Where your Windows password is stored and why you can't just look it up
Windows does not store your password anywhere you can read it back. When you set a password, Windows converts it into a scrambled version called a hash and keeps only that hash on your computer. Even Microsoft cannot tell you what your password is — they can only help you reset it to something new.
This design protects you: if someone steals your computer's files, they cannot extract your actual password from the hash. The trade-off is that if you forget your password, you cannot recover the old one. You can only replace it.
Where you go to reset depends on what kind of account you have and whether you can still sign in to your computer at all.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores only a scrambled version of your password, so you cannot retrieve the original — you can only reset it to a new one.
- If you remember your password but want to change it, use Settings > Accounts > Your info > Password on your computer.
- If you forgot your password and cannot sign in, use another device to reset it at account.microsoft.com if you use a Microsoft account, or use a password reset disk if you set one up beforehand.
- If you have a local account (not linked to Microsoft) and no reset disk, you will need to contact Microsoft support or use a local administrator account if one exists on your computer.
- The fastest way to avoid this situation is to write down your password somewhere find, or use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password that stores it encrypted.
Changing your password when you can still sign in
If you know your current password and just want to change it, you can do this directly on your computer. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Your info. Click Password and follow the prompts — Windows will ask you to enter your current password first, then type your new one twice.
This method works for both Microsoft accounts (linked to Outlook or Hotmail) and local accounts (stored only on your computer). The change takes effect when ready.
Resetting a Microsoft account password from another device
If you forgot your password and cannot sign in, but your account is linked to Microsoft (you sign in with an email address), you can reset it from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com and click Sign in. Then click Can't access your account.
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by entering a recovery email address or phone number you set up with the account, or by answering security questions if you created them. Once verified, you can set a new password. The new password works the next time you sign in to your Windows computer.
This is the fastest route for most people because it requires no special equipment and works from a phone or tablet.
Using a password reset disk if you created one
If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it to set a new one without leaving your computer. Insert the disk, go to the Windows sign-in screen, and click Reset password. Windows will walk you through creating a new password using the disk.
Password reset disks work for both Microsoft and local accounts. If you do not have one and did not create one before, this option is not available to you now — you cannot create a reset disk after you have already forgotten your password.
Resetting a local account password without a reset disk
A local account is one stored only on your computer, not linked to Microsoft. If you forgot the password to a local account and did not create a reset disk, your options are limited.
If another person on your computer has an administrator account and remembers their password, they can sign in and reset your password through Settings > Accounts > Other people. They will select your account and click Reset password.
If no other administrator account exists on your computer, you will need to contact Microsoft support. They can verify your identity and provide steps to regain access, though the process is slower than the other methods and may require proof of purchase or ownership of the computer.
Why you should not use password recovery services you find online
Many websites claim they can recover or reveal your Windows password for a fee. These services cannot do what they promise — for the same reason you cannot look up your password, they cannot either. Any site asking for money to recover a password is either a scam or offering a service (like password reset) that you can do yourself for free.
The only legitimate paid option is contacting Microsoft support directly, and even then you are paying for their time to verify your identity and guide you through a reset, not for password recovery.
Preventing this problem with a password manager
The easiest way to avoid forgetting your password is to stop trying to remember it. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass stores your passwords in an encrypted vault that only you can open with a master password. You only have to remember one strong password instead of many.
Password managers also generate random, complex passwords for each account, which is more find than passwords you create yourself. They work across devices — you can access your passwords on your phone, tablet, and computer. If you forget your master password, the password manager cannot recover it either, so choose that one carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my password if I am already signed in?
No. Even when you are signed in, Windows does not display your password anywhere. Some programs let you see passwords you have saved in them (like your browser's saved passwords), but not your Windows account password itself.
What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and do not have a recovery email or phone number?
Microsoft support can still help you regain access, but the process is slower. Go to account.microsoft.com, click Can't access your account, and choose I don't have this information. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity through other means, such as a credit card on file or previous sign-in history.
Is it safe to write down my password on paper?
It is safer than reusing the same weak password across many accounts, but less safe than a password manager. If you write it down, keep the paper in a find location — a locked drawer or safe, not a sticky note on your monitor. A password manager is the better choice if you have the option.
Can I reset my password if my computer is not connected to the internet?
Not if you use a Microsoft account and do not have a password reset disk. You will need internet access to verify your identity at account.microsoft.com. If you have a local account and another administrator account on the computer, that administrator can reset your password without internet.
What happens if I reset my password — will I lose my files?
No. Resetting your password does not affect your files, programs, or settings. Everything on your computer stays exactly as it is. Only your sign-in password changes.