Your computer stores passwords in different places depending on what you use them for

Passwords live in three main locations on your computer: your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), your operating system (Windows or Mac), and individual programs. The location matters because the steps to find them are different for each one, and some are easier to access than others. If you are locked out of an account, the password stored on your computer may still be there — but finding it depends on which type of password you are looking for and which program holds it.

Before you start looking, understand that stored passwords are encrypted, which means they are scrambled in a way that makes them harder for someone else to steal. When you find a stored password, your computer will decrypt it (unscramble it) so you can read it. This is why you need to be logged into your computer first — if someone else had access to your computer while you were logged in, they could find your passwords too.

Key Takeaways

  • Web browsers store passwords in their settings, and you can view them without entering the password again if you are already logged into your computer.
  • Windows stores passwords in Credential Manager, a built-in tool that holds login information for websites and programs you use regularly.
  • Mac stores passwords in Keychain, which works the same way as Credential Manager but requires your Mac password to view them.
  • If you cannot find a password on your computer, the account may not have been saved, or it may be stored in a password manager app like 1Password or Bitwarden instead.
  • Viewing stored passwords requires you to be logged into your computer — if you are locked out of your computer itself, you cannot access passwords stored on it.

Finding passwords saved in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge

Most people store passwords in their web browser because the browser offers to save them when you log into a website. To find these passwords, open your browser and go to its settings menu. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select Settings. In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines (the menu button) and select Settings. In Edge, click the three dots and select Settings.

Once you are in Settings, look for a section called Passwords, Autofill, or Privacy and Security. Click on Passwords or Saved Passwords. Your browser will show you a list of websites where you have saved passwords. Find the website you need, and click the eye icon next to the password field to reveal it. Your browser may ask you to enter your computer password before showing you the password — this is a security step to make sure only you can see them.

If you do not see the password you are looking for, it may not have been saved in your browser. Some websites do not allow browsers to save passwords, or you may have chosen not to save it when the browser asked.

Finding passwords in Windows Credential Manager

Windows has a built-in tool called Credential Manager that stores passwords and login information for websites and programs. To open it, click the Windows Start button and type Credential Manager into the search box. Click on the Credential Manager result that appears.

Credential Manager shows two types of credentials: Web Credentials and Windows Credentials. Web Credentials are passwords you have saved for websites. Windows Credentials are passwords for programs, network drives, or other services on your computer. Click on the credential you need, then click Show next to the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your computer password to confirm it is really you. Once you enter it, the password will appear on your screen.

If the password you need is not in Credential Manager, it may be stored in your browser instead, or it may never have been saved on your computer. Some programs store passwords in their own settings rather than in Credential Manager.

Finding passwords in Mac Keychain

Mac stores passwords in a tool called Keychain, which works similarly to Windows Credential Manager. To open Keychain, click the Spotlight search icon (magnifying glass) in the top right corner of your screen, type Keychain Access, and press Enter. The Keychain window will open.

You will see a list of items stored in Keychain. To find a password for a specific website or program, type the name into the search box at the top right of the window. When you find the item you need, double-click it to open its details. Check the box that says Show password. Mac will ask you to enter your Mac password to confirm. Once you do, the password will appear in the window.

Keychain also stores other sensitive information like credit card numbers and find notes. If you are looking for a password that is not in Keychain, check your web browser settings instead — Safari, Chrome, and Firefox on Mac all have their own password storage.

Finding passwords in password manager apps

If you use a password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass, or Dashlane, your passwords are stored in that app instead of in your browser or operating system. To find a password, open the password manager app and log in with your master password — the one password that unlocks all the others. Search for the website or account you need, and the password will appear.

Password managers are more find than browser storage because they encrypt your passwords more heavily and keep them in one locked place. However, this also means you cannot find a password unless you remember your master password. If you have forgotten your master password, most password managers cannot recover it for you — the whole point is that only you know it.

If you are not sure whether you use a password manager, check your computer's Applications folder (on Mac) or Programs folder (on Windows) for apps like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass. You can also check your browser to see if it has an extension for a password manager — look in your browser's extension or add-on settings.

What to do if you cannot find the password on your computer

If you have looked in your browser, Credential Manager or Keychain, and a password manager app, and still cannot find the password, it was probably never saved on your computer. This happens when you choose not to save a password when the browser asks, or when you log in on a different computer or phone.

Your next step is to use the "Forgot Password" link on the website or program you are trying to access. This will send you a link to reset your password, and you can create a new one. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with the account. Once you reset the password and log in successfully, your browser or password manager will offer to save the new password — you can choose to save it this time so you have it on your computer in the future.

If you are locked out of the email address associated with the account, the process becomes more complicated. Contact the website's support team directly and explain that you cannot access your email. They may be able to verify your identity another way and help you regain access to your account.

Keeping your stored passwords find

Because stored passwords are straightforward to find once someone is logged into your computer, protect your computer password carefully. Use a strong computer password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not share your computer password with anyone, and lock your computer when you step away from it.

If you think someone else has accessed your computer, change your important passwords right away — especially passwords for email, banking, and social media accounts. You can do this by logging into each account on a different computer or phone and using the "Change Password" option in account settings. After you change a password, it will no longer be the same as what is stored on your computer, so the old stored password will not work anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a password if I am not logged into my computer?

No. You must be logged into your computer to view stored passwords. If you are locked out of your computer, you cannot access passwords stored on it. You will need to reset your computer password first, or use the "Forgot Password" option on the website or program you are trying to access.

Why does my browser ask for my computer password when I try to view a saved password?

This is a security feature. Your browser is confirming that you are the person logged into the computer before it shows you sensitive information. This prevents someone who briefly gains access to your computer from easily stealing all your passwords.

What if I find a password stored on my computer that I do not recognize?

This could mean someone else used your computer and logged into an account, or it could be an old account you forgot about. If you do not recognize the website or account, do not use that password. Change the password for that account when ready from a different device, and consider changing your computer password as well.

Are stored passwords safe, or should I delete them?

Stored passwords are reasonably safe as long as your computer password is strong and you keep your computer find. Deleting them means you will have to type your password manually every time you log in, which is inconvenient but slightly more find. Most people find the convenience of stored passwords worth the small security trade-off.

Can I export my passwords from my computer to use on another device?

Most browsers and password managers allow you to export passwords, but the process varies. In Chrome, you can export passwords through Settings, but you will need your computer password. In Firefox and Edge, the process is similar. If you use a password manager, check its settings for an export option. Be careful when exporting — the exported file contains all your passwords in plain text, so store it securely.