Where to find your username on Windows or Mac

Your username is the name that appears when you log in to your computer. On Windows, you can see it in the bottom left corner of the lock screen before you enter your password. Once you are logged in, open Settings, select Accounts, and your username appears at the top of the page under "Your info". On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select System Settings, then click General. Your username shows under "About" as the "Computer Name".

If you need to see all user accounts on your computer, Windows shows them in Settings under Accounts > Other people. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then scroll down to see "Users & Groups" (on older versions, this is in System Preferences). Both systems let you see which accounts exist on the machine, though you may not be able to see passwords from this view.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows username appears on the lock screen and in Settings under Accounts > Your info.
  • Your Mac username is listed in System Settings > General under "Computer Name".
  • Passwords are not stored where you can read them; you can only reset them if you forget.
  • If you are locked out, Windows offers password reset options through security questions or a recovery email, while Mac requires your Apple ID or a recovery key.
  • For work or school computers, contact your IT department or help desk rather than attempting to reset on your own.

Why you cannot see your password once it is set

Passwords are intentionally hidden from view, even from you. Your computer stores an encrypted version of your password, not the actual text. This means Windows and Mac do not show you the password anywhere — not in settings, not in a file, not anywhere on the system. This is a security feature. If passwords were visible, anyone with access to your computer could read them.

This also means you cannot recover a password you have forgotten by looking it up somewhere. You can only reset it and create a new one. The reset process differs depending on whether you are on Windows or Mac, and whether you remember any recovery information.

Resetting a Windows password you have forgotten

If you forgot your Windows password, you have several options depending on what recovery information you set up when you created the account. On the lock screen, click "I forgot my password". Windows will ask you security questions you answered during setup, or send a code to a recovery email address. Answer the questions or enter the code, and you can create a new password.

If you did not set up security questions or a recovery email, you can use a Microsoft account password reset. Go to account.microsoft.com on another device, select "Security" and "Password reset", and follow the prompts. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with your Microsoft account. Once you reset it there, you can use the new password to log in to your computer.

If your computer uses a local account (not linked to Microsoft) and you have no recovery options set up, you will need to reset Windows itself. This erases everything on the computer. Contact Microsoft Support or take the computer to a repair shop before attempting this, as it is not reversible.

Resetting a Mac password you have forgotten

On a Mac, restart the computer and hold Command + Q during startup to enter Recovery Mode. Click Utilities in the menu bar, then select Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window opens where you can select your account and create a new password. This method works if you remember your Apple ID and password, or if you set up a recovery key.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com on another device and follow Apple's account recovery steps. You will need access to a recovery email or phone number linked to your Apple ID. Once you reset your Apple ID password, you can use it to reset your Mac password through Recovery Mode.

If you have no recovery options and cannot access your Apple ID, you will need to erase the Mac and reinstall the operating system. This removes all data. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store before doing this, as the process cannot be undone.

Finding passwords for programs and websites

Your computer username and password are different from passwords you use for email, social media, banking, or other websites. If you need to find a password for a program or website, your computer does not store it — the website or program does. You cannot retrieve it from your computer's settings.

Most browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) can store website passwords and show them to you if you ask. In Chrome, go to Settings > Passwords and Accounts > Passwords. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Passwords. In Safari, go to Preferences > Passwords. You will need to enter your computer password to view the saved passwords. If you forgot the password to a website or program, use the "Forgot Password" link on that website or program's login page instead.

Getting help if you are locked out of a work or school computer

If the computer belongs to your employer or school, do not attempt to reset the password on your own. Contact your IT department, help desk, or the person who manages computers at your organization. They have tools to reset your password without erasing your data, and they can verify that you are the account owner before making changes.

Most organizations can reset your password in minutes if you can prove your identity. Have your employee ID, student ID, or other identification ready when you call. If you are off-site, they may send you a temporary password by email or text, which you can change after logging in.

Keeping your username and password find

Once you have access to your account, protect your password by not writing it down or sharing it with others. Do not use the same password for your computer and your email or banking accounts. If someone else uses your computer, create a separate user account for them rather than sharing your login.

If you think someone has learned your password, change it when ready. On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password". On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Password. You can also change it through the lock screen by clicking your username and selecting "Change Password".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my password after I have typed it in?

No. Passwords are hidden as you type them for security. Once you log in, the password is not displayed anywhere on your computer. If you need to change it, you can create a new password, but you cannot view the old one.

What if I forgot my password and have no recovery email or phone number?

On Windows, you will need to reset Windows itself, which erases all data. On Mac, you will need to erase the Mac and reinstall the operating system. Both options remove everything on the computer. Contact a repair shop or the manufacturer before attempting this.

Is my password stored in a file I can find?

No. Your password is encrypted and stored in a protected system location that you cannot access or read. Even if you find the encrypted file, you cannot decode it. This is intentional — it prevents anyone from stealing your password even if they gain access to your computer's files.

Can I use the same password for my computer and my email?

You can, but it is not recommended. If someone learns your email password, they can reset your computer password and lock you out. Use different passwords for your computer, email, and banking accounts so that one compromised password does not put everything at risk.

What should I do if I think someone else knows my password?

Change your password when ready. On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Change a password". On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Password. Also change the password for your email account, since email is often used to reset other passwords.