You cannot find a password you have already set, but you can reset it

If you have forgotten the password to your Windows account, there is no way to retrieve the original password — it is not stored anywhere you can access. Windows keeps only an encrypted version that cannot be reversed. What you can do instead is reset the password to something new, which takes about 15 minutes on most computers.

The method depends on whether you set up a password recovery option when you created your account. If you did, the reset is straightforward. If you did not, the process is longer but still possible. Both routes are described below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows stores passwords in encrypted form and does not let you see or recover the original password you set.
  • If you added a recovery email or phone number to your account when you set it up, you can reset your password in minutes using that email or phone.
  • If you did not set up recovery options, you can still reset your password using a different computer and your Microsoft account email address.
  • If you use a local account (not a Microsoft account), password recovery is more difficult and may require a Windows installation disk or help from someone with administrator access.
  • The fastest option is always to use a recovery email or phone number if you set one up earlier.

Reset your password using a recovery email or phone number

When you first created your Windows account, you may have entered a recovery email address or phone number. If you did, you can use that to reset your password from the Windows sign-in screen without needing another computer.

On the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password." Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft account email address. Then it will send a code to the recovery email or phone number you set up. Enter that code, and Windows will let you create a new password when ready. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If you do not remember whether you set up a recovery option, try entering your email address on the sign-in screen anyway. If a recovery method exists, Windows will show you the option to use it.

Reset your password using another computer and your Microsoft account email

If you do not have a recovery email or phone number on file, you can reset your password from any other computer with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com on that computer and sign in with your Microsoft account email address. (You will need to remember your email address, but not your password.)

Click "Security" on the left side of the page, then "Change password." Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to an email address or phone number associated with your account. Once you verify, you can set a new password.

After you create the new password, go back to your locked Windows computer and sign in with the new password on the sign-in screen. The password change takes effect when ready.

What to do if you use a local account instead of a Microsoft account

A local account is one that exists only on your computer, not connected to Microsoft. If you set up Windows with a local account and forgot the password, recovery is more complicated because there is no online account to reset.

Your options are: ask someone else with administrator access on that computer to reset your password for you; use a Windows installation disk or USB drive to reset the password (this requires technical steps); or contact Microsoft Support for guidance specific to your situation. If none of these are possible, you may need to reinstall Windows, which erases all files on the computer.

If you are not sure whether you have a local account or a Microsoft account, look at the sign-in screen. If it shows your email address, you have a Microsoft account. If it shows only a username, you have a local account.

Prevent this from happening again: set up recovery options now

Once you regain access to your computer, add a recovery email and phone number to your account so you never get stuck again. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, then click "Manage your Microsoft account." Under "Security," add or update your recovery email and phone number.

You can also set up a password hint — a phrase only you will understand that appears on the sign-in screen to jog your memory. This does not reset your password, but it may help you remember it before you get locked out.

If you use a local account, consider switching to a Microsoft account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead." This gives you the recovery options that local accounts lack.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity

If you cannot access the recovery email or phone number you set up, or if you do not remember your Microsoft account email address, you will need to contact Microsoft Support directly. They can help verify your identity using other information, such as the phone number associated with your account or recent purchases made on that account.

Have your computer serial number ready — you can find it by going to Settings > System > About and looking for "Device name" or the physical label on your computer. Microsoft Support can be reached through support.microsoft.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my password if I am already signed in?

No. Windows does not show you your password anywhere, even when you are signed in. If you want to change it, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password and click "Change." You will need to enter your current password first, then create a new one.

What if I remember part of my password but not all of it?

Windows does not have a "hint" feature that shows you your password. Your best option is to use the password reset process described above. If you set up a recovery email or phone, you can reset to a new password in minutes.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password does not affect your files, photos, documents, or any other data on your computer. You will still have access to everything once you sign in with the new password.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Yes, you can set your new password to anything you want, including a password you used in the past. However, it is safer to choose a password you have not used before, especially if you think someone else may have learned your old password.

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have a recovery email or phone number, the reset takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you are resetting through account.microsoft.com on another computer, it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to contact Microsoft Support, it may take several hours or longer depending on how busy they are.