Where your computer stores the WiFi password you need

Your computer already knows your WiFi password — it has to, or it couldn't reconnect every time you restart. Windows and Mac both store this information in encrypted form, and you can retrieve it without special tools. The steps differ between operating systems, but both take about two minutes.

The password you find this way is the one you set up when you first created your network, or the one your internet provider gave you. If you changed it since then, this is the current password. If you've forgotten it entirely and can't find it written down anywhere, this is how you recover it.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then WiFi, select your network name, and click "Manage known networks" to view the saved password.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, go to WiFi, click "Details" next to your network name, then click "Copy Password" to retrieve it.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view a saved WiFi password — you'll be asked to enter your computer login password as confirmation.
  • If your computer has never connected to that network before, it won't have the password stored, and you'll need to check your router or contact your internet provider instead.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Once Settings opens, click "Network & Internet" on the left side, then click "WiFi" in the menu that appears.

Under the WiFi section, you'll see "Manage known networks" — click that link. A list of networks your computer has connected to before will appear. Find the name of your network in that list and click it. A window will pop up with network details. Look for the line that says "Security type" or "Password" — click "Show" next to the password field, and your computer will ask you to enter your Windows login password to confirm you're the account owner. Type it in, and the WiFi password will appear on screen.

If you don't see a password field at all, your network uses an open connection with no password, or your computer never successfully connected to it before. In that case, you'll need to check the router itself or contact your internet provider.

Finding the password on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In System Settings, click "WiFi" in the left sidebar. You'll see a list of networks your Mac has connected to. Find your network name in that list, then click the information icon (a small circle with an "i" inside it) next to it.

A details window will open. Look for the line labeled "Password" — there will be a button next to it that says "Copy Password." Click that button, and your Mac will ask you to confirm your identity using your Mac login password or Touch ID. Once you confirm, the password is copied to your clipboard and ready to paste wherever you need it.

If you see "Password: Not available" or no password field appears, your network has no password set, or your Mac has never connected to it before. Check your router's label or contact your internet provider for the original password.

What to do if you can't find the password this way

If you've followed these steps and still don't see a password, your computer may never have connected to that network successfully. This happens when you typed the password wrong during setup, or when someone else set up the network on a different device.

Your next step is to check the router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password printed on it. If that sticker is missing or the password has been changed, you'll need to contact your internet provider — they can reset the router to its default password or help you recover the one you set.

If the network belongs to someone else (a neighbor, friend, or business), you'll need to ask them for the password directly. There's no way to retrieve a password your computer never knew.

Why your computer needs administrator access to show the password

Both Windows and Mac require you to enter your computer's login password before revealing a saved WiFi password. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who briefly uses your computer from stealing passwords for networks you've connected to.

If you're the only person who uses your computer, you'll have administrator access and can retrieve the password anytime. If you share a computer with others, only the account owner or someone with administrator rights can view saved passwords. This is intentional: it keeps other users from seeing your network credentials.

Sharing your password safely after you find it

Once you have the password, you can share it with guests or other devices. Type or paste it exactly as it appears — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If someone says the password isn't working, the most common mistake is typing a capital letter as lowercase or vice versa.

If you're sharing the password with someone you trust, you can text it, email it, or write it down. If you're setting up a guest network for people you don't know well, consider creating a separate network with a different password instead of sharing your main one. Most routers let you set up a guest network in their settings page, which you can access by typing your router's IP address into a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I'm not logged in as the computer owner?

No. Windows and Mac both require administrator access to view saved WiFi passwords. If you're using a standard user account, you won't be able to retrieve the password. You'll need to ask the computer owner or someone with administrator rights to show it to you.

What if I see dots or asterisks instead of the actual password?

That's normal — the password field is hidden by default for security. Click the "Show" button (Windows) or "Copy Password" button (Mac) and enter your computer login password when prompted. The actual password will then appear or be copied to your clipboard.

Does finding my saved password change it or log me out?

No. Viewing or copying a saved password doesn't change it or affect your connection. You'll stay connected to the network, and the password remains the same. Other devices will still need the same password to join the network.

Can I retrieve a password for a network my computer has never connected to?

No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has successfully connected to before. If you've never joined that network, your computer doesn't have the password. Check the router's label or contact your internet provider instead.

Is it safe to write down my WiFi password after I find it?

Writing it down is fine if you keep the paper in a find place — a drawer in your home, not on a sticky note on your monitor. For better security, consider using a password manager app instead, which encrypts passwords and requires a master password to access them.