Where your computer keeps your WiFi password

Your computer stores the WiFi password the first time you connect to a network. Windows and Mac both save it in encrypted form so you don't have to type it in every time. The password is there — you just need to know where to look and what steps to follow. The process is different depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and it takes about two minutes either way.

You do not need special software or admin access beyond what you already have on your own computer. If you are the person who set up the computer, you can retrieve the password yourself right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after a few clicks.
  • Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, a built-in app where you can search for the network name and check the "Show password" box.
  • You need to be logged into your own user account on the computer to see the password — you cannot retrieve it from someone else's account.
  • If you forget the password to your own WiFi router, you will need to reset the router itself, not retrieve it from the computer.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Go to Network and Internet, then select WiFi on the left side. Click "Manage known networks" and find the network name you want the password for. Click on it, then click "Properties."

Scroll down to the Security section. You will see a field labeled "Network security key." It will show dots or asterisks instead of the actual password at first. Check the box next to "Show" and the password will appear in plain text. Write it down or take a screenshot before you close the window.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command and Space, typing "Keychain," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device. The network name will show up in the list below.

Double-click on the network name. A window will pop up. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user password — type it in. The WiFi password will then appear in the password field. You can now copy it or write it down.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If you have switched user accounts on your computer, you will only see passwords saved under the account you are currently logged into. If the person who originally connected to the WiFi used a different account, you will not see that password. Ask them to log into their account and follow the same steps above.

If you are the only user on the computer and the password still does not appear, the network may have been connected before your computer's current operating system was installed. In that case, you will need to reset your WiFi router to factory settings and create a new password. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for reset instructions.

The difference between your computer password and your WiFi password

Your computer password (the one you type when you turn on your computer) is separate from your WiFi password. Finding your WiFi password on your computer does not require you to know your computer password, but you do need to be logged in to your user account. If you have forgotten your computer password, you cannot use this method to retrieve your WiFi password.

Your WiFi password is also different from your router's admin password. The admin password lets you change WiFi settings. The WiFi password is what you give to guests or use on your phone. This article covers finding the WiFi password only.

Why your computer stores this password

Your computer remembers your WiFi password so it can reconnect automatically when you come home or return to a place you have used before. This is a convenience feature — without it, you would type the password every single time. The password is encrypted on your hard drive, which means it is scrambled in a way that makes it harder for someone to steal if they gain access to your computer files.

Storing the password does create a small security trade-off: if someone gains physical access to your computer and logs into your account, they can see your WiFi password. For most people, this is not a real risk. If you share your computer with people you do not fully trust, you may want to use a separate user account for them so they cannot access your stored passwords.

Retrieving the password if you share a computer

If multiple people use the same computer, each person's account stores only the passwords they have entered. You can only see passwords saved under your own account. If you need a password that someone else saved, ask them to log in and retrieve it themselves.

If the person who saved the password is no longer available, your only option is to reset the router. This will erase all saved passwords and settings on the router itself, so you will need to set up your WiFi network again from scratch. You will also need access to the router's physical reset button or its admin login information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot my computer password?

No. You must be logged into your user account to access stored passwords. If you have forgotten your computer password, you will need to reset it first through your computer's login screen, or contact the person who manages your computer.

What if the password field is blank or says "not available"?

This usually means the network was connected before your current operating system was installed, or the password was deleted. You will need to forget the network on your computer and reconnect to it by typing the password manually. If you do not know the password, you will need to reset your router.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Yes. Writing down your WiFi password and storing it somewhere safe is a reasonable way to keep a backup. Keep the paper in a find place, just as you would keep other important information. Do not leave it where guests or visitors can easily see it.

Can I change my WiFi password from my computer?

No. Finding the password on your computer only shows you what it is. To change it, you need to log into your router's settings through a web browser. This usually means typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1) into the address bar and entering your router's admin password, which is different from your WiFi password.

Will retrieving my password affect my WiFi connection?

No. Looking at your stored password does not change anything on your computer or your router. Your WiFi will continue to work normally, and you will not need to reconnect any devices.