Retrieve Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows and Mac

Forgetting your Wi-Fi password can be a bit of a hassle, but worry not! If you've ever connected to a Wi-Fi network with your Windows or Mac computer, your password is likely stored on your device.

This means you don’t have to reach out to your router manufacturer or internet service provider for help. Instead, you can find it easily on your computer. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to locate your saved Wi-Fi passwords on both Windows and Mac computers. Plus, we’ll share some tips on password security best practices to keep your data safe and sound.

Finding Your Wi-Fi Password on Mac

On MacOS, all previously entered passwords, including Wi-Fi passwords, are securely stored in the Keychain Access password management system. Here’s how you can access and find a specific Wi-Fi password:

Open Keychain Access: Begin by opening the Keychain Access application. You can find it in the Utilities folder within your Applications folder, or simply use Spotlight Search (press Command + Space and type "Keychain Access").
Search for the Wi-Fi Network: In the Keychain Access window, use the search bar in the top-right corner to search for the Wi-Fi network whose password you need. Type the name of the network.
Locate and View the Password: Once you find the network in the list, double-click on it to open the details. In the window that pops up, check the box next to "Show password." You’ll be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator username and password. After entering these credentials, the Wi-Fi password will be displayed in the field next to "Show password."

Finding Your Wi-Fi Password on Windows

On Windows, you can easily see the password for the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to. To find passwords for other previously connected networks, you’ll need to use the Windows Terminal and run some netsh commands. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

View the Current Wi-Fi Password:

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
Go to "Network & Internet," then select "Status" from the left-hand menu.
Click on "Network and Sharing Center."
In the Network and Sharing Center window, click on your active Wi-Fi network name.
A new window will pop up. Click on "Wireless Properties," then go to the "Security" tab.
Here, you’ll see the option to "Show characters" under "Network security key." Click this box to reveal your current Wi-Fi password.

Find Passwords for Other Networks:

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt with administrator privileges. (Right-click the Start menu and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)").
To list all saved Wi-Fi profiles, type the command: netsh wlan show profiles and press Enter. This will display a list of all networks your computer has connected to.
To find the password for a specific network, type: netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clear (replace "NETWORK_NAME" with the actual network name).
Look for the line labeled "Key Content" in the results. The password for the Wi-Fi network will be displayed next to it.

Why Finding Saved Wi-Fi Passwords Is Useful

Finding saved Wi-Fi passwords makes reconnecting to known networks very quick and simple. No longer do you have to go through the tedious process of entering long and complicated passwords each time. All the major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android and iOS include built-in features for saving password details securely when joining a new network. This data is then easily accessible the next time that network is within range.

Being able to retrieve saved passwords is tremendously helpful for situations like using a laptop or tablet at a friend's house, colleague's office or while traveling. Hotels, airports, cafes and other public locations often have open wireless networks that need to be joined. Not having to ask for the password or hunt through router setup pages saves precious time. It also avoids potential security issues and social awkwardness that can arise from broadcasting an unencrypted network name publicly.

The saved credentials come in handy for devices like gaming consoles, smart speakers and IoT gadgets as well. Many of these products don't have full keyboards, making traditional password entry a chore. Being able to automatically connect using a previously used password setting is a real convenience. It improves the set up and use experience greatly.

Even when using multiple personal devices, finding Wi-Fi passwords is handy cross-linking them. Laptops, smartphones and desktop computers in a household can all access each other's list of known networks. So moving between rooms or floors isn't a barrier to connectivity. Troubleshooting internet problems is also streamlined as each device's connection history is readily available. Issues can be quickly diagnosed and resolved without back and forth communication.

Overall, the time savings from reusing saved Wi-Fi passwords really adds up over frequent or repeated use cases. The effort required to manually join preferred networks each launch is eliminated. Users can spend less time waiting on connectivity delays and more time enjoying online content, calls and productivity. Having this password vault built into operating systems makes wireless network joining automatic and simple and improves the user experience massively. Finding and reusing saved credentials is a great example of technology convenience when done securely and ethically.

Tips for Password Security Best Practices

While finding your Wi-Fi password is handy, it's also crucial to keep your passwords secure. Here are some best practices to consider:

Use a Password Manager: Password managers are a great tool for storing and managing your passwords securely. Some highly recommended and popular password managers include:

Dashlane: Known for its excellent cross-platform compatibility and strong security features. Highly customizable.

1Password: Praised for its simple and intuitive design. Great at generating strong, unique passwords.

Keeper: Offers family/team sharing options, strong encryption, and good mobile apps.

Bitwarden: An open-source option that's free yet fully featured with cross-platform support.

NordPass: Known for full security audits of its code and good value-paid tiers with additional features.

Avoid Saving Passwords in Browsers: While browsers offer to save passwords, it’s generally more secure to use a dedicated password manager. Password managers provide encrypted storage, automatic password generation, and syncing across devices.
Use Unique, Strong Passwords: A good password manager can help you generate and store unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Regularly Update Passwords: Regularly updating your passwords and monitoring for breaches can help protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

The Takes Away

Finding your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows and Mac is a straightforward process that can save you from the hassle of resetting passwords or contacting support. With the instructions provided, you can easily locate passwords for both currently connected and previously connected networks.

Additionally, following password security best practices, such as using a reliable password manager and maintaining strong, unique passwords, will help keep your online accounts secure. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a more secure and convenient digital experience.