Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer remembers every WiFi network it has connected to, including the password. Windows and Mac both store this information in encrypted form — you cannot read it by browsing folders, but both operating systems have built-in tools that will show you the password in plain text if you know where to look.

The password is stored separately from your user account password. Even if you share a computer with someone else, only the person who originally connected to that WiFi network can retrieve it. On Windows, this information lives in the network settings. On Mac, it is locked inside the Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can find a saved WiFi password through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then select the network and choose "Manage."
  • Mac users can open Keychain Access, search for the network name, double-click the entry, check "Show password," and enter their computer login password.
  • You must be logged into the computer as the user who originally connected to that WiFi network to see the password.
  • If you cannot find the network listed, your computer may never have connected to it, or the connection was made under a different user account.

Finding the password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, select "Network and internet" from the left sidebar. Click "WiFi" to expand that section, then scroll down and click "Manage known networks."

You will see a list of every WiFi network your computer has connected to. Find the network name (called the SSID) that you need the password for and click it. A new window opens showing network details. Click the button labeled "Manage" to open the network properties.

In the properties window, look for a checkbox that says "Show" next to a password field. Check that box. Windows will ask you to enter your computer login password — this is the password you use to log into Windows itself, not the WiFi password. Type it and click "OK." The WiFi password will now appear in plain text in that field.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Spotlight search by pressing Command and Space together, then type "Keychain Access" and press Enter. This opens the Keychain Access process, which stores all your saved passwords including WiFi networks.

In the search box at the top right of the Keychain window, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your devices. The network will appear in the list below. Double-click the network name to open its details window.

In the details window, check the box labeled "Show password." Mac will ask you to enter your computer login password — the one you use to unlock your Mac. Type it and click "Allow." The WiFi password will now display in the password field in plain text.

What to do if the network does not appear in the list

If you cannot find the network name, the most common reason is that your computer never connected to it. Check that you are searching for the correct network name — the SSID is case-sensitive on Mac and must match exactly.

Another possibility is that the network was connected under a different user account on the same computer. If you share the computer with others, ask the person who set up that connection to retrieve the password using their own login. Each user account on a computer maintains its own list of saved networks.

If you are certain the computer connected to the network but still cannot find it, the connection data may have been deleted. This sometimes happens after a major Windows or Mac update, or if the network settings were reset. In that case, you will need to contact your WiFi provider or router administrator to reset the password through the router itself.

Retrieving the password from your router instead

If your computer does not have the password saved, you can find it by logging into your router directly. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default login information and sometimes the WiFi password printed on it.

Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the device. Log in using the username and password from that sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings." The password field will show your current WiFi password, though it may be hidden behind asterisks. Some routers have a "Show" button next to it.

Why you might not remember which account connected to the network

If you share a computer with family members or coworkers, it is straightforward to lose track of who connected to which network. Windows and Mac do not show you which user account made the connection — they only show you that the network is saved.

If you need the password but are not sure which account has it, try logging into each user account on the computer and checking that account's saved networks. This is the only way to find out which account has access to the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the WiFi password if I am not the one who connected to it?

No. Only the user account that originally connected to the network can retrieve the password. If you need it and do not have that account, ask the person who set it up, or reset the password through your router.

Will retrieving the password change it or affect the network?

No. Looking up the password does not change anything. The network will continue to work exactly as it did before, and no other devices will be disconnected.

What if I see the password field but it is still blank or shows only asterisks?

On Windows, make sure you clicked "Show" and entered your computer login password. On Mac, verify you checked the "Show password" box and entered your Mac login password. If it still does not appear, the network data may be corrupted and you will need to reset the password through your router.

Can I find the password for a network my computer is not currently connected to?

Yes. As long as your computer connected to that network at some point in the past and saved the password, you can retrieve it using these steps even if the network is offline or you are in a different location.

Is it safe to write down or share the password once I find it?

That depends on your situation. If it is your home network, you can share it with anyone you want to give access to. If it is a work or shared network, check with the network administrator before sharing it with others.