How to find out the entered Wi-Fi password on a computer: official and hidden methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your computer is connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: your router was set up by your ISP or a friend, the password was entered once, and then forgotten. Luckily, Windows 10 and 11 There are built-in tools that allow you to retrieve saved password Without resetting the router or calling support. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods—from standard settings to the command line and third-party utilities.

Important: The methods only work if the computer already connected to the target Wi-Fi network. If the connection is lost or the password has never been entered on this device, alternative solutions will be required (such as resetting the router or accessing its web interface). Also, keep in mind that extracting passwords from other people's devices without the owner's consent may be illegal—use the instructions. only for their networks.

We have tested all methods on the latest versions. Windows 11 23H2 And Windows 10 22H2 (May 2026 updates). If your system is outdated, some menu items may differ - update the OS via Settings → Windows Update.

1. View your password through Windows Settings (the easiest way)

This method does not require administrator rights and works on all versions of Windows starting from Windows 7Suitable for users who are afraid of the command line or third-party programs.

Instructions:

• 🖱️ Open the menu Start and select Parameters (gear icon).
• 📡 Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Scroll down and click Managing known networks.
• 📋 Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and click Properties.
• 🔑 In the section Network properties find the line Network password and press the button Show symbols on the right.

Done! The password will be displayed in the text field. If the button Show symbols is inactive, then your account does not have administrator rights - use the following method.

2. Extracting the password via the Network and Sharing Center (alternative GUI method)

This method duplicates the functionality of the previous one, but uses the classic control panel. It's useful if the new interface Windows settings works unstable or you prefer the "old school".

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. In the window that opens, find Wireless network (Wi-Fi), right-click on it and select State.
3. Click the button Wireless network properties.
4. Go to the tab Security.
5. Check the box Show entered characters — the password will become visible.

If the tab Security If it's missing, then the Wi-Fi adapter driver isn't installed correctly. Update it via device Manager (chapter Network adapters).

3. Command Prompt: A Universal Method for All Windows Versions

If the graphical interface refuses to show the password, help will come command lineThis method works even on damaged systems and does not require installing additional software.

Run the following commands in order:

netsh wlan show profiles

This command will list all saved Wi-Fi networks. Remember the exact name of your network (case is important!).

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

Replace NETWORK_NAME the name of your Wi-Fi network (in quotation marks!). In the results, find the line Key content - this is the password.

Example output (password highlighted):

...
Security parameters
Authentication type: WPA2-Personal
Encryption type: CCMP
Key contents: 12345678QwErTy
...

Open CMD as administrator

Check the network name is correct (case sensitive!)

Copy the password to a safe place

Close command prompt after use-->

⚠️ Attention: Don't enter commands from untrusted sources! Attackers can disguise commands to steal data as "helpful instructions." All commands provided here are safe and documented by Microsoft.

4. Using PowerShell for Advanced Users

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.

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

(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=$_.Matches.Groups[1].Value.Trim(); [PSCustomObject]@{SSID=$name;PASS=$pass}} | Format-Table -AutoSize

This command will output a table with all saved networks and their passwords. To export to a file, add the following to the end:

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

File WiFi_Passwords.txt will appear on the disk C:\. Remove it after use.to avoid data leakage.

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

If Windows' built-in tools refuse to reveal your password (for example, due to damaged system files), you can use specialized utilities. We tested three reliable programs:

• 🔧 WirelessKeyView (from NirSoft) is a portable utility that doesn't require installation. It displays all saved Wi-Fi passwords in a table with the ability to export them to .txt or .html.
• 🛡️ WiFi Password Revealer — a simple program with a minimalist interface. Supports Windows 10/11 And Windows 7.
• 📊 Magical Jelly Bean WiFi Password Revealer — displays passwords in a convenient format with the ability to copy them with one click.

Warning: Download programs only from official websites! Many "cracked" versions of password extraction utilities contain malware. Check the files for malware before using them. VirusTotal.

⚠️ Attention: Antivirus software may block password extraction utilities (for example, Kaspersky or Avast (They are considered "potentially dangerous"). This is a false positive—please add the program to your antivirus exclusions for the duration of its operation.

6. If nothing works: resetting the router and alternative solutions

In rare cases, standard methods may not work:

- Windows system files are damaged;

- The password is not saved in the system (for example, connecting via WPS);

- The account is restricted by domain policies (in corporate networks).

Alternative options:

• 🔄 Resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel). Minus: you will have to configure the network again.
• 🌐 Router web interfaceConnect to the router via cable and enter into the browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, log in (logins/passwords like admin/admin usually indicated on the router sticker) and find the section Wireless → Security.
• 📱 Provider's mobile application. Many operators (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) allow you to manage Wi-Fi through your personal account.

If you rent a router from a provider, contact their support team—they can provide you with the password over the phone after verifying your personal information.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on your computer

netsh wlan show profiles

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