Retrieve Your WiFi Password From Your Computer's Network Settings

Your computer stores the WiFi password you entered when you first connected to your network. You can pull that password back out without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The steps differ between Windows and Mac, but both let you view the password in plain text once you confirm you're the account owner.

This is useful when you need to give the password to a guest, connect a new device, or straightforward remember what you set it to. You do not need special software or technical knowledge—just access to your computer's network settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find the password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select your network and choose "Manage."
  • Mac users can open Keychain Access, search for their network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter their computer password when prompted.
  • Both methods require you to be logged into your computer as an administrator.
  • The password displayed is the one your computer saved—if you changed the router password after connecting, the saved version will be outdated.
  • If you cannot remember your computer password, you will need to reset it through your operating system's account recovery process.

Finding Your WiFi Password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click WiFi, then scroll down and select Manage Known Networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the one you need and click it.

Click the Manage button. A new window opens showing network details. Scroll down to the Security type section and look for a checkbox labeled Show next to the password field. Click that checkbox. Windows will ask you to enter your computer's login password to confirm you own the device. Type it in and click OK. The WiFi password now appears in plain text.

If you do not see a Manage button, your network may have been forgotten or removed from the saved list. In that case, you will need to reconnect to the network first—your computer will prompt you for the password during that connection.

Finding Your WiFi Password on Mac

Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Space, type Keychain Access, and press Enter. This opens the password vault where your Mac stores network credentials. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID).

When your network appears in the list, double-click it. A window pops up showing network details. Near the bottom, you will see a checkbox labeled Show password. Click it. Your Mac will ask for your computer password to confirm you are authorized. Enter it and click Allow. The WiFi password now displays in the password field.

If your network does not appear in Keychain Access, it means your Mac has not saved the password—usually because you have never connected to it before or the connection was removed. You will need to connect to the network first and enter the password manually.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Network in the List

If your network does not show up in either Windows or Mac settings, the most common reason is that your computer has forgotten the connection. This can happen if you removed the network manually, if your computer has not connected in a long time, or if the network was deleted from the saved list.

To reconnect and re-save the password, go to your WiFi networks list (on Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Show Available Networks; on Mac: click the WiFi icon in the menu bar) and select your network. When prompted, enter the password. Once connected, the password is saved and you can retrieve it using the steps above.

If you have never connected to the network before, you will need the password from whoever set up the router. Check the router itself—most have a sticker on the bottom or back with the default network name and password printed on it.

When the Saved Password Does Not Match Your Current One

Your computer stores the password you entered the last time you connected. If you have changed your WiFi password since then, the saved version will be outdated and will not work on other devices.

To update it, forget the network (on Windows: right-click the network in Manage Known Networks and select Forget; on Mac: in System Preferences > Network > WiFi, click Advanced, select the network, and click the minus button). Then reconnect using your new password. Your computer will now save the new one.

Troubleshooting: You Cannot Access Your Computer's Admin Password

Both Windows and Mac require your computer's login password to show the WiFi password. If you do not remember it, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password through these methods.

On Windows, you can reset your password through your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com if you set up a recovery email or phone number. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password, or use Recovery Mode if you set up a recovery key. Both processes take time and may require proof of identity.

If you need the WiFi password urgently and cannot access your computer account, your fastest option is to reset your router to factory settings and set up a new network name and password. Check your router's manual for the reset button location and procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the computer owner?

No. Both Windows and Mac require the computer's admin password before displaying the WiFi password. If you do not have that password, you cannot view it. The computer owner or administrator must retrieve it for you.

Will retrieving my password change it or affect my network?

No. Viewing the password through these methods only reads what is already saved—it does not change anything on your router or network. Your WiFi will continue working normally.

What if my network name has special characters or spaces?

Type it exactly as it appears in your network list. On Mac's Keychain search, spaces and special characters are included in the search, so match the name precisely. On Windows, the network list shows the exact name you need to click.

Can I retrieve a password for a network I connected to years ago?

Only if your computer still has it saved. If you have not connected in a very long time, your computer may have removed it automatically. Check the Manage Known Networks list (Windows) or Keychain (Mac) to see if it is still there.

Is it safe to write down or share my WiFi password once I see it?

Yes, once you have the password, you can write it down or share it with people you trust. The password itself is not sensitive—what matters is controlling who has access to your network. Change your password if someone you do not trust has it.