Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password you entered when you first connected to your network. Windows, Mac, and Linux all store this information in encrypted form — you cannot see it in plain text by browsing your files, but you can retrieve it through your system settings or command tools. The password is tied to your user account, so you need to be logged in as an administrator to view it.

The location and method differ by operating system. Windows stores WiFi passwords in the Credential Manager and through netsh commands. Mac keeps them in the Keychain. Linux stores them in NetworkManager or in plain text files depending on your distribution. All three methods require you to confirm your identity before revealing the password.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, select your network, and click Properties to see the password under Network Security Key.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac password to reveal it.
  • On Linux, the method depends on your distribution — Ubuntu users can check /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ or use nmcli commands.
  • You must be logged in as an administrator on Windows or Mac to view saved passwords.
  • If you cannot remember your password and cannot retrieve it from your computer, you will need to reset your router to factory settings or log into your router's admin panel directly.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. Click WiFi on the left side, then scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks." Find your network name in the list and click it. Click Properties. Under Network Security Key, you will see a field that shows dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal your password in plain text. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — enter your Windows password or use Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition) if you have it set up.

If you do not see the eye icon or the password field is grayed out, you may not have administrator rights on that account. Ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you. If you are the administrator and still cannot see it, the network may have been added by a different user account — try logging into that account instead.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Finder and go to Applications. Open the Utilities folder and double-click Keychain Access. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu. When the network name appears in the list, double-click it. A window will open showing network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to enter your Mac user password. Type it and click Allow. Your WiFi password will now appear in the password field.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it may not have been saved to your account. Try connecting to the network again and entering the password — this time it will be stored. If you are on a different Mac than the one that originally connected, you will not find the password there; you will need to check the original computer or reset your router.

Finding your WiFi password on Linux

The method depends on which Linux distribution and network manager you use. On Ubuntu and most Debian-based systems, open a terminal and type sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[your-network-name], replacing [your-network-name] with your actual network name. You will be asked for your sudo password. The file will display your network settings, including the password in the psk= field.

If that path does not exist or you use a different network manager, try opening a terminal and typing nmcli device wifi show to list connected networks, or sudo nmcli connection show [network-name] to view details including the password. Some distributions store WiFi passwords in different locations — check your distribution's documentation if these commands do not work. You must have sudo access to view saved passwords on Linux.

What to do if you cannot find the password on your computer

If your computer does not show the password or you cannot access the account that saved it, you have two options: reset your router or log into your router's admin panel. To reset your router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory settings, which means you will lose your current password and network name — you will need to set up your WiFi from scratch using the router's default credentials (usually printed on a sticker on the device).

The second option is to log into your router's admin panel directly. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar (the exact address is usually on the router's sticker). Log in with the router's admin username and password — if you have not changed these, they are also on the sticker. Once logged in, look for a WiFi Settings or Wireless section where you can view or change your password without resetting the entire router. This method is faster and does not erase your settings.

Why your computer stores WiFi passwords and when to change them

Your computer saves your WiFi password so you do not have to type it every time you connect. This is convenient for your own devices, but it also means anyone with access to your computer can retrieve the password and connect to your network. If you share your computer with others or if it has been lost or stolen, you should change your WiFi password through your router's admin panel. Changing it will disconnect all devices currently on your network, and they will need the new password to reconnect.

If you suspect someone has accessed your network without permission, change your password when ready. You can also check your router's admin panel to see a list of connected devices — if you see devices you do not recognize, they are using your network. After changing the password, log back into your router and check the connected devices list again to make sure the unauthorized devices are gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the administrator?

No. On Windows and Mac, you must be logged in as an administrator to view saved passwords. On Linux, you need sudo access. If you are not an administrator, ask the person who set up the computer to log in and retrieve the password for you.

What if I see my network name in the list but the password field is blank?

This usually means the network was added by a different user account on your computer. Try logging into that account and repeating the steps. If you cannot access that account, you will need to reset your router or log into the router's admin panel directly.

Will retrieving my password from my computer change it?

No. Viewing your saved password does nothing to the password itself. It only shows you what you already entered. Changing the password requires logging into your router's admin panel and updating it there.

Can I retrieve a WiFi password from a computer that is turned off?

No. You must turn on the computer and log in as an administrator to access the stored password. If the computer will not turn on or you cannot log in, you will need to reset your router or access the router's admin panel from a different device.

What should I do if I forgot my router's admin password?

You will need to reset your router to factory settings using the reset button. This erases all your settings, including your WiFi password and network name. After the reset, you can log in with the default credentials on the router's sticker and set up your network again with a new password.