Where Your Computer Stores WiFi Passwords
Your computer saves your WiFi password the first time you connect to a network. Windows and Mac store these passwords in different places, but both keep them encrypted in your system settings. You do not need special software to retrieve it — the password is already on your machine, and you can view it through your network settings or command line.
The method you use depends on your operating system. Windows stores WiFi passwords in the Credential Manager or through the network adapter settings. Mac keeps them in the Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system. Both are built into your computer and do not require you to contact your router or internet provider.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users can find saved WiFi passwords through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, or by running a command in Command Prompt.
- Mac users can open Keychain Access, search for the network name, and view the password by checking the "Show password" box.
- You need administrator access on your computer to view saved passwords.
- If you cannot remember which network you connected to, check your network list to see all saved connections.
Finding Your Password on Windows 10 and Windows 11
The easiest method on Windows is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "WiFi" in the search box, and select "Manage WiFi connections." You will see a list of all networks your computer has connected to. Click the network name you need, then select "Forget" and reconnect — Windows will prompt you to enter the password again, which you can then copy. This method works if you remember the network name.
If you want to view the password without reconnecting, use Command Prompt. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)," and type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear (replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name). The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results. This method shows the password in plain text without disconnecting from the network.
If you do not know the exact network name, type netsh wlan show profile first to see a list of all saved networks on your computer. Then use the full command with the correct name.
Finding Your Password on Mac
Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the "Passwords" tab. Search for your network name in the top-right search box.
When you find your network, double-click it to open the details window. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer login password to confirm. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text in that field. You can now copy it or write it down.
What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Password
If your network does not appear in your saved list, your computer may not have connected to it before, or the connection was not saved. In this case, you will need to get the password from your router or your internet provider.
Check your router itself — most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If the password has been changed since setup, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which restores the default password. If you rent your router from your internet provider, contact them for the password instead of resetting it yourself.
Viewing Passwords for Networks You Are Not Currently Connected To
You can view passwords for any network your computer has connected to in the past, even if you are not currently connected to it. On Windows, the Command Prompt method works for any saved network — you do not need to be connected to it. On Mac, Keychain stores all past connections, so you can search for and view any network password the same way.
This is useful if you want to share your WiFi password with a guest or reconnect to a network you have not used in months. The password remains stored on your computer until you manually forget the network.
Protecting Your Stored Passwords
Anyone with access to your computer and administrator rights can view your WiFi password using these methods. If you share your computer with others or use a public machine, be aware that your passwords are not hidden from other admin users. Consider changing your WiFi password if someone with computer access leaves your household or workplace.
If you want to remove a saved password so your computer stops connecting to that network automatically, go to your WiFi settings and select "Forget" next to the network name. This removes it from your saved list permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my router password to find my WiFi password?
No. Your WiFi password and router admin password are different. Your computer stores the WiFi password separately, and you can view it through Settings or Keychain without touching the router. The router password is only needed if you want to change WiFi settings or reset the device.
Can I view my WiFi password if I forgot my computer login password?
No. Both Windows and Mac require administrator access to view saved passwords. If you cannot log into your computer, you cannot retrieve the password this way. You would need to reset your computer password first or get the password from your router instead.
What if the Command Prompt command does not work on Windows?
Make sure you are running Command Prompt as Administrator — right-click and select "Run as administrator." Also check that you typed the network name exactly as it appears in your saved networks list, including capital letters and spaces. If the network still does not show up, it may not be saved on your computer.
Can I view passwords for networks I connected to years ago?
Yes, as long as you never selected "Forget" for that network. Your computer keeps saved passwords indefinitely until you manually remove them. You can view them the same way you would view a recently saved password.