Where to find your saved WiFi password

Your computer stores the password for every WiFi network you have ever connected to. Windows, Mac, and Linux each keep this information in different places, but all three let you retrieve it without special tools — you just need to know where to look and what you are looking for.

The password is not displayed in plain sight because it is stored in an encrypted format for security. To see it, you will open a settings menu or system file and tell your computer to show the password in readable form. This takes about two minutes on any system.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Settings under Network and Internet, where you can view them without administrator permission.
  • Mac users can find saved passwords in Keychain Access, which requires your computer password to open but shows all stored network credentials.
  • Linux users can retrieve passwords from the NetworkManager configuration files, though the exact location depends on which desktop environment you use.
  • You will need either your computer password or administrator access to view any saved WiFi password on any operating system.

Finding your WiFi password on Windows 10 or 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Network and Internet on the left side, then select WiFi. Scroll down and click Manage known networks.

You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to. Find the network name (called the SSID) you are looking for and click it. A window will open with a button that says Forget. Instead of clicking that, look for a link that says Properties or View — the exact wording depends on your Windows version. Click it.

A new window opens. Look for a field labeled Security key or Password. Next to it is a checkbox that says Show. Check that box, and your password will appear in plain text. You can now copy it or write it down.

Finding your WiFi password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command and Space together, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the window that opens, make sure you are on the Passwords tab — you will see it at the top.

In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network. The network will appear in the list below. Double-click it to open a details window. At the bottom of that window, check the box next to Show password. Your computer will ask for your Mac password — type it and click Allow. The WiFi password will now be visible.

Finding your WiFi password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords in configuration files that are not meant to be read by regular users, so the process is more technical than on Windows or Mac. The exact steps depend on which desktop environment you use — GNOME, KDE, or another one.

For most Linux systems using GNOME or KDE, open a terminal (usually by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting Open Terminal, or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T). Type this command and press Enter:

sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/[network-name]

Replace [network-name] with the actual name of your WiFi network. Your computer will ask for your password — type it and press Enter. The file will display, and you will see a line that says psk= followed by your password in plain text.

If that command does not work, your system may use a different configuration tool. Try opening your system settings, finding the WiFi or Network section, and looking for an option to view or edit saved networks. Some Linux distributions include a graphical tool that shows passwords without using the terminal.

What to do if you cannot see the password

If you do not have administrator access to your computer, you will not be able to view any saved WiFi password. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who borrows your computer from seeing your network credentials.

If you are the owner of the computer but have forgotten your computer password, you will need to reset it through your operating system's account recovery process. On Windows, you can use another administrator account or a password reset disk. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset your password. On Linux, the process varies by distribution, but usually involves booting into recovery mode.

If the network no longer appears in your saved list, your computer has forgotten it — this happens if you selected "Forget this network" at some point. In that case, you will need to get the password from your router or from whoever set up the network.

Getting the password from your router instead

If your computer cannot retrieve the password, you can find it on the router itself. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password printed together. The password may be labeled as "WiFi Password", "Network Key", "PSK", or "Passphrase".

If the sticker has worn away or you cannot find the router, you can log into the router's settings through a web browser. Open any browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are usually "admin" and "admin", or they may be printed on the router sticker. Once you log in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. The password will be displayed there.

Why your computer stores passwords this way

Your computer remembers WiFi passwords so you do not have to type them every time you connect. The passwords are encrypted and locked behind your computer password for security — if someone steals your computer, they cannot straightforward open a file and read all your network credentials.

This is also why you cannot see a password you have never entered yourself. If you connect to a network and your computer saves the password, only someone with access to your computer account can retrieve it later. This protects you if a guest or coworker uses your computer briefly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a WiFi password if I am not the computer owner?

No. You will need the computer owner's password or administrator access to view any saved WiFi credentials. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to network information.

What if the password field is blank or says "no password"?

The network may be open (no password required) or use a different security method. Some older networks use WEP or other outdated encryption that your computer may not display the same way. Try connecting to the network — if it connects without asking for a password, the network is open.

Will viewing my saved password change it?

No. Viewing a password does not change it on your computer or on the router. You are only reading what is already stored — the password itself remains the same until someone deliberately changes it on the router.

Can I view passwords for networks I am not currently connected to?

Yes. Your computer stores passwords for every network it has ever connected to, even if you have not used that network in months or years. You can view any of them through the same process, as long as you have your computer password.

What should I do if I find a password I do not recognize?

It may be a network from a previous location — a coffee shop, hotel, or workplace you visited before. If you do not want your computer to reconnect to it automatically, open the network list and select "Forget this network". This removes it from your saved list without affecting the actual network.