Where your computer keeps your WiFi password

Your computer stores the WiFi password the moment you connect to a network for the first time. Windows and Mac both save this information in encrypted form so you don't have to type it in every time. The password is there — you just need to know where to look and how to retrieve it. The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and the process takes about two minutes either way.

You'll need administrator access to your computer to view a saved password. If you're on a work or school computer, the network administrator may have locked this down, and you won't be able to see it. On your own machine, you should have no trouble.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, and you can view them by right-clicking the network name and selecting "Manage known networks".
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, which you open from Applications > Utilities, then search for your network name and click "Show password".
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view any saved password.
  • If you can't find the network listed, your computer may not have saved the password, or you may be looking under a different network name than the one you're connected to.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click "Network & Internet" on the left side. You'll see a list of options — click "WiFi" to expand it.

Under WiFi, you'll see a section called "Manage known networks." Click that. You'll now see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Find the network name (called the SSID) that you're looking for and click on it. A new window will open showing network details. Click "Manage" at the bottom of that window.

A security window will appear asking for permission. Click "Show" next to "Network security key." Your password will appear in plain text. If you see "Show" is grayed out, your computer doesn't have administrator rights to display it — you'll need to log in as an administrator or contact whoever manages the computer.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Finder and navigate to Applications. Inside Applications, open the Utilities folder. Look for an app called "Keychain Access" and double-click it to open it. This is where Mac stores all your saved passwords, including WiFi.

In the top-right corner of Keychain Access, you'll see a search box. Type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID) into that search box. The network should appear in the list below. Double-click on it to open its details. A small window will pop up showing information about that network. At the bottom of that window, check the box next to "Show password." Mac will ask you to confirm your computer password — type it in and click "Allow." Your WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

What to do if you can't find the network listed

If you search for your network name and nothing appears, your computer didn't save the password when you connected. This sometimes happens if the connection was interrupted or if you chose not to save it. The easiest fix is to forget the network and reconnect, which forces your computer to ask for the password again and save it fresh.

On Windows, go back to "Manage known networks" and look for the network name. Click it and select "Forget." On Mac, in Keychain Access, right-click the network name and select "Delete." Then reconnect to the network normally — your computer will prompt you for the password and save it this time. Once it's saved, you can retrieve it using the steps above.

Another reason you might not see the network is if it's listed under a different name than you expect. Some routers broadcast multiple network names (one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz, for example). If you're not sure which one you connected to, check your router's label or your internet bill — it usually lists the network name there.

Why your computer stores passwords this way

Your computer encrypts and stores WiFi passwords so that you can reconnect automatically without typing the password every single time. This is convenient, but it also means the password is sitting on your hard drive. That's why only an administrator can view it — it's a security measure to prevent someone else from sitting down at your computer and stealing your WiFi password.

If you're concerned about security, you can change your WiFi password through your router's settings. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser), find the WiFi settings, and create a new password. Once you do, your old saved password won't work anymore, and your computer will ask you to enter the new one the next time you connect.

Retrieving a password from a computer that's not yours

If you're trying to find a password on someone else's computer, you'll run into a wall — you need administrator access, and most people don't hand that over. If you're a parent trying to monitor your child's internet use, or an IT person managing a work computer, you have legitimate reasons to know the password. Ask the computer's owner for it directly, or ask them to retrieve it using these steps and tell you what it is.

If you're locked out of your own computer and can't remember the administrator password, that's a different problem. You'll need to reset your computer password through your Microsoft account (on Windows) or your Apple ID (on Mac) before you can access administrator settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I'm not the administrator?

No. Windows and Mac both require administrator access to display a saved WiFi password. If you don't have administrator rights, you'll need to ask whoever does to retrieve it for you, or you can contact your network administrator if this is a work or school computer.

What if I forgot my computer password too?

You'll need to reset your computer password first through your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac) before you can access settings. Once you're back in, you can follow the steps above to find your WiFi password. This process varies by Windows or Mac version, so check the official support page for your operating system.

Does finding my saved password change it?

No. Viewing a saved password on your computer doesn't change anything. The password on your router stays the same, and your computer's copy of it stays the same. You're just looking at what's already there.

Why does my network name look different than what I expected?

Your router may broadcast multiple network names — often a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band, sometimes with different names. You may have connected to one without realizing there was another. Check your router's sticker or your internet provider's paperwork to see all the network names it broadcasts.

Can I retrieve a password from a computer I sold or gave away?

No, and you shouldn't try. Once you no longer have access to that computer, you can't retrieve passwords from it. If you need the WiFi password, contact whoever owns the computer now, or change your router password so the old saved password stops working.