Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have connected to before. Windows, Mac, and Linux all keep this information in different places, but all three let you see it without special tools — you just need to know where to look and what you are looking for.

The password is stored locally on your device, not sent to the manufacturer or your internet provider. This means you can only see passwords for networks your computer has already joined. If you need the password for a network you have never connected to, you will need to get it from whoever set up that network.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, or you can use the Command Prompt to view them faster.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which stores all network credentials in one place.
  • Linux users can view passwords in the NetworkManager configuration files, though the exact location depends on your distribution.
  • You will need administrator or user account access to view these passwords — the computer will not show them to guest accounts.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and 11

The fastest way on Windows is to open Command Prompt as administrator and run a single command. Right-click the Start button, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", then type this exactly: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear. Replace "YourNetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the results.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can also go through Settings. Open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks", select the network you want, then click "Forget". This does not show you the password — it removes it. Instead, open Settings again, go to Network and Internet, WiFi, and select "Show available networks". Click your network and select "Connect". Windows will ask you to enter the password again, which forces you to remember or look it up elsewhere.

A third option is to check your router directly. Most routers have a sticker on the back with the default WiFi name and password, or you can log into the router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in your browser) to see or change the password there.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Mac stores all network passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in password manager. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the "Passwords" tab on the left side.

Search for your WiFi network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click it to open the details. A window will pop up showing the network name and other information. Check the box that says "Show password" at the bottom of the window. Mac will ask you to enter your user account password to confirm — this is your login password for your Mac, not your WiFi password. Type it in and click "Allow". The WiFi password will now appear in the "Password" field.

Finding your WiFi password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords differently depending on which network manager your system uses. Most modern Linux distributions use NetworkManager, which stores passwords in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/. You will need to open a terminal and use administrator (sudo) access to view these files.

Open a terminal and type: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/YourNetworkName.nmconnection. Replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual network name. The system will ask for your password (your Linux user password). Once you enter it, the file will display, and you can find the password listed under the [wifi-security] section next to "psk=".

If that path does not work, your system may use a different network manager. Try checking /etc/wpa_supplicant/ or ask your Linux distribution's documentation for the exact location. Different distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian sometimes store this information in slightly different places.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If you have never connected to the network before, your computer will not have the password stored. You will need to get it from the network owner or administrator.

If you have connected before but cannot find it using these methods, the network password may have been changed since you last connected. Disconnect from the network and try to reconnect — your computer will ask you to enter the new password. If you do not know the new password, contact whoever manages that network.

On all three operating systems, you need to be logged in with an account that has administrator or full user access. If you are using a guest account or a restricted account, the system will not show you stored passwords for security reasons.

Why your computer stores these passwords

Your operating system saves WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them in every time you connect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your computer can potentially see these passwords. If you share your computer with others or use it in a public place, be aware that your stored passwords are accessible to anyone who can log into your account.

If you want to remove a saved password, you can "forget" the network. On Windows, go to Settings > Network and Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks and select "Forget". On Mac, open Keychain Access, find the network, right-click it, and select "Delete". On Linux, delete the connection file from the NetworkManager directory. After you forget a network, your computer will ask for the password the next time you try to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see passwords for networks I have never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has already joined. If you need a password for a network you have never used, you will need to ask the network owner or administrator for it.

Will viewing my saved password change it?

No. Looking at a saved password does not change it on your computer or on the router. The password remains the same until someone actively changes it on the router or network settings.

What if I see a password but it does not work when I try to connect?

The network password may have been changed since your computer last connected. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network — your computer will ask you to enter the new password. If you still cannot connect, contact the network administrator.

Is it safe to share my saved WiFi password with someone else?

Sharing a password is safe in the sense that it does not expose other passwords on your computer. However, whoever has the password can connect to that network. Only share WiFi passwords with people you trust.

Can I see passwords if I forgot my Windows or Mac login password?

No. You need to be logged into your account to access stored passwords. If you have forgotten your login password, you will need to reset it through your operating system's recovery process before you can view saved WiFi passwords.