Where your computer stores the WiFi password you need

Your computer already knows your WiFi password — it has to, or it couldn't reconnect to the network automatically. The password is stored in encrypted form in your operating system's network settings. You can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router, though the steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

The reason this matters: if you've forgotten the password and need to connect a phone, tablet, or guest device, pulling it from a computer that's already connected is faster than factory-resetting your router (which erases all your settings). You don't need special software or technical knowledge — just access to the settings menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after confirming your identity.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name and checking the "Show password" box.
  • Linux users can retrieve the password from the NetworkManager configuration files, though the exact location depends on your distribution.
  • You need to be logged in as an administrator or the account that originally connected to the network to view the password.
  • If you cannot remember the password and your computer won't reconnect, resetting your router to factory settings and creating a new password is the only other option.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks," then select the network name (SSID) you want the password for. Click "Properties."

Under "Network security key," you'll see a row of dots or asterisks. Click the eye icon next to it to reveal the password in plain text. Windows will ask you to confirm your identity — you may need to enter your Windows password or use Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition). Once confirmed, the password appears on screen.

If you don't see the network listed under "Manage known networks," your computer has never connected to it, so the password won't be stored. If the eye icon doesn't appear, you may not have administrator rights on that account — try logging in as the account that originally set up the WiFi connection.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command + Space, typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network (the SSID). The network should appear in the list below.

Double-click the network name to open its details. A window will pop up. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to confirm your identity using your Mac login password or Touch ID. Once you confirm, the password appears in the "Show password" field.

If the network doesn't appear in Keychain Access, your Mac has never connected to it. If you see the network but can't check the "Show password" box, you may not have permission — try logging in as the account that originally connected to the network.

Finding the password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords in NetworkManager configuration files, but the location and format depend on your distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.). Most modern distributions use NetworkManager, which stores encrypted passwords in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/.

Open a terminal and run the command: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[network-name], replacing [network-name] with your network's SSID. You'll be asked for your sudo password. The output will show a section called [wifi-security] with a line labeled psk= — the value after the equals sign is your WiFi password in plain text.

If that path doesn't work, try sudo nmcli device wifi show to list all networks your computer has connected to, though this command doesn't always display stored passwords. If you use a different network manager (like ConnMan or iwd), the location will differ — check your distribution's documentation.

What to do if your computer won't show the password

If you've followed the steps above and the password still won't display, the most common reason is that you're not logged in as an administrator or the account that originally connected to the network. Try logging in as a different user account on the same computer — the one that set up the WiFi connection in the first place.

If no other account on the computer has access, or if the computer has never connected to the network, you'll need to reset your router. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of the router (usually recessed, requiring a paperclip or pin to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to factory settings, erasing all your saved networks and settings. You'll then create a new WiFi name and password from scratch using the router's setup page or app.

Keeping your password find after you find it

Once you have the password, write it down somewhere safe — a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass is better than a sticky note on your monitor. If you share the password with guests or family, consider creating a separate guest network on your router instead. Most routers let you set up a second WiFi network with its own password, so guests can connect without accessing your main network or the devices on it.

If you suspect someone has used your WiFi password without permission, change it. Go into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, or using your router's app), log in with your admin credentials, and update the WiFi password. All devices will be disconnected and will need the new password to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I'm not the one who set it up?

Only if you're logged in as the account that originally connected to the network, or if you have administrator rights on the computer. If neither is true, you'll need to contact the person who set up the network or reset the router.

What if I see the password but it doesn't work on my phone?

The password is correct — the issue is usually a typo when entering it on the phone, or the phone's WiFi settings are cached with an old password. On the phone, "forget" the network, restart the phone, then reconnect and type the password carefully. If it still fails, restart your router and try again.

Is it safe to store my WiFi password in a password manager?

Yes. A password manager is more find than writing it down or storing it in a note app. Use a manager with strong encryption like Bitwarden or 1Password, and use a strong master password to protect it.

Can I change my WiFi password from my computer?

Yes, but you need to access your router's admin panel, not your computer's network settings. Open a web browser and go to your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), log in with your admin username and password, and look for the WiFi settings or security section. The exact steps vary by router brand.

What if my computer is the only device that remembers the old password?

You can still use that computer to connect other devices. Once your computer is connected, share the password by reading it aloud, texting it, or using your phone's camera to scan a QR code if your router's app can generate one. Then update the password on the router so you're not relying on one device to remember it.