Where your computer stores your WiFi password

Your computer remembers your WiFi password so you don't have to type it every time you connect. That password is stored in a protected location on your hard drive — different places depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. You can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router, as long as you have administrator access to the computer.

The steps differ by operating system, but the principle is the same: you're asking your computer to show you a password it already knows. This is useful when you need to connect a new device, share the password with a guest, or straightforward remember what it is.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network & Internet, where you can view the password in plain text after confirming you're an administrator.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then checking the "Show password" box after entering their login password.
  • Linux users can view passwords stored by NetworkManager in the /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ folder using the terminal.
  • You must have administrator or user account access to the computer to view saved passwords — the computer will not show them otherwise.
  • If you cannot remember your computer's login password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password through these methods.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click on "Network & Internet" in the left sidebar. Under "WiFi", click "Manage known networks" or "Manage your networks" depending on your Windows version.

Find the network name (called the SSID) you want the password for and click on it. Select "Forget" if you see that option — this does not delete the password, it just opens the network details. Then click "View" next to "Security key" or "Password". Windows will ask you to confirm you're an administrator by entering your computer login password. Once you do, the WiFi password appears in plain text.

If you don't see a "Manage known networks" option, try this alternate route: right-click the WiFi icon in your system tray (bottom right corner), select "Open Network & Internet settings", then scroll down and click "Change adapter options". Right-click your WiFi adapter, select "Status", then click "Wireless Properties". Go to the "Security" tab and check the box next to "Show characters" to reveal the password.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command and Space together, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. This opens the password manager built into macOS. 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 appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Your Mac will ask you to enter your login password to confirm you have permission to view it. Type your password and click "Allow". The WiFi password now appears in the "Password" field in plain text.

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. Open a terminal 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/[network-name].nmconnection — but replace [network-name] with the actual name of your WiFi network. For example, if your network is called "HomeWiFi", the command would be: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/HomeWiFi.nmconnection. Linux will ask for your user password. Type it and press Enter. The file opens and shows the network details, including the password next to "psk=" in the [wifi-security] section.

If that command doesn't work, your system may use a different network manager. Try: sudo grep -r "psk=" /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ to search all saved networks at once.

What to do if you can't find the password

If you've followed these steps and the password doesn't appear, the most common reason is that you don't have administrator access on the computer. Windows and Mac both require you to enter your login password to view saved WiFi passwords — if you don't know your computer's login password, you cannot retrieve the WiFi password this way.

Another possibility is that the network was set up by someone else on a shared computer, and their account is the one that saved the password. You would need to log into that account to view it. If you're the only user and still can't access it, you may need to reset your router to factory settings and set up the WiFi network again with a new password you choose.

Resetting your WiFi password if you've forgotten it

If you cannot retrieve the password from your computer and need to connect other devices, you can reset it through your router. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of your router (usually requires a paperclip or pin to press). Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. The router restarts and returns to its factory default settings, which means you'll need to set up the network name and password again from scratch.

Before you reset, check if you have the router's manual or original paperwork — it often lists the default login information. You can also log into your router's admin page by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser, then entering the default username and password. From there you can change the WiFi password without resetting the entire router.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have the password, be careful who you share it with. A strong WiFi password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you share it with guests, consider setting up a separate guest network on your router instead — this lets visitors connect without accessing your main network or the devices on it.

Change your WiFi password every few months, especially if many people have had access to it. You can do this through your router's admin page (the same login page mentioned above). Most routers let you change the password without affecting devices already connected — they'll stay online, but new devices will need the new password to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I'm not logged into the computer?

No. Windows, Mac, and Linux all require you to be logged in with an account that has administrator or user permissions. If you're at the login screen, you cannot view saved passwords. You must enter your computer's login password first.

Will viewing my saved WiFi password change it or disconnect me?

No. Viewing the password does not change it, reset it, or affect your current connection. Your devices stay online and the password remains the same. You're only reading what your computer already knows.

What if my WiFi network name doesn't appear in the list?

The network may not be saved on that computer. If you've never connected to it before, or if you chose "Forget this network" at some point, it won't appear in the saved networks list. You would need to connect to it again first, then follow these steps.

Can I see passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes. Your computer stores passwords for every network you've ever connected to, even if you're not connected right now. You can view any of them using these methods as long as you have administrator access.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password?

Writing it down is safer than using a weak password or sharing it verbally with many people. Keep the written password in a find place like a locked drawer. A better option is to use your computer's password manager or a dedicated password manager app, which encrypts and stores passwords securely.