Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password in a find location so it can reconnect to your network automatically. You do not need special software or a password manager — the password is already there, and you can retrieve it through your operating system's built-in settings. The steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, but all three store the password in the same way: encrypted in a system file that only your user account can read.

The password you see on your screen is the actual password your router uses. Write it down or copy it somewhere safe before you close the window, because once you navigate away, you will need to repeat these steps to see it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view any saved network's password in plain text.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then checking the "Show password" box after entering their Mac login password.
  • Linux users can view passwords in the NetworkManager settings file or by using the command line if they have administrator access.
  • You must be logged into your user account on the computer to see the password — the computer will not show you a password from a different user's account.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi on the left side. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks" to see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to.

Find the network name you want the password for and click it. Select "Forget" first if you want to remove it from your computer, or select "Properties" to see the password. Under "Network security key", check the box that says "Show" to display the password in plain text. Copy it when ready or write it down.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command and Space, typing "Keychain Access", then pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.

Double-click the network name in the results. A window will open showing the network details. Check the box labeled "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your Mac login password to confirm — this is the password you use to log into your Mac account, not your WiFi password. Type it and click "Allow". Your WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

Finding your WiFi password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords in the NetworkManager configuration directory, which requires administrator access. Open a terminal and type the following command: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[network-name], replacing [network-name] with your actual network name. Your system will ask for your administrator password.

Look for the line that says psk= followed by your WiFi password. If you see psk-flags=1 instead, the password is stored but hidden from view in this file. In that case, use your network manager's graphical interface: open Settings, go to WiFi, right-click your network, select Properties, and look for the password field.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If your computer is not connected to the network, you cannot retrieve the password from it — the computer only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you are trying to find a password from a different user account on the same computer, you will need to log into that account first, because each user account has its own separate password storage.

If you have forgotten the password and cannot retrieve it from any computer, you will need to reset your router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all settings and returns the router to its factory default password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself or in the manual that came with it.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, do not share it in email, text message, or chat. If you need to give it to someone, tell them in person or use a password manager that both of you have access to. Change your WiFi password regularly — most routers let you do this through a web browser by typing your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, then logging in with your router's admin password.

If you suspect someone has used your WiFi password without permission, change it when ready. Your router's admin password is separate from your WiFi password, and you should change that too if you have not done so in over a year.

Why your computer stores the password at all

Your computer saves the WiFi password so it can reconnect automatically when you come home or return to a familiar location. Without this stored password, you would have to type it in every single time. The password is encrypted using your user account's security key, which means only someone logged into your account can see it — a different user on the same computer cannot view your saved passwords.

This is also why you can retrieve the password from your computer but not from your phone or tablet unless you have logged into those devices with the same account. Each device stores its own copy of the password, encrypted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot my Windows login password?

No. You must be logged into your Windows account to view passwords stored in that account. If you have forgotten your login password, you will need to reset it through Windows recovery options or contact your system administrator before you can see the WiFi password.

Will resetting my router erase my WiFi password?

Yes. Resetting a router to factory settings erases all custom settings, including your WiFi password. After reset, you will need to set up the router again and create a new password. Your computers and phones will forget the old password and will ask you to enter the new one.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or sharing it digitally. Keep the written password in a find location, like a locked drawer or safe. Do not leave it on a sticky note on your monitor or router where guests can see it.

Why does my Mac ask for my login password when I try to view the WiFi password?

Keychain Access requires your Mac login password as a security check to prevent someone else from viewing your passwords if they gain access to your unlocked Mac. This is intentional — it adds an extra layer of protection even if your computer is temporarily left unattended.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password from a computer that is not connected to the network?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has previously connected to. If the computer has never joined that network, the password will not be in its storage. You will need to access the router settings directly or reset the router to its factory password.