Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the password for every network you have ever connected to, stored in an encrypted file on your hard drive. Windows and Mac both save this information automatically so you do not have to re-enter the password each time you reconnect. You can retrieve that saved password through your operating system's network settings — it takes about two minutes and requires no special tools.

The password is encrypted while stored, which means your computer does not show it in plain text unless you specifically ask to see it. This is a security feature. When you retrieve it, you will see the actual password characters, so only do this on a device you trust and when you are alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, where you can select a network and click "Manage" to reveal the password.
  • Mac users can open Keychain Access (in Applications > Utilities), search for the network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password to reveal it.
  • You must be logged into your computer as an administrator to view saved passwords on either system.
  • If you cannot find a network in your saved list, your computer has never connected to it before, and you will need to ask the network owner or router administrator for the password.

Retrieving your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app that appears. Navigate to Network & Internet, then select WiFi from the left sidebar. Scroll down and click Manage Known Networks.

You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the network name (called the SSID) you need the password for and click it. A window will open showing network details. Click the Manage button. At the bottom of the next screen, check the box next to Show under the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your computer login password — type it and press Enter. The WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If the network you are looking for does not appear in the list, your computer has never connected to it. You cannot retrieve a password for a network you have never joined.

Retrieving your WiFi password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities. Double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID).

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password near the bottom. Your Mac will prompt you to enter your login password — type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will appear in the password field.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it before. You will need to contact the network owner or router administrator.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the network does not appear in your saved networks list, your computer has no record of it. This happens when you have never connected to that network before. In this case, you will need to ask the person who set up the router or network for the password.

If you are trying to recover the password for your own home network and cannot find it, you can reset your router to factory settings and set up a new password. This will disconnect all devices currently using that network, so do this only as a last resort. Consult your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for reset instructions specific to your model.

Why your computer might not show the password

If you see the network in your saved list but the password field remains blank or shows only dots, your computer may not have permission to display it. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator on your device. Standard user accounts cannot view saved passwords.

On Windows, if the Manage button is grayed out, you do not have administrator rights. Ask the person who set up your computer to log in and retrieve the password for you. On Mac, if Keychain Access asks for your password and you enter it but nothing happens, try restarting your computer and trying again.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have the password, do not share it in email, text, or chat unless absolutely necessary. If you must give it to someone, use a method that does not create a permanent record — a phone call or in-person conversation is safer than writing it down digitally.

If you suspect someone has your password and should not have it, change the password through your router's admin panel. Log into your router (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser, or through the router manufacturer's app) and look for WiFi settings or Security settings. Change the password there, and all your devices will need the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am not currently connected to?

Yes. As long as your computer has connected to that network before, it will be in your saved networks list, and you can view the password even if you are not currently connected to it. The password is stored on your device, not retrieved from the network itself.

What if I forgot my computer login password and cannot unlock the settings?

You cannot view saved WiFi passwords without logging into your computer as an administrator. If you have forgotten your login password, you will need to reset it through your computer's login screen or contact the person who manages your device.

Does viewing my saved password change it or affect my network?

No. Viewing a saved password only reads the information stored on your computer. It does not change the password, notify the router, or affect any devices connected to the network.

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

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has actually connected to. If a network does not appear in your saved list, you have never joined it, and you will need to ask the network owner for the password.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Writing it down on paper is safer than storing it in a digital file or email, since paper cannot be hacked remotely. Keep the written password in a find location, like a locked drawer, and do not leave it where guests or visitors can see it.