Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the password for every WiFi network you have ever connected to. Windows stores these in a system file called the Wireless Profile, and macOS stores them in the Keychain. Both systems encrypt this information, but you can view it without special tools — you just need to know where to look and have administrator access to your computer.

The password is saved automatically the moment you first connect to a network. This is why you do not have to type it in again when you reconnect — your computer remembers it. But if you need to give that password to someone else, or you have forgotten it and need to reconnect on another device, you can retrieve it from your computer in a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can view saved WiFi passwords through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, or by running a command in Command Prompt if that route does not work.
  • Mac users can find WiFi passwords in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • You must have administrator access to your computer to view any saved password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you may need to reset the router itself, which erases all custom settings.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows

The easiest route on Windows 10 or 11 is through Settings. Click the Start button, then go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Click the one you want, then click "Manage." Scroll down to the "Password" section and click "Show" — your password will appear in plain text.

If that section does not show a password field, or if you are on an older version of Windows, use Command Prompt instead. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)," and type this exact command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear — but replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the results.

If you do not know your network name, type netsh wlan show profile first to see a list of all networks your computer remembers. Then run the longer command with the correct name.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

On macOS, open Keychain Access. You can find it by clicking the Spotlight icon (magnifying glass in the top right), typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. Once it opens, use the search box in the top right to type your network name.

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up. At the bottom, check the box next to "Show password." Your Mac will ask you to confirm your user password — type it in. Your WiFi password will then appear in the password field.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If you have never connected to this network from your computer, the password will not be stored anywhere. In that case, you will need to get the password from whoever set up the network, or from the router itself.

To find the password on the router, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Most home routers have a sticker with the network name and a default password printed on it. If the password has been changed since the router was set up, you will need to log into the router's admin panel. Open a web browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in with the username and password on that same sticker. Once inside, look for a section called "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless" — the password will be listed there.

If you have forgotten the router's admin password and cannot find it anywhere, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all custom settings, including the WiFi password, and returns it to the default password on the sticker. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds. After the router restarts, you can log in with the default credentials and set a new password.

Why your computer needs administrator access

Windows and macOS require administrator permission to show you saved passwords because these passwords are sensitive information. If anyone with access to your computer could view them without permission, someone could steal your WiFi password and connect to your network without your knowledge. By requiring your admin password or user confirmation, the system makes sure that only you — or someone who knows your computer's password — can see what is stored.

If you do not have administrator access on your computer, you will not be able to view saved passwords. You would need to ask whoever set up your user account to show you the password, or to give you administrator rights.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have your password, be careful who you share it with. Anyone connected to your network can see the traffic passing through it, and they can use your internet connection for anything — including things that might get your account flagged by your internet provider.

If you think someone has your password who should not, change it through your router's admin panel. Go back to that 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 address, log in, find the WiFi Settings section, and change the password to something new. Your computer will ask you to confirm the new password the next time you connect — just type it in and you are done. Everyone else will be disconnected and will need the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot my computer's admin password?

No. You need administrator access to view saved passwords. If you have forgotten your computer's password, you will need to reset it through your computer's account recovery options, or contact whoever manages your computer.

Will viewing my saved password change it or cause any problems?

No. straightforward looking at a saved password does nothing to the network or the password itself. You are only reading information that is already stored on your computer.

What if the password field is blank or says "not available"?

This usually means your computer connected to the network using a different method, such as a PIN or a certificate, rather than a password. Some enterprise or business networks work this way. Contact your network administrator for the password, or ask them how to reconnect.

Can I view passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?

Yes. Your computer stores passwords for every network it has ever connected to, whether or not you are connected right now. You can view any of them using the steps above.