Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer keeps the WiFi password in a protected system folder so you can reconnect automatically without typing it again. Windows, Mac, and Linux all store this information differently, but all three let you view the password you created or connected to. You do not need special software — the password is built into your operating system's network settings.

The password is encrypted on disk, so only an account with administrator access can see it. If you are not the computer's owner or administrator, you will not be able to retrieve it. The steps below work whether you set up the network yourself or connected to someone else's WiFi months ago.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores WiFi passwords in Credential Manager, which you reach through Settings or by running the command rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,KRShowKeyMgr directly.
  • Mac users can find the password in Keychain Access by searching for the network name, then double-clicking the entry and checking "Show password".
  • Linux users can view passwords stored in NetworkManager by opening the connection settings or checking the config files in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/.
  • You must have administrator or root access to see any stored password — standard user accounts cannot retrieve them.
  • If you forget the password after changing it on your router, you will need to reset the router itself, not retrieve it from the computer.

Finding the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings and go to Network & internet, then select WiFi on the left. Scroll down and click Manage known networks. Find the network name you want the password for, click it, and select Forget. This removes it from your saved list temporarily.

Now go back to the WiFi list and select the network again. Windows will ask you to enter the password. Type it in, check the box for "Save this network", and click Next. The password is now saved again. This method works but requires you to know the password already.

The faster way is to use Credential Manager directly. Press the Windows key and type Credential Manager, then open it. Click Windows Credentials on the left. Look for entries that start with WIFI: followed by your network name. Click the one you want, then click Show next to the password field. Windows will ask you to confirm your account password, then display the WiFi password in plain text.

If Credential Manager is not showing your network, try opening Command Prompt as administrator. Right-click the Start menu, select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and type this command: netsh wlan show profile name="YourNetworkName" key=clear. Replace "YourNetworkName" with the exact name of your network. The password appears next to "Key Content" in the output.

Finding the password on Mac

Open Keychain Access by pressing Command+Space, typing "Keychain Access", and pressing Enter. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears in your WiFi menu.

When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A window opens showing the network details. Check the box next to Show password. Mac will ask you to enter your computer's login password to confirm. Type it in and click Allow. The WiFi password now appears in plain text in the password field.

If you have multiple networks saved, you may see several results. Look for the one with Kind listed as "AirPort network password" or similar. The password field will be blank until you check "Show password".

Finding the password on Linux

Linux stores WiFi passwords in NetworkManager, the system that handles all network connections. The location and method depend on your desktop environment and which version of NetworkManager you use.

The most direct way is to open your system's network settings. In GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora), click the system menu in the top right, select Settings, go to Network, and click the gear icon next to your connected WiFi network. Look for a Security or Details tab. The password may be shown there, or you may need to click a button to reveal it.

If the GUI does not show the password, open a terminal and navigate to the NetworkManager config folder by typing: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/"YourNetworkName". Replace "YourNetworkName" with your network's name. The password appears in the output next to psk=. You will need to enter your user password when prompted for sudo access.

Some Linux systems store passwords in a different location or use a different format. If the above does not work, try: sudo grep -r "psk=" /etc/NetworkManager/. This searches all NetworkManager files for password entries and shows you which file contains your network.

What to do if the password is not showing

If you cannot find the password using these methods, the most common reason is that you do not have administrator access on this computer. Ask the computer's owner or administrator to run these steps for you.

Another reason is that the network was set up using a different method — for example, a mobile hotspot or a guest network that does not store credentials the same way. Some corporate networks also encrypt passwords in a way that prevents retrieval.

If you changed the WiFi password on your router after the computer last connected, the old password is still stored on the computer. The computer will not connect until you forget the network and reconnect with the new password. In that case, you need the new password from your router, not from the computer.

Resetting the password if you forgot it entirely

If you do not remember the WiFi password and cannot retrieve it from any computer, you will need to reset your router. Most routers have a small reset button on the back. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its factory settings, including the default WiFi password printed on a sticker on the device itself.

Resetting the router erases all your custom settings, including your network name and any port forwarding rules you set up. After reset, you will need to log into the router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and set up your WiFi again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I am logged in as a guest or standard user?

No. Only an administrator account can view stored WiFi passwords. If you are on a work or school computer, contact your IT department. On a personal computer, log in with the account that has admin rights.

Will viewing the password change or reset it?

No. Viewing the password in Credential Manager, Keychain, or NetworkManager does not change anything on your router or network. The password remains the same until you manually change it in your router's settings.

What if I see the password but it does not work when I try to connect from another device?

The password you see is correct for that network. If another device cannot connect, the issue is usually with that device, not the password. Try forgetting the network on the other device and reconnecting, or restart both the device and the router.

Can I retrieve a password from a computer that is turned off?

No. The computer must be powered on and you must be logged in with an administrator account. You cannot access stored passwords from outside the operating system.

Is it safe to share the password I found this way?

Yes, the password itself is just text. Sharing it with someone you trust is the same as telling them the password verbally. If you want to revoke access later, change the password in your router settings, and all devices will need the new password to reconnect.