Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer remembers every WiFi network you have ever connected to, including the password. Windows and Mac both store this information in encrypted form — you cannot read it by opening a folder, but you can view it through the network settings. The password is there whether you typed it yourself or someone else did when they set up the connection.

The location and method differ between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward once you know where to look. You do not need special software or administrator knowledge, though on Windows you will need to be logged in as an administrator to see passwords for networks other people on your computer have connected to.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password under Network Security.
  • On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), go to WiFi, click Details, then Security, and the password appears in the Show Password field after you authenticate.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator on Windows to view passwords for networks you did not personally connect to.
  • If you have forgotten the password and cannot retrieve it this way, you will need to reset your router to factory settings, which erases all saved passwords and settings.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network & Internet on the left side of the window.

Select WiFi from the menu on the left. You will see a list of networks your computer has connected to. Find the network you need the password for and click Manage Known Networks. Click on the network name, then click Properties. Under the Network Security section, you will see a field labeled Security Key — this is your WiFi password. It will appear as dots or asterisks until you click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters.

If you do not see an eye icon, your account may not have administrator rights. Ask whoever set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you.

Finding the password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (on newer Macs) or System Preferences (on older versions). Look for WiFi in the sidebar and click it.

Click the Details button next to the network name you are connected to. A new window opens. Click the Security tab at the top. You will see a field labeled Password with dots or asterisks. Check the box next to Show Password. Your Mac will ask you to authenticate — enter your Mac login password and click OK. The WiFi password now appears in plain text.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the network does not appear in your saved networks list, your computer has never connected to it before. In that case, you will need to get the password from whoever set up the router or from the router itself.

If you set up the router yourself but cannot retrieve the password through your computer, you can check the router's web interface. Open a browser, type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and log in with the router's admin credentials (usually printed on a sticker on the back of the router). Look for a WiFi or Wireless settings page — the password is listed there.

If you have forgotten the router's admin password as well, the only way forward is to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all saved passwords and settings. Press and hold the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. The router will restart and return to its default configuration. You will then need to set up the WiFi network again from scratch.

Retrieving a password you set up but cannot remember

If you created the WiFi network yourself but have genuinely forgotten the password, your computer's stored copy is your fastest route. Use the Windows or Mac steps above to view it. Write it down somewhere safe so you do not lose it again.

If your computer is no longer connected to that network and you cannot see it in the saved networks list, check whether another device in your home is still connected. A phone, tablet, or another computer may have the password stored. If you can access that device, you can retrieve the password the same way — through its network settings.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have the password, do not share it over email, text, or messaging apps. If you need to give it to someone, tell them in person or over a phone call. If you share your WiFi with guests regularly, consider creating a separate guest network with its own password — most routers have this feature built in. That way, guests can connect without learning your main network password.

Change your WiFi password every few months, especially if many people have had access to it. The same Windows and Mac steps let you change the password through the router's web interface instead of just viewing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see passwords for networks I have never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has actually connected to. If you need the password for a network you have never used, you will need to ask the network owner or check the router itself.

What if the password field is blank or empty?

Some older routers or open networks do not use a password. If the field is truly empty, the network has no password set. You can connect to it without entering anything.

Will viewing the password on my computer change it?

No. Viewing the password through your computer's settings only displays it — it does not alter the password itself. The password remains the same on your router and for all other devices.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password if I forgot my Windows or Mac login password?

No. You must be able to log into your computer first. If you have forgotten your login password, you will need to reset it through your computer's recovery options before you can access the WiFi password.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers use a recessed reset button that requires a paperclip or pin to press. Look for a small hole on the back or bottom of the router. If there is no reset option at all, contact your internet provider — they may be able to reset it remotely or send you a replacement.