Where your laptop stores the WiFi password

Your laptop saves the WiFi password the first time you connect to a network, so you do not have to type it in again. Windows and Mac both keep this information in encrypted storage — you can retrieve it without resetting the network or calling your internet provider.

The password is stored differently on each operating system, and the steps to find it depend on whether you set up the network yourself or connected to someone else's. If you are trying to connect another device to the same network, you will need the original password, not a copy of what your laptop has stored.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 11 or 10, open Settings, go to Network and Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to view the password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click Details next to your network name, then click the lock icon and enter your Mac password to reveal the WiFi password.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view a saved password — if you do not have it, you cannot retrieve the password this way.
  • If you cannot find the password through your laptop, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or contact your internet provider for help.

Finding the password on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then pressing Enter. Click Network and Internet in the left sidebar.

Select WiFi from the menu on the left. You will see a list of networks you have connected to before. Find the network name you want the password for and click it. A panel will open on the right side showing network details.

Click Manage known networks at the bottom of that panel. You will see your network listed again. Click it once to select it, then click Forget if you want to remove it from your saved list, or look for a button or link that says Properties or View. In some Windows versions, you may need to right-click the network name instead.

Once you open the network properties, scroll down to find the section labeled Security type or Security. Below that, there should be a field showing the password. If the password appears as dots or asterisks, click the eye icon next to it to reveal the actual characters. Windows will ask you to confirm your computer password before showing it.

Finding the password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click WiFi.

Find your network name in the list of connected networks. Click the network name, then click the Details button that appears. A new window will open showing information about that network.

Look for a field labeled Password in the window. The password will be hidden as dots. Click the small lock icon next to the password field. Your Mac will ask you to enter your computer password — this is the password you use to log into your Mac account, not the WiFi password.

Once you enter your Mac password, the WiFi password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down to use on another device.

What to do if you cannot find the password this way

If the steps above do not work, your laptop may not have saved the password, or you may not have administrator access to your computer. Ask the person who set up your computer account to help you, since they can enter their password to unlock the stored information.

Another option is to reset the WiFi password through your router. Most routers have a small admin panel you can access by typing your router's IP address into a web browser — this is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. You will need the router's admin username and password, which is also often on that sticker. Once you log in, you can change the WiFi password to something you choose.

If you do not have access to the router or do not know the admin password, contact your internet provider. They can help you reset the router or provide the original WiFi password if you set up the account with them.

Why your laptop needs administrator access

Stored passwords are encrypted on your computer for security — if anyone could view them without permission, a person using your laptop could see passwords for every network you have ever connected to. Windows and Mac require you to enter your computer's admin password before revealing a saved WiFi password, which confirms you have permission to access that information.

If you are the only person who uses your laptop, you almost certainly have administrator access. If your computer is shared or managed by a workplace or school, you may not have this access, and you will need to contact the person who manages the computer.

Keeping your WiFi password find

Once you have the password, be careful who you share it with. Anyone with the password can connect to your network and use your internet. If you think someone has used your password without permission, change it through your router's admin panel or ask your internet provider to help you reset it.

If you are sharing the password with a guest or family member, consider changing it again after they no longer need access. Most modern routers also let you create a separate guest network with its own password, which is a good way to let visitors connect without giving them access to your main network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I did not set up the network?

Yes, as long as your laptop is connected to the network and you have administrator access to your computer. The steps are the same whether you created the network or someone else did. Your laptop stores the password the same way regardless of who set it up.

What if the password field is blank or empty?

Some networks, usually public ones in cafes or libraries, do not use a password at all. If the password field is empty, the network is open and anyone can connect to it. This is common for guest networks.

Will viewing the saved password change it or affect my connection?

No. Looking at the password does not change anything on your network or your laptop. You can view it as many times as you want without any effect on your WiFi connection.

Can I find the password if my laptop is offline?

Yes. The password is stored on your computer itself, not on the internet, so you can retrieve it even if you are not currently connected to WiFi or any network.

What if I forgot my computer password and cannot unlock the WiFi password?

You will need to reset your computer password first. On Windows, you can use another admin account or a password reset disk if you created one. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password. Once you regain access to your computer, you can follow the steps above to view the WiFi password.