Where Your Computer Stores the WiFi Password
Your laptop stores the password for every WiFi network it has ever connected to. Windows and Mac both keep this information in encrypted settings that you can view if you know where to look. The password is there whether you typed it in years ago or connected last week — your computer remembers it so you don't have to type it every time.
The steps differ between Windows and Mac because they store passwords in different places. On Windows, the password lives in Network Settings. On Mac, it lives in Keychain, which is Apple's password storage system. Both are straightforward to access once you know the path.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores WiFi passwords in Network Settings under "Manage known networks," and you can view the password by checking the network properties.
- Mac stores WiFi passwords in Keychain Access, which you open from Applications, then search for the network name and check "Show password."
- You need administrator access on your computer to view saved passwords — if you do not have it, you cannot retrieve them.
- If you cannot find the network in either location, your computer may not have saved the password, or it may have been deleted.
Finding the Password on Windows 10 or 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Scroll down and click "Manage known networks." Find the network name you need the password for and click it.
Click "Forget" if you want to remove it, but instead click "Properties" to see the password. Scroll down to the Security section. You will see "Security type" and "Encryption type," but the password itself is hidden. Check the box that says "Show" next to the password field, and it will appear in plain text. Write it down or copy it before you close this window.
If you do not see "Show" as an option, your computer may be running an older version of Windows. Try this alternative: right-click the network name and select "Properties." In the window that opens, find the "Security" tab at the top. Check the box for "Show characters" and the password will display.
Finding the Password on Mac
Open Keychain Access by clicking the Spotlight search icon (magnifying glass in the top right), typing "Keychain Access," and pressing Enter. The Keychain window opens. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network exactly as it appears on your device.
When the network appears in the list, double-click it. A small window opens showing details about that network. Check the box that says "Show password" near the bottom. Your computer will ask for your Mac login password — type it and click "Allow." The WiFi password now displays in plain text in that same box.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Network
If the network does not appear when you search, your computer may not have saved the password. This happens if you connected once but never saved it, or if the password was deleted. Try connecting to the network again — when you type the password this time, make sure to check any box that says "Save this network" or "Remember this network."
Another reason the network might not appear is if you are searching by the wrong name. Some networks broadcast a hidden name, or the name may have changed since you last connected. If you know the network is saved but cannot find it by name, try searching for part of the name instead, or scroll through the full list without using the search box.
When You Need Administrator Access
Both Windows and Mac require that you have administrator rights on your computer to view saved passwords. If you are using a work computer or a shared device, you may not have these rights. Ask the person who manages the computer — usually IT support at work, or the computer owner at home — to retrieve the password for you.
If you are the owner but do not remember your login password, you will need to reset it through your operating system before you can view WiFi passwords. This is a separate process from retrieving the WiFi password itself.
Retrieving a Password You Typed Wrong
If you connected to a network but typed the password incorrectly, your computer saved the wrong password. When you try to view it, it will show the incorrect version. You will need to forget the network and reconnect with the correct password. On Windows, go back to "Manage known networks," click the network, and select "Forget." On Mac, open Keychain Access, find the network, and click the delete button (minus sign) at the bottom.
After you forget the network, reconnect to it. Your device will ask for the password again. Type the correct password this time, and your computer will save it. Then you can view it using the same steps as before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the password if I am not connected to the network right now?
Yes. As long as your computer connected to the network at least once and saved the password, you can view it whether you are currently connected or not. The password is stored on your computer, not on the network itself.
What if the password shows as blank or empty?
A blank password field usually means the network does not use a password — it is open to anyone. Some public networks work this way. If you know the network should have a password, try forgetting it and reconnecting, then check the password field again.
Can I view passwords for networks I have never connected to?
No. Your computer only stores passwords for networks it has actually connected to. If you have never typed in a password for a network, your computer has no record of it.
Is it safe to write down or share the password I find?
The password itself is just text — writing it down is as safe as any other password. Sharing it with someone means they can connect to your network. Only share it with people you trust to use your internet connection.
What if I see multiple entries for the same network name?
This sometimes happens if a network was renamed or if you reconnected after forgetting it. Try each one to see which password works. You can delete the old entries once you confirm which one is current.