How to find out your Wi-Fi name and password on a Windows computer

Forgotten your wireless network name or password? It's a familiar situation: the router was set up a long time ago, the sticker with the data has disappeared, and you urgently need to connect a new device. Luckily, on a computer running Windows 10 or 11 There are several ways to find out this data - without access to the router and even without administrator rights (in some cases).

In this article, we'll cover all the working methods—from standard system tools to little-known tricks. You'll learn how to view network name (SSID) And password via graphical interface, command line, PowerShell and specialized utilities. And also, why this data may sometimes not be displayed and what to do about it.

Important: If you are connected to the network via cable (Ethernet), some methods won't work. In this case, you'll have to check your router settings or use alternative methods (we'll cover those too).

1. How to find out your Wi-Fi name (SSID) on your computer

Before you look for a password, you need to know it for sure network name (SSID) to which your PC is connected. This will be useful for further actions, especially if you use the command line or third-party programs.

The easiest way:

1. Look at Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock).
2. Left-click on it to open a list of available networks.
3. At the top of the list will be the name of the current network with a note Connected.

If the icon is hidden or you are not sure that you are connected to your network, use an alternative method:

• 🖥️ Open Windows Settings (Win + I) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 📡 In the section Network properties will be indicated name (SSID) and the type of security (usually WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal).

2. Method 1: View the password through Windows Settings (without commands)

This is the most visual method that works in Windows 10 And Windows 11Suitable if you have administrator rights on the computer.

Instructions:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the link Managing known networks.
3. Select your network from the list and click Properties.
4. Scroll down to the section Security parameters.
5. Check the box next to Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

If the button Properties inactive or item Managing known networks no, then:

• 🔒 You don't have administrator rights (you need to enter your account password).
• 🖧 The computer is connected to the network via cable, not Wi-Fi.
• 📵 The network is saved, but is currently inactive (for example, the router is turned off).

3. Method 2: Find out the password through the Network and Sharing Center (classic panel)

A good old method that has been working since the times Windows 7Suitable for those who prefer the classic network management menu.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Right click on Wi-Fi icon in the tray (next to the clock) → Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. In the window that opens, scroll down and click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Next to the name of your network, click on Wireless network (network name) (blue link).
4. In the new window, select the tab Security.
5. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will appear in the field Network security key.

If the tab Security is missing or the password field is empty, this may mean:

• 🔐 The network uses WPS or another authentication method (no password required).
• 🛠️ The connection was configured through a third-party program (for example, a utility from the router manufacturer).
• 📴 The computer is connected to the network via Ethernet, not Wi-Fi.

The network name is displayed in the system tray|The computer is connected via Wi-Fi, not a cable|You have administrator rights|The router is turned on and distributing the network-->

4. Method 3: Command Prompt - a universal method for all versions of Windows

If the graphical interface does not show the password, help will come command lineThis method works even in older versions of Windows and does not require installing additional programs.

Run the following commands in order:

1. Open command prompt as administrator:
   • Click Win + X → Terminal (administrator) or Command Prompt (Administrator).
   • IN Windows 11 confirmation may be required via UAC.

netsh wlan show profiles

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

If you see a blank field or message instead of a password Key content is missing, it means:

• 🔄 The network is connected, but the password is not saved in the system (for example, if you used WPS or roaming).
• 🖧 You are connected via cable, not Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ You do not have administrator rights to view the password.

5. Method 4: PowerShell - an alternative to the command line

PowerShell — a more powerful tool than the standard command line. It can not only reveal passwords but also export all saved networks to a file.

Instructions:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator:
   • Click Win + S, enter PowerShell, then select Run as administrator.

(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

If you need to save a list of networks and passwords to a file, use:

(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}} | Export-Csv -Path "C:\WiFi_Passwords.csv" -NoTypeInformation -Encoding UTF8

File WiFi_Passwords.csv will appear on the disk C:.

⚠️ Attention: Saving passwords to a text file on disk C: Unsafe. After use, delete the file or move it to a secure location.

6. Method 5: Third-party programs for viewing Wi-Fi passwords

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. They're convenient because they display passwords in a convenient format and often offer additional features (such as exporting to a file or generating a QR code for quick connection).

Popular programs:

How to use WirelessKeyView (for example):

1. Download the program from NirSoft official website (free version).
2. Unzip and run WirelessKeyView.exe (no installation required).
3. In the program window, you will see a list of all saved networks with speakers:
   • Network Name (SSID) — network name,
   • Key (Ascii) - password.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like WirelessKeyView They may be blocked by your antivirus software because they read system data. This is a false positive—the utility does not contain viruses, but use it only from official sources.

7. What to do if none of the methods worked?

If you've tried all the methods but still can't find your password, there may be a few reasons:

• 🔌 The computer is connected to the router via cable, and not via Wi-Fi (try connecting wirelessly or look in your router settings).
• 🔐 The network uses WPS or Enterprise authentication (the password is not saved in the system).
• 🛡️ You don't have administrator rights (contact the PC owner).
• 📵 The router has been reset to factory settings (the password will return to the default one indicated on the sticker).

In these cases, there are two options left:

1. Look into the router settings:
   • Open your browser and enter the router's address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
   • Log in (default logins: admin/admin or admin/empty password).
   • Go to the section Wi-Fi or Wireless → Security — there will be a password.