Where Windows 11 Stores Your Network Credentials

Windows 11 keeps the username and password for networks you've connected to before in a built-in storage area called Credential Manager. When you first connected to your WiFi, Windows saved those details so you wouldn't have to type them every time. You can retrieve them from Credential Manager without resetting your router or calling your internet provider.

The credentials Windows stores are the ones you entered when you first joined the network — usually your router's default name (SSID) and the password printed on a sticker, or a custom password you set up yourself. If you've never connected to this network before on this computer, the credentials won't be there, and you'll need to check your router directly instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Credential Manager by typing "credential manager" in the Windows 11 search box and selecting the result.
  • Click "Windows Credentials" to see all saved network passwords grouped by network name.
  • Select the network you need, click "Show", and enter your Windows password to reveal the saved WiFi password.
  • If your network doesn't appear in Credential Manager, you haven't connected to it before on this computer, and you'll need to check your router's label or settings instead.
  • Write down the password somewhere safe once you find it, because Credential Manager requires your Windows password every time you want to view it.

Opening Credential Manager on Windows 11

The fastest way to reach Credential Manager is through the search box. Click the search icon (magnifying glass) on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen, or press the Windows key and type without clicking anything.

Type credential manager into the search box. You'll see "Credential Manager" appear at the top of the results — it has a small key icon next to it. Click on it to open the window.

Credential Manager will open showing several categories. You're looking for the section labeled Windows Credentials — click on it to expand the list of saved network passwords.

Finding Your Saved Network Password

Once you've opened Windows Credentials, you'll see a list of networks you've connected to on this computer. Each entry shows the network name (SSID) — for example, "Smith_WiFi" or "Linksys". Look for the network name you're trying to find the password for and click on it to expand it.

When you click the network name, a small arrow appears next to it and the entry expands. You'll see a line that says Password with a row of dots or asterisks hiding the actual password. Click the word Show next to the password field.

Windows will ask you to enter your Windows account password — the same password you use to log into this computer. Type it in and click OK. Your saved WiFi password will now appear in plain text where the dots were.

What to Do If Your Network Isn't Listed

If you search through Windows Credentials and don't see your network name, it means this computer has never connected to that network before, or the connection was made under a different Windows user account on the same computer.

In this case, you'll need to find the password another way. Check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker with the default network name and password printed on it. If you've changed the password since setup, you'll need to log into your router's settings page directly — usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then entering the router's admin username and password (also often on the sticker).

Saving Your Password Somewhere Safe

Once you've found your password in Credential Manager, write it down or save it somewhere you can find it later. Credential Manager requires you to enter your Windows password every single time you want to view the WiFi password, which can be inconvenient if you need it frequently.

Consider storing it in a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which you only unlock once per session. Avoid storing it in a plain text file on your desktop or in an email — those are straightforward targets if someone gains access to your computer.

Resetting a Forgotten Network Password

If you've forgotten the password and it's not showing up in Credential Manager, you can reset it directly on your router. Log into your router's admin panel (the address is usually on the sticker), find the WiFi settings or wireless settings section, and change the password there. Once you've set a new password, you'll need to reconnect all your devices to the network using the new password.

If you've also forgotten your router's admin password, you can perform a factory reset by holding down the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and return the router to its default state — you'll see the default network name and password on the sticker again. Be aware that resetting the router will disconnect all devices currently using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows ask for my password when I click Show?

Windows treats saved passwords as sensitive information and requires you to prove you're the account owner before revealing them. This is a security feature — it prevents someone who briefly uses your computer from seeing all your saved passwords without your knowledge.

Can I see passwords saved by other user accounts on the same computer?

No. Each Windows user account has its own separate Credential Manager. If another person on your computer connected to the network under their account, their saved password won't appear in your Credential Manager, and you won't be able to view it.

What if I see multiple entries for the same network?

This sometimes happens if you've reconnected to the network multiple times or if Windows created duplicate entries. Click on each one and check the password — they should all be the same unless you've changed it. You can delete the duplicates by right-clicking and selecting delete, but keep at least one.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password from Credential Manager?

Yes, the password itself is just a string of characters — sharing it with someone you trust so they can connect their device is no different than reading it off your router's sticker. Just remember that anyone with the password can connect to your network, so change it if someone moves out or you want to revoke access.

Can I change my WiFi password from Credential Manager?

No. Credential Manager only shows you the password you saved — it doesn't change it. To change your WiFi password, you need to log into your router's settings page and update it there. Once you change it on the router, you'll need to reconnect your devices using the new password.