How Can I Find the WiFi Password on My Computer?
How Can I Find the WiFi Password on My Computer?
3 Answers

So, you’re trying to dig out your WiFi password on a Windows 10 or 11 computer? No sweat. Here’s how you can do it without breaking a sweat:
For Windows 10:
- Head over to the Network icon in the bottom-right. Give it a right-click and pick Open Network & Internet settings.
- Next, click Status on the left, and then hit up the Network and Sharing Center.
- Find your WiFi’s name under Connections and click on it, which will bring up the Wi-Fi Status window.
- Toss a click on Wireless Properties and flip over to the Security tab.
- Here’s the kicker: just check that Show characters box to reveal your WiFi password. Magic!
For Windows 11:
- Click on the Network icon on your taskbar and choose Network settings.
- Dive into Advanced network settings under Network & Internet, and then click More network adapter options.
- In the Network Connections window, find your active WiFi, right-click it, and choose Status.
- Zero in on the Wireless Properties button, and hop over to the Security tab.
- Slide the Show characters switch to reveal your WiFi password. Easy peasy!
Once you’ve nailed these steps, you’re in. Just remember, you’ll need admin access to see the password, so make sure you’re all set on that front.

If you’re trying to dig up a WiFi password stored somewhere in your computer\’s nooks and crannies, the steps might change a bit depending on whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or something else. Let’s break it down for you.
1. For Windows Peeps
When You’re Already Hooked Up to the WiFi
Here’s the scoop:
- Using Settings App (Windows 10/11):
- Dive into Settings and head over to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Hit Manage known networks, find your network buddy, and click Properties.
- There you go—toggle Show characters to get your password staring back at you!
- Dabbling with Control Panel:
- Swing by Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
- Tap on your Wi-Fi’s name > Wireless Properties > Security tab.
- Peek at Show characters and there’s your key.
- Getting Geeky with Command Prompt:
- Fire up
cmd
as an admin. - Type this line:
netsh wlan show profile name=\"WiFiName\" key=clear
- Look for Key Content—there’s your magic word.
- Fire up
Forgot the Password and Not Currently Connected?
So, what now?
- Rummage Through Saved Profiles:
Pop in the commandnetsh wlan show profiles
to see what\’s in the vault, then follow the wizardry above. - Go Through the Router’s Back Door:
- Hard-wire to the router with an Ethernet cable or use the creds on that sticker lurking on the router’s bottom.
- Type
192.168.1.1
(or whatever your gateway is) into a browser and dive in. - Head to Wireless Settings > Security to unearth or tinker with your password.
2. macOS Folks, You’re Up
Checking Out Keychain
Do this:
- Pop open Spotlight (Cmd+Space) and type Keychain Access.
- Under System and Passwords on the left, hunt down your Wi-Fi.
- Double-click it and check off Show password.
- After you vouch for yourself with your Mac’s admin details, the password\’s yours to see.
3. When You Have the Router’s Ear
Now, here’s the kicker:
- Hit the Reset Button:
If things get too hairy, press and hold the router’s reset button to bring it back to its factory baby steps, then get a fresh password. - Tread Carefully with Third-Party Tools:
Stuff like WirelessKeyView for Windows or WiFi Password Revealer can sort things out, but they’re not without their risks. Always double-check the software’s legitimacy; don\’t just grab any ole thing.
What Could Go South?
If you\’re still in a pickle:
- No Admin Rights:
- You’ll need those to pull off some of these moves.
- Network Never Saved:
- Either get router access or end up resetting it if you absolutely must.
- Mac’s System Files Lockdown:
- Make sure Keychain’s a cooperative buddy and not stuck behind a lock screen.
With these tips, you should be able to snatch that Wi-Fi password back. Just remember to keep those sneaky third-party reveals tucked away and only share ‘em when it truly counts.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Your Computer
If you’re already connected to a Wi-Fi network and need to recall the saved password on your computer, there are several methods you can use depending on your operating system. Below are step-by-step instructions for both Windows and macOS:
Windows
There are two common methods:
- Using the Network & Sharing Center (GUI Method):
- Click the [Wi-Fi icon] on your taskbar (located in the lower-right corner).
- Select “Network & Internet Settings” (or “Network and Internet settings” if on Windows 11) and then click on “Network and Sharing Center” in the Advanced settings.
- In the Network and Sharing Center, click on the name of your connected Wi-Fi network.
- A Wi-Fi Status window will appear. Click on “Wireless Properties,” then navigate to the “Security” tab.
- Check the “Show characters” box under the “Network security key” field. The password will now be visible.
- Using Command Prompt (CLI Method):
- Open the Command Prompt by typing “Command Prompt” in the Windows search bar and selecting it.
- Enter the command:
netsh wlan show profile name=”YOUR_WIFI_NAME” key=clear - Replace “YOUR_WIFI_NAME” with the actual name of your Wi-Fi network.
- Look for the “Key Content” field in the output; this displays the Wi-Fi password.
macOS
On a Mac, your Wi-Fi passwords are stored in the Keychain Access app:
- Open Finder, then navigate to Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
- In Keychain Access, locate the Wi-Fi network by name (you can use the search bar to filter the list).
- Double-click on the network’s name, then check the “Show password” box.
- You may be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator username and password. Once authenticated, the Wi-Fi password will be revealed.
Additional Tips
- Router Label: If you have never changed your Wi-Fi password from the default setting, you can also check the label on your router. The default Wi-Fi password is often printed on a sticker on the router itself.
- Router Admin Page: Alternatively, you can log into your router’s admin page by entering its IP address (commonly 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 10.0.0.1) in your web browser. Once authenticated, you can usually navigate to the wireless settings to view the current Wi-Fi password.
These methods utilize built-in system features available on Windows and macOS, ensuring that the process remains based on real-world instructions and authoritative sources.