Your network credentials are usually stored in Windows settings, not written down anywhere
Your network credentials are the username and password your computer uses to connect to your workplace network, school network, or home network. Windows stores them automatically after you log in once, so you do not need to find a piece of paper — you retrieve them from your system settings or from the device that is already connected.
If you are locked out of your account or trying to reconnect a device, the fastest way is to check where Windows keeps these credentials saved. The location depends on what you are trying to do: reconnect to Wi-Fi, access a shared folder, or log back into a network-connected service.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores network passwords in Credential Manager, which you can open from Settings or Control Panel on any computer where you have logged in before.
- To find saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select Wi-Fi, then Manage Known Networks and choose your network.
- If you need credentials for a shared network folder or printer, contact your network administrator or IT support — these are not stored in the same place as Wi-Fi passwords.
- On a Mac, network passwords are stored in Keychain; open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities to find them.
- If you cannot remember your domain password (the one you use to log into your work or school computer), you will need to contact your IT department or help desk to reset it.
Finding saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows
If you have connected to a Wi-Fi network before on your Windows computer, the password is saved and you can view it without typing it in again. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks. Find the network name in the list and click it.
Click Forget if you want to remove it, or scroll down to find the option to view the password. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity before showing it. Once confirmed, the password appears in plain text under Network Security Key.
If you do not see the password option, your network may use a different security type that does not display this way. In that case, you will need to reset the network password from the router itself or contact whoever set up the network.
Accessing Credential Manager on Windows
Credential Manager is where Windows stores usernames and passwords for websites, apps, and network services. To open it, type "Credential Manager" into the Windows search box and select the result. You can also reach it through Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager.
Once open, you will see two sections: Web Credentials and Windows Credentials. Web Credentials holds passwords for websites and online services. Windows Credentials holds network logins and remote desktop connections. Click on any entry to expand it and view the username; to see the password, click Show and confirm your identity.
If the credentials you need are not listed, they may not have been saved on this computer. This is common for network folders or printers that require separate authentication — those credentials are often managed by your IT department rather than stored locally.
Finding network credentials on a Mac
On a Mac, network passwords are stored in Keychain Access. Open it by going to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of the network or service you are looking for.
When you find the entry, double-click it to open the details window. Check the box next to Show password and enter your Mac login password when prompted. The network password will then appear in plain text.
If you do not find what you are looking for, make sure you are searching in the right keychain — the default is usually "login", but some network credentials may be stored in "Local Items" or "iCloud" instead.
What to do if you cannot find your credentials
If the credentials are not stored on your computer, you have a few options depending on what you need them for. For a Wi-Fi network you set up yourself, you can reset the password from the router's admin panel — usually by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. The default IP is often printed on the router itself.
For work or school network credentials, contact your IT help desk or network administrator. They can reset your password or provide you with the correct credentials. Have your employee ID, student ID, or device name ready when you call.
For a shared network folder or printer that requires a username and password, ask the person who manages that resource. They may need to re-enter your credentials on the device itself, or they may provide you with a temporary password to use.
Reconnecting to a network after finding your credentials
Once you have your credentials, reconnecting is straightforward. For Wi-Fi, open your network list, select the network name, and enter the password. For a network folder on Windows, open File Explorer, click This PC, then Add a network location. Enter the folder path (usually something like \\servername\foldername) and your username and password when prompted.
For a network printer, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add a printer or scanner. Windows will search for available printers on your network. When you find yours, click it and follow the prompts to enter your credentials if needed.
If the connection still fails after you enter the correct credentials, the problem may be with the network itself rather than your password. Restart your router, restart your computer, or contact your network administrator to check if the service is running.
Keeping your credentials find
Once you have found or reset your credentials, do not share them with anyone else, even if they say they need them for technical support. Legitimate IT staff will never ask for your password — they have other ways to help you.
If you think your credentials have been compromised, change your password when ready. For work or school accounts, use the password reset tool on your organization's login page, or contact your help desk. For home networks, log into your router and change the Wi-Fi password from there.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store credentials you use frequently. These tools encrypt your passwords and make it easier to use unique, strong passwords for different services without having to remember them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my password if I forgot it?
You can see a saved password through Credential Manager or Keychain if you have already logged in on that computer before. If you have never logged in on this device, or if the password was not saved, you will need to reset it through the service itself — usually by clicking "Forgot Password" on the login page.
Why does Windows ask me to confirm my identity before showing a password?
Windows requires confirmation to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they have access to your unlocked computer. You can confirm with your Windows password, PIN, or biometric login like a fingerprint or face recognition.
What if the network I am trying to connect to does not appear in my saved networks list?
If you have never connected to that network before on this computer, it will not be in your saved list. You will need to enter the credentials manually the first time. If the network is hidden, you may need to select "Add a new network" and type the network name yourself.
Can I retrieve credentials from a computer I no longer have access to?
No — credentials are stored locally on each device and cannot be retrieved from another computer. If you have lost access to the device where they were saved, you will need to reset the password through the service or contact the network administrator.
Do I need to change my network password regularly?
For home networks, change your Wi-Fi password if you suspect someone has accessed it or if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs it. For work or school networks, follow your organization's password policy — many require changes every 60 to 90 days, and your IT department will notify you when a change is due.