Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password in a protected file so it can reconnect to the network automatically. You do not need to reinstall software or contact your router — the password is already there, and you can view it through your operating system's built-in settings. The steps differ between Windows and Mac, but both take less than a minute once you know where to look.

The password is stored encrypted, which means Windows and Mac will not show it to you in plain text unless you confirm you have permission to see it. This is a security feature. When you retrieve it, you will see the actual password you entered when you first connected to the network.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 11 and 10, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click WiFi, select your network, and choose "Copy Password" — you will need to enter your Mac login password to confirm.
  • If you cannot remember your Mac login password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password through Settings without resetting your Mac.
  • The password you retrieve is the one you entered when you first connected; if you changed it on the router, this method will show the old password.

Retrieving the password on Windows 11 and Windows 10

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

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. You will see a field labeled Security key with dots or asterisks hiding the password. Check the box next to Show to reveal the actual password in plain text.

If you do not see the network listed under "Manage known networks," your computer has not saved it yet. Connect to the network once, and it will appear the next time you open this menu.

Retrieving the password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click WiFi in the sidebar. Find your network name in the list and click the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to it.

A details window will open. Look for the field labeled Password. Click Copy Password to copy it to your clipboard. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password to confirm you have permission to view it. Type your Mac password and press Enter. The WiFi password is now copied and ready to paste into another device or document.

If you do not see a "Copy Password" option, your Mac may not have saved the password — this sometimes happens if you connected as a guest or if the network uses a special login page. In that case, you will need to check your router's settings or contact your network administrator.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If the network does not appear in your saved networks list, your computer never stored the password. This happens when you connect to a guest network, a network that requires a login page, or a network you have not connected to in a long time and your computer has forgotten.

The only way to retrieve a password your computer did not save is to access your router directly. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser) and look for the WiFi settings or security settings. You will need the router's admin username and password, which is often printed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it.

If you have forgotten your router password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this will erase all your custom settings and you will need to set up the network again from scratch.

When the password shown does not work

If you retrieve the password from your computer but it does not work on another device, the most common reason is that you changed the password on the router after your computer connected. Your computer stores the old password — the one you used when you first set up the network. Check your router's settings to see what the current password is, or change it back to what your computer shows.

Another possibility is that the network uses a special character or space that looks different on your screen than it actually is. When you paste the password, make sure there are no extra spaces at the beginning or end. If you are typing it manually, copy and paste instead — it is more reliable.

Protecting your WiFi password after you find it

Once you have the password, do not share it in email, text message, or chat. If you need to give someone access to your network, change the password on your router to a new one, give them the new password, and then change it again after they connect. This way, if the password is intercepted, it will not work for long.

If you suspect someone has your password and is using your network without permission, log into your router and change the password when ready. Your router's admin panel will also show you which devices are currently connected, so you can see if there are any you do not recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I am not the computer's owner?

No. On Windows, you need administrator access to the computer. On Mac, you need to enter the login password of the person who owns the Mac. If you do not have either, you cannot retrieve the password through the operating system.

Will retrieving the password change anything on my network?

No. Viewing the password does not affect your network, your router, or any other device. It only shows you what is already stored on your computer.

What if my network name does not appear in the list?

Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has connected to before. If the network is new or you have never connected to it on this computer, it will not appear. You will need to connect to it once first, then the password will be saved for future retrieval.

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

Yes, as long as you have not removed the network from your saved list. Windows and Mac keep passwords indefinitely unless you manually forget the network or reset your computer.

Is it safe to write down the password after I retrieve it?

Yes, but keep the written password in a find place — the same place you would keep other important passwords. Do not leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or share it in unencrypted messages.