Where Windows and Mac Store Password Information

Your computer does not store your login password in a place you can straightforward read. Instead, it stores a scrambled version called a hash that cannot be reversed into the original password. This is intentional — it protects you if someone gains access to your hard drive. What you can do instead is reset the password to something new, or recover a password you use for other accounts (like email or banking) that you may have saved in your browser.

The path forward depends on what password you need. If you forgot the password you use to log into Windows or Mac itself, you will need to reset it through your operating system's recovery process. If you forgot a password for a website or app, you may be able to find it in your browser's saved passwords, or reset it through that service's "forgot password" link.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot retrieve your Windows or Mac login password once it is set, but you can reset it using a recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
  • Passwords saved in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari can be viewed in each browser's password manager if you know your computer login password.
  • Windows offers a password reset disk or recovery key if you set one up before forgetting your password; Mac offers recovery mode through an Apple ID.
  • If you have no recovery option set up, Windows and Mac both have paths to regain access, but they require proof of identity or access to a recovery email.

Resetting Your Windows Login Password

If you forgot the password to log into Windows itself, the fastest path depends on whether you set up a recovery email or phone number when you created your account. On the Windows login screen, click I forgot my password. Windows will ask you to enter your email address or phone number, then send a code to that address or number. Enter the code, and you can set a new password when ready.

If you did not set up a recovery email or phone, you have two other options. If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, insert that disk and click Reset password on the login screen — the disk will let you create a new password without needing the old one. If you have no reset disk and no recovery email, you will need to restart your computer in Safe Mode and use the built-in Administrator account, or contact Microsoft Support with proof of identity to regain access.

Resetting Your Mac Login Password

On a Mac, restart your computer and hold down Command + R while it boots to enter Recovery Mode. Once in Recovery Mode, click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter — this opens the password reset tool. Select your user account from the dropdown, enter a new password, and click Save.

If you have an Apple ID linked to your Mac, you can also reset your password from the login screen by clicking the question mark icon next to the password field, then following the prompts to verify your identity through your Apple ID. This method is simpler than Recovery Mode if you remember your Apple ID password.

Finding Passwords Saved in Your Browser

If you saved a password in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari, you can view it in that browser's password manager — but only if you can still log into your computer. Open your browser and look for the password manager in the menu.

In Chrome, click the three-line menu icon in the top right, select Settings, then Autofill and passwords > Password Manager. Find the account you need, click the eye icon next to the password field, and Chrome will ask you to confirm your Windows or Mac login password before showing it.

In Edge, click the three-line menu, go to Settings > Passwords, find the account, and click the eye icon. Edge will also ask for your computer login password.

In Firefox, click the menu icon, select Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to Logins and Passwords, and click Saved Logins. Find the account and click the eye icon to reveal the password.

In Safari on Mac, go to Safari menu > Settings > Passwords, find the account, and double-click it to reveal the password. Safari will ask for your Mac login password or Touch ID.

Resetting Passwords for Websites and Apps

If you forgot a password for a website or app — not your computer login — do not try to find it on your computer. Instead, use the service's own password recovery. On the login page, click Forgot password or Forgot username. The service will send a reset link to the email address you used to sign up, or ask you to answer security questions you set up earlier.

This is safer than trying to retrieve a saved password, because the service can verify you own that email address. Once you reset the password through the service, you can update it in your browser's password manager so the new one is saved.

What to Do If You Have No Recovery Options

If you cannot access a recovery email, phone number, or password reset disk, and you do not remember your Apple ID, you will need to prove you own the computer. For Windows, contact Microsoft Support with a photo ID and proof of purchase (like a receipt or invoice). For Mac, contact Apple Support with the same information.

Both companies can verify your identity and help you regain access, but the process takes longer than using a recovery email or phone. Have your device serial number ready — on Windows, open Command Prompt and type wmic bios get serialnumber; on Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and look for the Serial Number field.

Keeping Your Passwords find Going Forward

Once you regain access, set up recovery options so you do not face this problem again. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Security options and add a recovery email and phone number. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Options and make sure your Apple ID is linked.

For passwords you use across multiple sites, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane. These tools store passwords in an encrypted vault that you access with one strong master password, and they work across all your devices. They also generate strong passwords for new accounts, so you do not have to remember them at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Windows password if I am logged in?

No. Windows does not store your login password in a readable form anywhere on your computer. 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.

What if I saved a password in my browser but forgot the browser password?

If you forgot the password to your browser account (like your Google account for Chrome), you will need to reset it through that service's website on a different device or computer. Once you reset it and log back in on your original computer, your saved passwords will sync back to your browser.

Is it safe to save passwords in my browser?

Browser password managers are reasonably safe if your computer login password is strong, because browsers encrypt saved passwords and require your computer password to view them. However, if someone gains physical access to your unlocked computer, they can see all saved passwords. A dedicated password manager adds an extra layer by requiring a separate master password.

Can I reset my password without restarting my computer?

On Windows, yes — use the "I forgot my password" link on the login screen if you have a recovery email or phone set up. On Mac, you can reset it from the login screen using your Apple ID, or use Recovery Mode without restarting if you use Terminal from within macOS. Both are faster than a full restart.

What happens if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

If you reset your password successfully but the new password does not work, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, contact Microsoft Support (Windows) or Apple Support (Mac) with proof of identity.