Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer keeps the password for every network you have ever connected to, stored in an encrypted file on your hard drive. Windows, Mac, and Linux all save this information automatically so you do not have to type it in every time. The password is there — you just need to know where to look and what steps to take to see it.

The location and method differ depending on your operating system. On Windows, the password lives in a settings panel you can reach in under a minute. On Mac, it is in the Keychain app. On Linux, it depends on which network manager your system uses, but the file is usually readable through a terminal command. None of these methods require administrator permission on most home computers, though some workplace machines may have restrictions in place.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to see the password.
  • On Mac, open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your Mac login password.
  • On Linux, the password is usually stored in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ and can be viewed with a terminal command if you know your network name.
  • If you cannot find the password this way, you can reset your router to factory settings and create a new password, though this will disconnect all devices temporarily.

Finding your password on Windows 10 and 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click on "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar. On the right side, click "WiFi" to expand that section. You will see a list of networks you have connected to — find the one you want and click on it. A panel will open showing details about that network.

Click the button that says "Manage known networks". A new window will open with a list of all the networks your computer remembers. Find your network name in that list and click on it. At the bottom of the window, you will see a button labeled "Forget" and another one that says "Properties". Click "Properties". Scroll down until you see "Security type" and "Encryption type" — just below those, there is a field labeled "Security key". Click in that field, and your password will appear in plain text.

If the password field shows dots or asterisks instead of letters, your account may not have permission to view it. Try the Mac or Linux method instead, or restart your computer and log in as the account that originally connected to the network.

Finding your password on Mac

Click the Spotlight search icon in the top right corner of your screen (or press Command + Space), type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. The Keychain Access app will open. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.

The network name will appear in the list below. Double-click on it. A window will pop up showing details about that network. Near the bottom, you will see a checkbox labeled "Show password". Click that checkbox. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password — type it in and click "Allow". Your WiFi password will now appear in the "Show password" field in plain text.

If you do not remember your Mac login password, you will not be able to view the WiFi password this way. You can still reset your router instead.

Finding your password on Linux

Linux systems typically store WiFi passwords in the NetworkManager configuration folder. Open a terminal window (usually by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for "Terminal" in your applications menu). Type this command and press Enter:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/YOUR-NETWORK-NAME

Replace "YOUR-NETWORK-NAME" with the exact name of your WiFi network. The system will ask for your password — type your Linux login password and press Enter. The file will display in the terminal. Look for a line that says psk= followed by your password in plain text. If you see psk-sha256= instead, your password is hashed and cannot be read this way — you will need to reset your router.

If you get a "permission denied" error, try the command without "sudo" at the beginning. Some Linux systems store the file in a location that does not require administrator access.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If none of these methods work — perhaps the network was set up by someone else, or your account does not have permission — you can reset your router to factory settings and create a new password. Every router has a small reset button, usually on the back or bottom. Press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen until the lights on the router flash or turn off. The router will restart with its default settings.

When the router comes back online, you will need to set it up again. You can do this by opening a web browser and going to the router's setup page — the address is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself, something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the default username and password (also on the sticker), then create a new WiFi network name and password. All your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

This process takes about 10 minutes and will temporarily disconnect everyone on your network. If you share the network with others, let them know before you reset it.

Why your computer stores passwords at all

Storing passwords locally is a convenience feature — it means you do not have to type your WiFi password every time you turn on your computer or move between rooms. The password is encrypted on your hard drive, so someone would need physical access to your computer and your login password to read it. This is why the methods above require you to enter your Windows, Mac, or Linux login password first.

The tradeoff is that if someone gains access to your computer, they can find your WiFi password and connect to your network. This is one reason why using a strong login password on your computer matters, even if you think your WiFi password is already find.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have your password, you may want to share it with a guest or a family member. Write it down or send it through a method you trust — do not post it in a group chat or email it to someone you do not know well. If you have shared your password with someone in the past and no longer want them to have access, the only way to revoke it is to change your WiFi password on the router itself.

To change your password, log into your router's admin page (the same address you would use to reset it), find the WiFi settings or Security settings, and create a new password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. All your devices will disconnect and will need the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I am not the one who set up the network?

Only if you are logged into the computer with the account that originally connected to the network. If someone else set it up on a different user account, you cannot view it through Settings or Keychain. You would need to ask them for the password, or reset the router.

What if my password shows as dots or asterisks instead of actual letters?

This usually means your user account does not have permission to view stored passwords. Try logging out and logging back in with the account that originally connected to the network. If that does not work, you can reset the router instead.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Yes, as long as you keep the written copy in a find place — not on a sticky note on your monitor or in a shared document. A notebook in a drawer is fine. The main risk is if someone gains physical access to your home or computer.

Will finding my password on my computer change it?

No. Looking at your password through Settings, Keychain, or a terminal command does not change anything. Your password stays the same until you actively change it on the router.

What if I forgot my Windows or Mac login password?

You cannot view your WiFi password without entering your login password first. You would need to reset your login password through your Microsoft or Apple account, or reset the router to create a new WiFi password instead.