Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password in a protected settings area so it can reconnect automatically without asking you each time. On Windows, this lives in the network settings panel. On Mac, it's stored in the Keychain — Apple's password vault. Both systems hide these passwords by default, but you can view them if you have administrator access to the computer.

The password you'll find is the one you entered when you first connected to the network. If you've never connected to this WiFi before, your computer won't have the password stored. If someone else set up the network on your computer, you may not have permission to view it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and shows them in plain text once you confirm you're the administrator.
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain, and you'll need to enter your computer password to view them.
  • You must have already connected to the network at least once for the password to be saved on your computer.
  • If you can't find the password on your computer, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider.

Finding the password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi from the left menu. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you're looking for and click it.

Click "Forget" first if you want to clear it, or click the network name itself to see its details. Look for a button or link that says "Show" or "View password." Windows will ask you to confirm your computer password — this is the password you use to log into your computer, not the WiFi password. Enter it and click OK. The WiFi password will appear in plain text in the password field.

If you don't see a "Show" button, right-click the network name instead and select "Properties." In the window that opens, look for a "Security" tab. Check the box next to "Show characters" to reveal the password.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you're on the "Passwords" tab. 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 small window will open showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Mac will ask for your computer password — enter it and click "Allow." The WiFi password will now be visible in the password field.

If you can't find the network in Keychain, it means your computer has never connected to it, or the password was never saved. Try connecting to the network again and entering the password manually.

What to do if you can't find the password

If the network doesn't appear in your computer's saved list, you have two options. First, check whether you actually connected to this network before — if not, your computer won't have the password. Second, try resetting the password through your router.

To access your router, open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You'll be asked to log in with a username and password — these are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, or in the paperwork that came with it. Once logged in, look for a WiFi or Wireless section and you can view or change the password there. The exact steps vary by router brand, so check your router's manual if you get stuck.

If you don't have access to the router or can't remember the admin password, contact your internet provider. They can help you reset it or provide the password over the phone.

Sharing the password with someone else

Once you have the password, you can share it by typing it out, writing it down, or reading it aloud to the other person. They'll enter it into their device's WiFi settings just as they would any other network password.

On Windows 11, there's also a built-in sharing feature: go to Settings, Network and Internet, WiFi, then "Manage known networks." Find your network and click it, then look for a "Share" button. This creates a QR code that someone can scan with their phone to connect without typing the password. On Mac, there's no built-in share feature, so you'll need to tell them the password directly.

Why your computer might not show the password

If you're logged into a work or school computer, the administrator may have blocked access to stored passwords for security reasons. In that case, you won't be able to view it, even if you know your computer password. Contact your IT department — they can reset the network or provide the password.

If you're on your own computer but still can't see the password field, make sure you're using an administrator account. Standard user accounts on Windows sometimes have limited access to network settings. Switch to an administrator account and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password for a network I've never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has already connected to. If you need the password for a network you haven't used before, you'll need to ask the network owner or access the router directly.

What if I see the password but it looks like random characters?

That's normal — WiFi passwords are often long strings of letters, numbers, and symbols. Copy the entire thing exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters, when you give it to someone else.

Is it safe to view my WiFi password on my computer?

Yes, as long as you're the only one with access to your computer. Your computer requires your login password before showing the WiFi password, so it's protected. Don't share your computer password with others just to give them the WiFi password — use the QR code feature on Windows 11 or tell them the password directly instead.

Can I change the WiFi password from my computer?

You can view it from your computer, but to change it you need to log into your router through a web browser. You can do this from any device connected to the network. Go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, log in with your router's admin credentials, find the WiFi settings, and change the password there.