AsterWin IE is a lightweight utility originally developed by NirSoft that can be used to reveal passwords hidden behind asterisks in Internet Explorer input fields. When a password is already filled into a login form and masked with stars, this tool can unmask and display the actual text. It is especially useful for recovering a forgotten website login that is still stored in the browser.
Using AsterWin IE to Reveal Internet Explorer Passwords
The tool works by reading the contents of password edit controls used by Internet Explorer. If a password field is already populated and shows only asterisks, AsterWin IE can reveal the underlying value.
How It Works
- Open Internet Explorer and navigate to the website login page.
- Ensure the password field is already filled and masked with asterisks.
- Run AsterWin IE.
- The hidden password text will be revealed instantly.
No installation is required. The utility can be run directly from a USB flash drive, making it a handy portable recovery tool.
Common Use Cases
- Recovering Forgotten Passwords: Reveal credentials that are already saved and auto-filled by Internet Explorer.
- IT Support & Diagnostics: Verify stored credentials during troubleshooting on legacy systems.
- Legacy System Maintenance: Useful in environments where older Internet Explorer versions are still required.
Important Limitations
- This tool only works with Internet Explorer password fields.
- It cannot decrypt or recover passwords that are not currently visible as masked input.
- Modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are not supported.
- Internet Explorer itself is deprecated and no longer recommended for everyday use.
Security and Ethical Use
Warning: This utility should only be used on systems and accounts you own or have explicit permission to access. Revealing passwords without authorization may violate privacy policies, employment agreements, or local laws.
Technical Notes
- Written in Visual Basic.
- Requires VB runtime files to be present on the host system.
- Works with Internet Explorer 5 and newer.
Specifications & Download
- Author's Website: NirSoft Project Page
- Developer: Nir Sofer (NirSoft)
- License: Freeware / Open Source Utility
- Supported OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11
- Supported Browser: Internet Explorer 5+
- Portable: Yes
- Download: Download AsterWin IE
Final Thoughts
AsterWin IE is a small but effective utility for dealing with forgotten or obscured passwords in legacy Internet Explorer environments. While it has limited relevance in modern browsing workflows, it remains a useful portable recovery tool for technicians and users maintaining older Windows systems.