account, ask the PC owner to enter the password.
• 📡 Network not showing in list: The data may have been cleared or the profile may be corrupted. Try connecting again or use a router.
• 🔄 Password changed: If you recently changed your router password, older devices may still have an outdated version. Refresh your connection.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🖧 A sticker on the router (sometimes the password is indicated in the field there) Wi-Fi Key or Password).
• 📄 Agreement with the provider (sometimes the password is written in the documents).
• 📱 Another device (phone, tablet) that connected to this Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions