How to retrieve a saved WiFi password from your computer
Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have connected to, even if you cannot see it typed out on the screen. You can pull that password back out using built-in settings on Windows or Mac — no special software needed. The steps differ between the two systems, but both take less than a minute once you know where to look.
This is useful when you need to give the password to a guest, reconnect a device that forgot it, or straightforward remember what you chose months ago. The password sits in your network settings, protected by your computer's login, so only someone with access to your machine can see it.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after selecting the network.
- Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in app that holds all stored network credentials.
- You must be logged into your computer with an account that has administrator rights to view these passwords.
- If you cannot remember your computer's login password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password through these methods.
Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the app that appears. Once Settings opens, click Network & Internet on the left side, then select WiFi.
Scroll down and click Manage known networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the one you need and click it, then select Forget — do not worry, this only removes it from the list temporarily. Click the same network name again from the list, then click Properties. Near the bottom, you will see a field labeled Security type and below it Security key. Click the eye icon next to the security key field to reveal the password in plain text.
If you do not want to forget the network, there is a second route: open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click the Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)"), then type netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear, replacing "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the output.
Finding your WiFi password on Mac
Open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the Passwords tab (click it if you see other tabs at the top).
In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device list. When the network name appears in the results, double-click it. A new window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password near the bottom — your Mac will ask you to confirm your login password. Type it in, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text in that field.
What to do if the password does not appear
If you follow these steps and see no password field, the network may have been set up without a password, or your computer may not have saved it. Try connecting to the network again from scratch — your computer will prompt you to enter the password, and it will save it for next time.
If you are on a work or school network, the password may be hidden by administrator settings. Contact your IT department or network administrator — they can reset the password or provide it to you directly.
Protecting your WiFi password once you have it
Once you have the password, treat it like any other sensitive credential. Do not share it in email, text, or chat unless you trust the person completely. If you give it to a guest, consider changing it afterward if the guest no longer needs access.
If you suspect someone has used your network without permission, change the password through your router's admin panel (usually accessible by typing your router's IP address into a browser — check the router's label for the address). This will disconnect all devices except the one you are using, and you can then reconnect only the devices you recognize.
Why your computer stores these passwords
Windows and Mac save WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them in every time you reconnect to a network. This is convenient for home and office networks you use regularly, but it also means anyone with access to your computer can find those passwords. This is why keeping your computer login find matters — it is the first line of defense for all the credentials stored inside.
If you share your computer with others and want to prevent them from seeing saved passwords, create separate user accounts on your machine. Each account has its own set of stored credentials, and you can restrict access to your account with a strong password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the password for a network I am not currently connected to?
Yes. Both Windows and Mac store passwords for networks you have connected to in the past, even if you are not near that network right now. You can retrieve any of them using the steps above — just search for the network name in the list.
What if I forgot my computer login password?
You cannot retrieve the WiFi password without logging into your computer first. If you have forgotten your login password, you will need to reset it through your computer's recovery options, or contact the person who set up your machine.
Does viewing the password change or reset it?
No. Looking at the password in your computer's settings does not change it on the router or affect any devices currently connected to the network. The password remains the same until you manually change it through your router's settings.
Can I retrieve a password from someone else's computer?
Only if you have their login credentials and administrator access to their machine. Without those, the passwords are encrypted and not accessible. This is a security feature — it prevents unauthorized access to network credentials.
What if the network name does not match what I see on my device list?
Network names (SSIDs) are case-sensitive in Keychain on Mac. Type it exactly as it appears, including capital letters and spaces. On Windows, use the exact name from your network list. If you are still not finding it, the network may have been renamed since you last connected.