How to Recover Wi-Fi Password on Windows

This issue is extremely common and can be caused by several reasons, so make sure to always troubleshoot everything before giving up.

• If you’ve forgotten your Wi-Fi network password, this guide will show you some effective solutions.
• To recover the forgotten password, use a Windows app or a third-party solution.
• Another solution is to use the built-in Command prompt, but make sure you perform it correctly.

Use a dedicated solution

1. Reaver is a utility that allows you to recover WPA keys. Download it from here.
2. Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.
   

Use Command prompt

1. Go to the Search menu, type cmd, and open the first result.
2. When Command prompt is open, type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan show drivers
   
3. Press the Enter button again.
4. In the command prompt window, you should see your Wi-Fi SSID. Copy the SSID.
5. Now, in Command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=your_SSID key=your_password
6. Finally, close Command prompt and reboot your computer.
   
7. Download and Install Reaver
8. Open the program.
9. Click Select Interface.
10. Select the Wi-Fi interface you want to use.
    
11. Click Start.

Use PowerShell

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Command prompt (Admin).
2. Now, run the following command: Set-NetworkAccessRule -Name “Password Recovery” -Access Allow
3. Next, run the following command: Get-NetworkAccessRule | Add-NetworkAccessRule -Name “Password Recovery” -Access Allow

Use a Command prompt shortcut

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
2. Type cmd in Run’s text field, and click the OK button.
   
3. Now, paste this command and hit Enter: netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow

Use Group Policy Editor

1. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard.
2. Type in gpedit.msc and click OK.
   
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Network Policy and Access
4. Open the Credential Delegation section.
5. Check the box next to “Allow users to perform network logon using credentials stored in Active Directory”.
6. Click Apply, then OK to save changes.
   

Check the Windows event log for errors

1. Open Event Viewer by pressing Windows + R to open Run, type eventvwr, and click OK.
2. Click Windows Logs, click Application, and then click Network.
   
3. Click Network Events.

Update your wireless adapter

1. Go to Search, type device manager, open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
   
3. Right-click on your wireless adapter.
4. From the pop-up menu, select Update driver.
5. Select Search automatically for drivers.
6. Restart your PC.