How to Find WiFi Password on Computer (Several Methods)

March 13, 2025 / By

Finding your WiFi password on your computer might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know where to look. Maybe you need to connect a new device to your network, or perhaps you’ve forgotten the password you set long ago. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through several methods to find your WiFi password on different operating systems computer.

Your computer stores the passwords of networks you’ve connected to before. This means you can retrieve these passwords without having to reset your router or call your internet service provider. I’ll show you how to access this information on Windows, Mac, and even using your web browser if you’re using a router with a web interface.

Let’s dive into the different methods you can use to find your WiFi password on your computer, starting with the most common approaches and then exploring some alternative solutions.

Finding WiFi Password on Windows 10 and 11

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Windows stores your network information in a place that’s fairly easy to access. Here’s how you can find your WiFi password through Windows Settings:

  1. Click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar (bottom right corner of your screen).
  2. Select “Network & Internet settings” or right-click on the WiFi icon and choose “Open Network & Internet settings.”
  3. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
  4. Find your current WiFi connection and click on its name.
  5. In the WiFi Status window that opens, click on “Wireless Properties.”
  6. Go to the “Security” tab.
  7. Check the box that says “Show characters” to reveal your password.

This method works for the network you’re currently connected to. The password will appear in plain text once you check the “Show characters” box.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using commands or need to find the password for a network you’re not currently connected to, the Command Prompt method might be better:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: netsh wlan show profile
  3. This will show a list of all saved WiFi networks on your computer.
  4. To see the password for a specific network, type: netsh wlan show profile name=”YourNetworkName” key=clear
  5. Replace “YourNetworkName” with the name of your WiFi network.
  6. Look for “Key Content” under the “Security settings” section. This is your WiFi password.

This command-line method is powerful because it lets you find passwords for any saved network, not just the one you’re currently using.

Method 3: Using Control Panel

Another way to find your WiFi password on Windows is through the Control Panel:

  1. Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to “Network and Internet.”
  3. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
  4. Click on your current WiFi connection name (next to “Connections”).
  5. In the Status window, click on “Wireless Properties.”
  6. Go to the “Security” tab.
  7. Check “Show characters” to see your password.

This method is similar to the first one but starts from the Control Panel instead of the Settings app.

Finding WiFi Password on Mac

Method 1: Using Keychain Access

Mac computers store passwords in a tool called Keychain Access. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open “Keychain Access” by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type “Keychain Access”).
  2. In the search box at the top right, type the name of your WiFi network.
  3. Double-click on your WiFi network name when it appears in the list.
  4. Check the box that says “Show password.”
  5. You’ll be asked to enter your Mac user password.
  6. After entering your password, the WiFi password will be revealed.

Keychain Access stores all your passwords on your Mac, so this method is very reliable.

Method 2: Using Terminal

If you prefer using commands on your Mac, you can use Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: security find-generic-password -wa “YourNetworkName”
  3. Replace “YourNetworkName” with the name of your WiFi network.
  4. Enter your Mac user password when prompted.
  5. The WiFi password will be displayed in Terminal.

This Terminal method is quicker if you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces.

Finding WiFi Password Through Router Settings

Method 1: Accessing Router Web Interface

If you have access to your router’s settings, you can find the WiFi password there:

  1. Open your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
  2. Type your router’s IP address in the address bar. Common router addresses include:
    • 192.168.0.1
    • 192.168.1.1
    • 10.0.0.1
  3. Press Enter to go to your router’s login page.
  4. Enter your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, check for default credentials:
    • On the bottom of your router
    • In the router’s manual
    • On the manufacturer’s website
  5. Once logged in, look for “Wireless Settings,” “WiFi Settings,” or something similar.
  6. You should find your WiFi password or passphrase listed there, often under “Security” or “Password.”

This method gives you direct access to your router settings, where you can not only find but also change your WiFi password if needed.

Method 2: Looking at Router Label

Sometimes the simplest solution works best:

  1. Turn your router over or look at its sides.
  2. Look for a label with network information.
  3. Find “WiFi Password,” “Network Key,” or “WPA Key” on this label.
  4. This is your original WiFi password, unless you’ve changed it since setting up the router.

This method works if you’re using the default password that came with your router.

Finding WiFi Password Using Third-Party Software

Method 1: WiFi Password Revealer

There are programs designed specifically to help you find WiFi passwords:

  1. Download a reputable WiFi password revealer tool (like Wireless Password Recovery).
  2. Install the program following the on-screen instructions.
  3. Open the program after installation.
  4. The tool will automatically display a list of all saved WiFi networks and their passwords.
  5. Find your network in the list and note the password.

Be careful when downloading third-party software. Only use trusted sources to avoid malware.

Method 2: Network Scanner Apps

Network scanner applications can sometimes help:

  1. Download a network scanner app like Advanced IP Scanner.
  2. Install and run the application.
  3. Scan your network to find all connected devices.
  4. Locate your router in the list of devices.
  5. Some scanners offer features to access router settings directly.
  6. Access your router settings to find the WiFi password.

These tools offer additional network management features that might be useful beyond just finding your password.

Finding WiFi Password on Linux

Method 1: Using Terminal Commands

Linux users can find WiFi passwords through Terminal:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. To see a list of saved networks, type: ls /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/
  3. To view details about a specific network, type: sudo cat /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/YourNetworkName
  4. Replace “YourNetworkName” with the name of your WiFi network.
  5. Enter your user password when prompted.
  6. Look for the “psk=” line in the output. The text after “psk=” is your WiFi password.

Linux stores network information in text files, making it relatively easy to access if you have administrator privileges.

Method 2: Using GUI Tools

Many Linux distributions have graphical tools:

  1. Open “Settings” or “System Settings.”
  2. Go to “Network” or “WiFi.”
  3. Find your connected network and click on the gear icon next to it.
  4. Look for a “Security” tab or section.
  5. Check “Show password” to view your WiFi password.

The exact steps may vary depending on your Linux distribution and desktop environment.

What to Do If You Can’t Find Your WiFi Password

Method 1: Reset Your Router

If all else fails, you can reset your router:

  1. Locate the small “Reset” button on your router (usually recessed).
  2. Press and hold this button for about 10 seconds using a paperclip or pin.
  3. The router will restart and reset to factory settings.
  4. Look for the default WiFi name and password on the router label.
  5. Connect using these default credentials.
  6. After connecting, you should change the password to something secure that you’ll remember.

Remember that resetting your router will erase all your custom settings, not just your WiFi password.

Method 2: Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you got your router from your internet service provider:

  1. Call your provider’s customer service number.
  2. Explain that you need your WiFi password.
  3. Be prepared to verify your identity as the account holder.
  4. They may be able to tell you the password or reset it for you.

Your provider can often help, especially if they supplied the router.

WiFi Password Security Best Practices

Now that you know how to find your WiFi password, let’s talk about keeping it secure:

  1. Change your password regularly, at least every 3-6 months.
  2. Use a strong password with at least 12 characters, including numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters.
  3. Don’t use personal information like birthdays or names in your password.
  4. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your WiFi password.
  5. Enable WPA3 security on your router if available, or at least WPA2.
  6. Change your router’s admin password from the default.
  7. Keep your router’s firmware updated.
  8. Consider setting up a guest network for visitors so they don’t need your main WiFi password.

Good password practices help protect your network from unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Password Not Working

If you find your password but it doesn’t work:

  1. Check for typing errors. Passwords are case-sensitive.
  2. Make sure you’re connecting to the correct network.
  3. Restart your device and try again.
  4. Check if someone has changed the password recently.
  5. Your router might have been reset. Check the router label for the default password.

Double-checking these simple issues often solves the problem.

Problem: Can’t Access Router Settings

If you can’t log into your router:

  1. Make sure you’re typing the correct IP address.
  2. Try alternate IP addresses (192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 10.0.0.1).
  3. Reset your browser cache or try a different browser.
  4. Make sure your computer is connected to the router (via WiFi or ethernet).
  5. If you’ve forgotten the router admin password, you might need to reset the router.

Router interfaces can sometimes be tricky to access, but persistence usually pays off.

Problem: Can’t Find Windows Network Information

If the Windows methods aren’t working:

  1. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator.
  2. Check if your antivirus is blocking access to network information.
  3. Try updating your network drivers.
  4. Run the Network Troubleshooter by right-clicking the WiFi icon and selecting “Troubleshoot problems.”

Administrative privileges are often needed to access password information.

Advanced WiFi Password Management

Creating a WiFi Information Document

It’s smart to keep track of your network information:

  1. Create a secure document (encrypted if possible).
  2. Record your:
    • WiFi network name
    • WiFi password
    • Router login URL
    • Router username and password
    • Internet service provider contact information
  3. Store this document in a secure place, like a password manager.
  4. Update it whenever you change any passwords.

This saves you from having to search for this information in the future.

Using QR Codes for WiFi Access

Modern phones can connect to WiFi using QR codes:

  1. Generate a WiFi QR code using online tools or apps.
  2. Print the QR code and keep it somewhere accessible but secure.
  3. Guests can scan the code with their phone camera to connect without typing the password.
  4. If you change your password, generate a new QR code.

QR codes make it easier to share your WiFi with trusted visitors.

Conclusion

Finding your WiFi password on your computer isn’t as difficult as it might seem at first. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or Linux, there are built-in tools that can help you retrieve your password in just a few steps. If those methods don’t work, you can always access your router’s settings or, as a last resort, reset your router to factory settings.

Remember to keep your WiFi password secure and change it regularly. A strong, unique password helps protect your network from unauthorized access and keeps your internet connection private and secure.

Now that you know how to find your WiFi password on your computer, you can easily connect new devices to your network or share your connection with trusted friends and family when needed. No more frustration trying to remember that password you set up months or years ago!