Where your computer stores the WiFi password you've already connected to

Your computer remembers every WiFi network you've connected to, including the password. You don't need the router or the person who set it up — Windows and Mac both let you view the saved password directly from your device. The steps differ between operating systems, but both take less than a minute.

The password is stored in an encrypted file on your hard drive. When you connect to a network, your computer saves the credentials so you don't have to type them again. That same storage is where you retrieve the password if you need to give it to someone else or connect a new device.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click Details next to your network name, then click the lock icon and enter your Mac password to reveal the WiFi password.
  • You must be logged into your computer with administrator rights to view saved passwords on either system.
  • If you've forgotten which network you're connected to, both Windows and Mac show your current connection in the network menu at the top of the screen.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "Network & Internet" on the left side. Select "WiFi" from the menu, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks."

Find the network name (SSID) you want the password for and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click "Security" to expand that section. The password appears next to "Security key" — it will be hidden by default, but you can click the eye icon to show it in plain text.

If you don't see the eye icon, your account may not have administrator rights on that computer. Ask whoever set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you.

Finding the password on Mac

Click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Find the network you're connected to (it will have a checkmark next to it) and click "Details" or the information icon next to the network name.

A window opens showing network information. Look for a field labeled "Password" or "Security" — the password will be hidden. Click the lock icon at the bottom of the window. Your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password. Type it and click "Unlock."

The WiFi password now appears in plain text. You can copy it by clicking and dragging to select it, then pressing Command+C.

What to do if you can't see the password

On Windows, if the "Security key" field is blank or missing, the network may be set to open (no password). Check with whoever manages the network to confirm. If you see the field but no eye icon appears when you click it, you don't have administrator rights on that computer.

On Mac, if the password field is empty, the network has no password set. If the lock icon doesn't unlock after you enter your Mac password, you may not have permission to view saved passwords. This happens on shared computers where your account has limited access.

Retrieving a password from a network you're no longer connected to

Both Windows and Mac store passwords for networks you've connected to in the past, even if you're not currently on that network. The steps are the same — you're just selecting a different network name from the list instead of your current connection.

On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks and look for the network in the full list. On Mac, click the WiFi icon and look for "Other Networks" or scroll through the list to find a network you've used before, then click Details.

Using Command Prompt or Terminal for a faster route

On Windows, you can retrieve the password using Command Prompt without opening Settings. Right-click the Start menu and select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)." Type this command and press Enter: netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear — replace "NetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network.

The password appears next to "Key Content" in the results. This method works the same way as the Settings route but is faster if you know the exact network name.

On Mac, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities) and type: security find-generic-password -ga "NetworkName" | grep password: — again, replace "NetworkName" with your actual network name. Your Mac will ask for your login password. Type it and the WiFi password displays in the Terminal window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes. Both Windows and Mac store passwords for every network you've ever connected to. The steps are identical — you're just selecting a different network name from the saved list instead of your current connection.

What if the password field shows nothing or is blank?

The network has no password set. It's an open network that anyone can join without entering credentials. Confirm this with whoever manages the WiFi router.

Do I need to be connected to the WiFi to view its password?

No. Your computer stores the password even after you disconnect. You can view it anytime from the network settings, whether you're currently on that network or not.

Can I view passwords on a shared computer where I don't have admin rights?

No. You need administrator access to view saved passwords on Windows. On Mac, you need permission to unlock the keychain. Ask the computer's owner or administrator to retrieve the password for you.