WirelessKeyView is a small, free tool developed by NirSoft that helps users recover lost or forgotten Wi-Fi passwords stored on their Windows system. It retrieves these passwords from the system’s registry or the WLAN AutoConfig service, allowing users to view previously saved network keys. Many people assume that this tool can be used to hack into Wi-Fi networks, but that is a common misconception. WirelessKeyView is designed strictly for retrieving passwords that have already been stored on your own computer.
Hacking Wi-Fi networks requires advanced techniques such as brute force attacks or exploiting network vulnerabilities, which WirelessKeyView does not support. The tool does not crack or decrypt passwords; it only displays what is already saved. Using it to access networks without permission is illegal and unethical. However, for users who have forgotten their own Wi-Fi passwords, WirelessKeyView provides a convenient and legal way to recover them without resetting the router or contacting the network administrator.
What WirelessKeyView Can Do
WirelessKeyView is a recovery tool designed to help users retrieve Wi-Fi passwords that have already been saved on their Windows system. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network and choose to save the password, Windows stores it in the system registry or the WLAN AutoConfig service. WirelessKeyView extracts this stored data and displays the network name (SSID), security type (WEP/WPA/WPA2), and the corresponding password in plain text. This makes it useful for users who have forgotten their own Wi-Fi passwords and need to reconnect or share them with others.
Additionally, WirelessKeyView allows users to copy or export the recovered passwords for backup purposes. This can be especially helpful for IT professionals, network administrators, or anyone who frequently switches between multiple networks. The tool works without requiring installation, making it a portable and convenient solution. However, it is important to note that WirelessKeyView only retrieves passwords from networks you have previously connected to on your own system—it does not hack or crack new networks.
What WirelessKeyView Cannot Do
WirelessKeyView is not a hacking tool and cannot be used to crack or decrypt Wi-Fi passwords. It only retrieves passwords that are already stored on a Windows system, meaning it cannot access networks that your computer has never connected to before. If a network’s password is not saved on your device, WirelessKeyView will not be able to recover it. Additionally, the tool does not perform brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks, or any other password-cracking techniques commonly used by hackers.
Another limitation is that WirelessKeyView only works on Windows operating systems. It does not support macOS, Linux, or mobile devices. Furthermore, if Wi-Fi passwords are stored in an encrypted format by third-party security software, WirelessKeyView may not be able to retrieve them. Lastly, attempting to use this tool on someone else’s computer or to gain unauthorized access to a Wi-Fi network is illegal and unethical. WirelessKeyView is meant for personal use only, to help users recover their own saved passwords.
Is It Legal to Use WirelessKeyView?
The legality of using WirelessKeyView depends entirely on how and where you use it. If you are using the tool to recover your own saved Wi-Fi passwords on your personal or workplace computer, it is completely legal. Many users rely on WirelessKeyView to retrieve forgotten passwords without resetting their router or contacting network administrators. IT professionals also use it as a legitimate tool for managing network credentials within organizations.
However, using WirelessKeyView to access someone else’s Wi-Fi network without permission is illegal. Unauthorized access to a private network violates laws related to computer intrusion and cybercrime in many countries. Even if the tool does not “hack” passwords, retrieving and using a saved password on a computer that you do not own or have permission to access can be considered unauthorized use. To avoid legal trouble, only use WirelessKeyView on your own devices and networks where you have explicit permission.
Alternative Methods for Recovering Wi-Fi Passwords
If you cannot use WirelessKeyView or prefer other methods to retrieve your Wi-Fi password, there are several ways to recover it using built-in system tools or router settings. These methods work for networks you have previously connected to and can help you regain access without relying on third-party software.
Using Windows Command Prompt
Windows users can retrieve saved Wi-Fi passwords using the Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type: netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter to see a list of saved networks.
- To view a specific network’s password, type:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key- Look for the Key Content field under “Security settings”—this is your Wi-Fi password.
Checking the Router’s Admin Panel
If you have access to the router:
- Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
- Log in using the admin username and password (found on the router or in its manual).
- Navigate to the Wireless Settings or Security section to find the Wi-Fi password.
Checking Saved Passwords on Mac
Mac users can retrieve stored Wi-Fi passwords through Keychain Access:
- Open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities.
- Search for your Wi-Fi network’s name.
- Double-click the network and check Show password (you’ll need to enter your Mac password).
Resetting the Router
If none of the above methods work, resetting your router to factory settings will allow you to set up a new Wi-Fi password. This can be done by pressing the reset button (usually a small pinhole) on the back of the router for about 10-30 seconds.
Conclusion
WirelessKeyView is a useful tool for recovering saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows systems, but it is not designed for hacking or unauthorized access. It simply retrieves passwords already stored on your computer, making it a convenient solution for users who have forgotten their credentials. However, it cannot crack or decrypt Wi-Fi passwords that have never been saved on the device.
For those who need to recover their Wi-Fi password, alternative methods such as using the Windows Command Prompt, checking the router’s admin panel, or accessing Keychain on Mac can also be effective. Always use ethical and legal means to retrieve your passwords and respect network security.