Where your computer stores the WiFi password you've already connected to

Your computer remembers every WiFi network you've ever joined — including the password — so you don't have to type it in again. That password is stored in an encrypted file on your hard drive. You can retrieve it without calling your internet provider or resetting your router, but the steps differ depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.

The password you find this way is the one you originally entered when you first connected to that network. If you've changed your router's password since then, this method will show you the old password, not the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in a settings menu you can access through Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, or by running a command in Command Prompt.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access, which stores all saved passwords and network credentials on your computer.
  • Linux users can retrieve the password from the NetworkManager configuration files, though the exact location depends on your Linux distribution.
  • You need administrator or user account access to view saved passwords on any operating system.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you will need to reset the router physically to regain access to its settings.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows stores WiFi passwords in the Settings app. Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find the network name (SSID) you want the password for and click it. Select Properties, then scroll down to Security. Check the box next to "Show" under the password field, and the password will appear in plain text.

If the Settings method does not work or you prefer the command line, open Command Prompt as administrator. Right-click the Start menu, select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)", then type this command exactly:

netsh wlan show profile name="NetworkName" key=clear

Replace "NetworkName" with the actual name of your WiFi network. The password will appear next to "Key Content" in the output. If you see an error saying the profile was not found, check that you typed the network name exactly as it appears in your WiFi list, including capital letters and spaces.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Mac stores all passwords, including WiFi credentials, in Keychain Access. Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access", and press Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the "Passwords" tab (not Certificates or Keys).

Search for your WiFi network name in the search box at the top right. When you find it, double-click the entry. A small window will open. Check the box next to "Show password" at the bottom. Your Mac will ask for your user account password — enter it, and the WiFi password will appear.

If you do not see your network in Keychain Access, it means your Mac has not saved it yet. Disconnect from the network and reconnect, entering the password manually. After you do, it will be stored in Keychain.

Finding your WiFi password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords in NetworkManager configuration files. The exact location depends on your distribution, but most modern systems use one of two paths. Open a terminal and try this command first:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/YourNetworkName.nmconnection

Replace "YourNetworkName" with your actual WiFi network name. You will be asked for your sudo password. Look for a line that says psk= followed by the password in plain text.

If that file does not exist, try the older location:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/YourNetworkName

Again, replace "YourNetworkName" with your network name. The password will appear next to psk=. If neither path works, your system may use a different network manager — ask in your Linux distribution's support forum with your distribution name and version.

What to do if you cannot find the password

If your computer does not show a saved password, it means either you have never connected to that network from this device, or the connection was made under a different user account. Try logging into the other account if you have access to it, or connect to the network again from the current account and enter the password manually.

If you have forgotten the password to your router itself and cannot connect to the network at all, you will need to reset the router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. This erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults, so you will need to set it up again from scratch. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact reset procedure for your model.

Why your computer can show you this password

Your operating system stores WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them every time you connect. This is convenient, but it also means anyone with access to your computer account can see your passwords. If you share your computer with other people, consider creating separate user accounts for each person. On any operating system, passwords stored in your account are visible only to someone who can log in as you or who has administrator access.

If you are concerned that someone else has accessed your computer, change your WiFi password through your router's admin panel. You can usually access this by opening a web browser and typing your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in with your router's admin credentials, then look for a WiFi or Security settings section. After you change the password, your computer will ask for the new one the next time it tries to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password for a network I am not currently connected to?

Yes, as long as your computer has connected to it before and saved the password. The methods above work for any network your device remembers, whether you are currently connected or not.

What if the password field shows asterisks or dots instead of the actual password?

Make sure you are checking the "Show password" box (Mac) or the "Show" checkbox (Windows). If you have already done that and still see dots, you may not have the right permissions. Try running the program as administrator or logging in with a different account that has admin access.

Will finding my saved password change it or affect my connection?

No. Viewing a saved password does not change it or disconnect you from the network. You are only reading what your computer already has stored.

Can I find the password if I am using a guest account?

Guest accounts usually cannot access saved passwords from the main user account. Log in to the account that originally connected to the network, or ask the person who set up that account to show you the password.

What if my router password is different from my WiFi password?

These are two separate passwords. The WiFi password is what you enter to connect to the network. The router password is what you use to log into the router's admin panel to change settings. This method finds only the WiFi password. To find or change the router password, you need to access the router's settings directly through a web browser.