Where your computer stores the WiFi password

Your computer already knows your WiFi password — it has to, or it couldn't connect. Windows and Mac both store this information in encrypted form, and you can retrieve it without resetting your router or calling your internet provider. The password sits in your network settings, not in a file you can open like a document.

The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and the exact menu names change slightly between versions. But the principle is the same: you open your network settings, find the network you're connected to, and ask the system to show you the password it's been using.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores your WiFi password in network settings under "Manage Known Networks," and you can view it by right-clicking the network and selecting "Properties."
  • On Mac, the password lives in Keychain Access, which you can open from Applications > Utilities, then search for your network name.
  • You need administrator access on your computer to view a saved password — you'll be asked to enter your computer login or password.
  • If you can't find the password this way, your router's default password is printed on a sticker on the device itself, or you can reset the router to factory settings.

Retrieving the password on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings and go to Network & Internet. On the left side, click "WiFi," then scroll down and select "Manage Known Networks." You'll see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Find the one you need and click it.

Click "Properties" at the top of the window. Scroll down to the "Security" section. Next to "Network Security Key," you'll see dots or asterisks hiding the password. Click "Show" next to it, and Windows will ask you to confirm your computer login. Enter your password or PIN, and the WiFi password will appear in plain text.

If you don't see "Show" as an option, your account doesn't have administrator rights on this computer. Ask whoever set up the computer to log in and retrieve it for you.

Retrieving the password on Mac

Open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Keychain Access," and press Enter. This opens the system tool where Mac stores all your passwords.

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 name appears in the list, double-click it. A window will pop up showing details about that network. Check the box next to "Show password" near the bottom. Mac will ask you to enter your computer login password. Type it and click "Allow," and your WiFi password will appear.

If you can't remember your computer login password, you'll need to use your Apple ID to reset it, or ask the person who set up the Mac to retrieve the WiFi password for you.

What to do if the password doesn't appear

If you follow these steps and the password field stays blank or hidden, it usually means one of three things: your account doesn't have administrator rights, the network information is corrupted, or the computer was connected by someone else whose account is no longer on the device.

The fastest solution is to check your router itself. Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the device — it usually shows a default WiFi name and password printed in small text. That password works even if your computer can't retrieve the saved one. If you've changed the password since then and can't find it anywhere, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, which will restore the default password.

Why you might need the password

The most common reason to retrieve a saved password is to connect a new device — a phone, tablet, or another computer — to the same network. You can also use it to share your WiFi with a guest without having to reset anything.

If you're trying to retrieve the password because you forgot it and can't connect to WiFi at all, you'll need to use a different device that's already connected, or use your phone's hotspot to access these instructions on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password if I'm not the administrator?

No. Windows and Mac both require administrator access to view saved passwords. If you're not the administrator, ask whoever set up the computer to log in and retrieve it for you, or contact your IT support if this is a work computer.

What if I see my network in the list but it says "Can't connect"?

That means your computer remembers the network but can't reach it right now. The password is still stored. Follow the steps to view it, and it will be correct — the connection problem is something else, like the router being off or out of range.

Does viewing the password change it?

No. Viewing a saved password on your computer doesn't change it on the router or affect anyone else's connection. It only shows you what your computer already knows.

What if the password field is completely empty?

This sometimes happens if the network information got corrupted. Your fastest option is to check the sticker on your router for the default password, or reset the router to restore it.

Can I retrieve passwords for networks I'm not currently connected to?

Yes. Both Windows and Mac store passwords for every network you've ever connected to. You can view any of them by following the same steps, even if you're not connected to that network right now.