networking

Local Wifi Network Info Logins

When assisting a client with network setup or migration, retrieving saved Wi-Fi credentials and account logins is often necessary. Always ensure you have explicit client permission before accessing or transferring sensitive data.

1. Retrieving Wi-Fi Network Information

💻 Windows Computer

Method 1: Command Prompt (Best for all saved networks)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator ($\text{Win} + \text{X}$ and select Windows Terminal or Command Prompt (Admin)).
Run the command to list saved profiles:
```
netsh wlan show profiles
```
Note the desired network name (SSID) listed under “User Profiles.”
Run the command below, replacing NETWORK_NAME with the SSID:
```
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear
```
Look for “Key Content” under “Security settings”; this is the Wi-Fi password.

Method 2: Network Settings (For the currently connected network)

Go to Control Panel $\rightarrow$ Network and Sharing Center.
Click on the active Wi-Fi connection and select Wireless Properties.
Under the Security tab, check Show Characters to view the password.

🍎 macOS

Method 1: Keychain Access

Open Keychain Access from Applications $\rightarrow$ Utilities.
Search for the Wi-Fi network name in the search bar.
Double-click the network, and check Show password (this requires the Mac’s login credentials).

Web Browser Passwords

Most modern browsers securely save passwords. Viewing them requires the device’s login password.

Browser	Access Path
Google Chrome	Settings $\rightarrow$ Autofill $\rightarrow$ Password Manager
Microsoft Edge	Settings $\rightarrow$ Profiles $\rightarrow$ Passwords
Mozilla Firefox	Settings $\rightarrow$ Privacy & Security $\rightarrow$ Saved Logins
Safari (Mac)	Safari $\rightarrow$ Preferences $\rightarrow$ Passwords

Email Accounts and Other Credentials

Built-in System Tools (Preferred Method)

Windows Credential Manager:
- Search for Credential Manager in the Start Menu.
- Check under Web Credentials and Windows Credentials (or Generic Credentials) for saved application/email passwords.
macOS Keychain Access:
- Open Keychain Access.
- Search for the email account or application by name and check the password field.

Outlook Email Settings (Preferred)

The password is NOT displayed in plain text, but server settings can be found:

Open Outlook $\rightarrow$ File $\rightarrow$ Account Settings $\rightarrow$ Account Settings.
Select the email account and click Change to view server settings (incoming/outgoing servers, port numbers, encryption methods, etc.).

⚠️ Using MailPassView or Similar Tools

Tools like MailPassView (from NirSoft) can extract email account information (including passwords) from clients like Outlook and Thunderbird, but they come with Important Considerations:

Security and Legality: These tools are often flagged by antivirus software as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). Always ensure you have explicit client permission before use.
Alternative Approach (Recommended): Attempt to retrieve credentials using the built-in system tools (Credential Manager / Keychain Access) first.

MailPassView Usage (If client consents)

Download and Use: Download from the official NirSoft website. The tool typically runs without installation.
Precautions:
- You may need to temporarily disable antivirus software as it might block the tool.
- After usage, delete the tool to avoid unnecessary risk.
- Store retrieved credentials securely (e.g., in a password manager).

Final Recommendations & Important Considerations

Client Approval: Always confirm client approval for retrieving and transferring this data for security and privacy reasons.
Data Transfer: If migrating passwords and settings to a new computer, use a secure password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden) for transfer.
Best Practice: Encourage the client to migrate all credentials to a secure password manager for better long-term management and security.

📶 Local Wi-Fi, Network Info & Login Retrieval