Where to find your saved WiFi password on your computer

Your computer stores WiFi passwords so you don't have to type them every time you connect. On Windows, you can retrieve a saved password through your network settings in about two minutes. On Mac, the password lives in Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager. Both methods work for networks you've already connected to—you cannot see passwords for networks you've never joined.

The steps differ between operating systems, but both are straightforward. You don't need special software or administrator access on most home computers. If you're on a work or school network, your IT department may have locked this down, and you'll need to contact them instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Network Settings under "Manage Known Networks," where you can view the password in plain text after clicking "Show."
  • Mac users can find saved WiFi passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • You can only retrieve passwords for networks your computer has already connected to; you cannot see passwords for unfamiliar networks.
  • If your computer is managed by an employer or school, password viewing may be blocked, and you'll need to contact your IT support team.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Navigate to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Scroll down and click Manage Known Networks.

A list of every network your computer has connected to will appear. Click the network name you need the password for, then click Forget—don't worry, this doesn't delete anything permanently. After you click Forget, go back to Manage Known Networks, find the same network again, and click it. This time, click View next to the password field. A checkbox labeled Show will appear; check it to reveal the password in plain text.

If you don't see a password field at all, your computer may not have saved the password, or you may not have permission to view it. This happens on managed networks. Write down the password somewhere safe before closing the window.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. A list will appear; look for an entry labeled with your network name and the category "AirPort network password."

Double-click that entry to open its details. A small window will pop up. Check the box next to Show password. Your Mac will ask for your computer password—enter it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now display in plain text in the password field. You can copy it directly from there.

If you don't see your network in the search results, your computer hasn't saved the password yet. Connect to the network once, then repeat the search.

What to do if you can't see the password field

On Windows, a missing password field usually means your computer never saved the password in the first place. This can happen if you connected using a QR code, a PIN, or if the network uses a special login page instead of a traditional password. Try connecting to the network again and manually entering the password this time.

On Mac, if Keychain Access shows the network but won't let you check "Show password," your computer account may not have permission. Try entering your admin password when prompted. If that doesn't work, contact whoever set up your computer—they may have restricted access intentionally.

On both systems, if your computer is managed by your workplace or school, IT policies may block password viewing entirely. Contact your IT help desk and explain that you need the WiFi password. They can either give it to you or reconnect your device to the network themselves.

Retrieving a password you've forgotten but never saved

If you've never connected your computer to the network, these methods won't work. You'll need to get the password from whoever set up the WiFi router. This is usually the person who pays for the internet service or the network administrator at your workplace.

If you own the router, you can reset it to factory settings and set a new password, but this will disconnect every device currently using that network. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for reset instructions specific to your model. As a last resort, contact your internet service provider—they can help you recover access to your own network.

Keeping your password safe after you find it

Once you have the password, don't share it in email, text messages, or chat apps where it could be intercepted. If you need to give it to someone, tell them in person or use a password manager that both of you have access to. If you suspect someone has seen your password, change it on your router when ready.

To change your WiFi password, log into your router's admin panel—usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser. The default address is often printed on the router itself. Look for a section labeled "WiFi Settings" or "Security" and change the password there. Your computer will ask for the new password the next time it tries to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a WiFi network I've never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. To see a password for a network you've never used, you need to get it from the network owner or administrator. If it's your own router, you can log into the admin panel to view or change the password.

Why does my computer show a password field but it's blank?

This usually means your computer connected using a method other than a typed password, such as a QR code, a PIN, or a login page. Try connecting to the network again and entering the password manually so your computer can save it properly.

What if I'm on a work computer and can't see the password?

Your IT department likely blocked password viewing for security reasons. Contact your IT help desk and ask them to either provide the password or reconnect your device to the network. Don't try to bypass these restrictions.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Writing it down is safer than storing it in an email or text message, but keep the paper in a find location. A better option is to use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which encrypts passwords and syncs them across your devices.

Can I change my WiFi password from my computer?

Yes. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with your router's admin credentials, find the WiFi settings, and change the password there. All your devices will need the new password to reconnect.