Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password you entered when you first connected to your network. Windows and Mac both store this information in encrypted form, and you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps differ between operating systems, but both take just a few minutes.

You will need administrator access to your computer to view the password. If you do not have that access, you will need to ask whoever set up the computer or contact your network administrator. Administrator access means you have permission to change system settings and install software — most personal computers have only one administrator account, usually the person who bought it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and can display them in plain text if you have administrator rights.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • Both methods require you to be logged in with an account that has administrator permissions.
  • If you cannot remember your computer's password or do not have admin access, you will need to contact whoever manages the computer.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings and go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi. Click on "Manage known networks" and find the network name (SSID) you want the password for. Click on that network, then select "Forget" — do not worry, this does not disconnect you permanently.

Next, go back to the WiFi list and select your network again. Windows will ask you to enter the password. Before you click Next, look for a small eye icon next to the password field. Click it to reveal what you typed, and write down the password. Then click Next to reconnect.

If you want to avoid re-entering the password, there is a second method: open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click the Start menu and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)"). Type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the results. This method does not disconnect you from the network.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Spotlight search (press Command + Space) and type "Keychain Access," then press Enter. In the Keychain Access window, use the search box in the top right to find your network name. Keychain is Mac's built-in password storage system that holds WiFi passwords, website logins, and other saved credentials.

Double-click the network name in the results. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text. You can now copy or write down the password without disconnecting from the network.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the network does not appear in your stored networks, your computer may never have connected to it before, or the connection information may have been deleted. In that case, you will need to reset your router to factory settings and set up a new password, or contact your internet provider for help. Resetting the router erases all custom settings, so only do this if you are prepared to set up the network from scratch.

If you have administrator access but the password field shows only dots or asterisks and will not reveal the actual characters, your computer may be running an older version of Windows or Mac. Check that your operating system is fully updated by going to Settings > Update & Security on Windows or System Preferences > Software Update on Mac, as older versions sometimes do not allow password display.

Protecting your WiFi password once you find it

Once you have the password, do not share it in email, text, or chat. If you need to give someone access to your network, tell them the password in person or over a phone call. If you are concerned that someone has seen your password, you can change it by logging into your router's admin panel — usually by typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into a web browser.

Keep in mind that changing your router password will disconnect all devices currently on the network, and you will need to re-enter the new password on each device. Most routers have a sticker on the back with the default admin username and password, or you can check your router's manual or manufacturer website if you do not know them.

Why your computer stores the password

Your computer saves the WiFi password so you do not have to type it every time you connect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your computer and administrator rights can find out what your password is. This is one reason to use a strong computer login password and keep your computer physically find.

If you share your computer with others, each person can have their own user account, and passwords stored under one account are not visible to other accounts unless they have administrator access. This provides a basic layer of separation, though someone with physical access to the computer and time could still reset the administrator password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I do not have administrator access?

No. Both Windows and Mac require administrator rights to display saved WiFi passwords. If you do not have that access, contact the person who manages the computer or your IT support team.

Will finding my password disconnect me from the network?

On Windows, using the "Forget network" method will disconnect you temporarily, but you will reconnect when you re-enter the password. The Command Prompt method does not disconnect you at all. On Mac, viewing the password in Keychain does not affect your connection.

What if my network name does not show up in my stored networks?

Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If the network is not listed, you have never connected from this computer, and you will need to ask the network owner for the password or reset the router.

Can I change my WiFi password from my computer?

You cannot change it directly from Windows or Mac settings. You will need to log into your router's admin panel through a web browser. This usually means typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into the address bar and entering your router's admin username and password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than sharing it digitally, but keep the written password in a find place where only trusted people can see it. If you live with others or have guests, consider whether you want them to have permanent access to your network.