Where your username and password are stored on your computer

Your PC username lives in two places: the Windows logon screen (where you type it when you turn on your computer) and in your system settings. Your password is not stored anywhere you can read it back — Windows keeps only an encrypted version. If you have forgotten your password, you cannot retrieve it; you can only reset it. If you remember your password but forgot your username, that is easier to find.

The distinction matters because the steps are completely different. A username you can look up in seconds. A password requires you to either reset it (if you have access to the account) or prove your identity to Microsoft (if you do not).

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows username appears on the logon screen and in Settings under System > About, listed as "Device name" or under your profile picture in Settings > Accounts.
  • Windows does not store your password in a readable form, so you cannot find it — you can only reset it using your Microsoft account recovery options or a local account reset disk.
  • If you use a Microsoft account to sign in, you can reset your password at account.microsoft.com without touching your PC.
  • If you use a local account and have forgotten the password, you will need a password reset disk created earlier, or you will need to contact Microsoft support or a local technician.
  • Passwords for programs and websites saved in your browser are stored in your browser's password manager, not in Windows itself.

Finding your username on Windows 10 or 11

The fastest way is to look at your logon screen. Restart your computer or lock it (press Windows key + L). Your username appears above the password field. If you are already logged in, you can find it without restarting.

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to Accounts, then Your info. Your username appears under your profile picture at the top. On some systems it shows as "Local account" or "Microsoft account" depending on which type you use.

Another way: right-click the Start button, select System, then scroll down to About. Look for the line that says Device name — that is your computer's network name, which is often the same as your username but not always. For your actual logon username, the Settings > Accounts > Your info method is more reliable.

Understanding the difference between local and Microsoft accounts

Windows lets you sign in with two types of accounts. A Microsoft account is tied to an email address (usually @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, or another email you registered with Microsoft). A local account is stored only on your computer and has no connection to the internet.

This matters for password recovery. If you use a Microsoft account, you can reset your password from any device by going to account.microsoft.com, clicking Security, then Password, and following the prompts. You do not need access to your PC. If you use a local account, you have fewer options — you either need a password reset disk you created earlier, or you need to contact support.

To check which type you use, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. It will say "Local account" or show your email address with "Microsoft account" underneath.

Resetting a forgotten password on a Microsoft account

Go to account.microsoft.com on any computer or phone. Click Sign in, then Can't access your account? at the bottom. Enter your email address and complete the security check (usually a CAPTCHA). Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — you can use a recovery email, a phone number, or an authenticator app if you set one up.

Once verified, you can create a new password when ready. The next time you sign into your PC, use the new password. This works even if you cannot access your computer right now.

If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, Microsoft has additional verification steps. You may be asked security questions you set up when you created the account, or you may need to wait a few days while Microsoft reviews your request.

Resetting a forgotten password on a local account

If you created a password reset disk when you first set up your account, insert it now. On the logon screen, click Reset password (this link only appears if a reset disk exists on your computer). Follow the wizard, which will guide you through creating a new password.

If you did not create a reset disk and have forgotten your password, you have two paths. You can contact Microsoft support — they can verify your identity and help you regain access, though this can take several days. Alternatively, you can take your computer to a local technician who has tools to reset local account passwords, though this is not free and requires you to trust the technician with physical access to your machine.

The best time to create a password reset disk is right now, while you still remember your password. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disk. You will need a USB drive. Store it somewhere safe — if someone else finds it, they can reset your password.

Finding passwords saved in your browser

If you are looking for a password you saved in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, that password is stored in your browser, not in Windows. Open your browser and look for settings related to passwords or autofill.

In Chrome: click the three-line menu, go to Settings > Autofill and passwords > Password Manager. You will see a list of saved passwords. Click the eye icon next to any password to reveal it (you may need to enter your Windows password first).

In Microsoft Edge: click the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Passwords > Saved passwords. Click the eye icon to reveal a password.

In Firefox: click the menu button, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to Logins and Passwords, and click Saved Logins. Click Show passwords to reveal them.

What to do if you cannot remember your username either

If you have completely lost track of your username and cannot access your computer, you need to know which type of account you use. If it is a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com and click Sign in. You can sign in with your email address, phone number, or Skype username — whichever you used to create the account. Once you are in, you can see your account details and reset your password.

If it is a local account and you cannot remember the username, you have a harder problem. The username does not appear anywhere outside the computer itself. Your best option is to contact Microsoft support with proof of ownership (like your receipt or proof of purchase), or to take the computer to a technician. Some technicians can view the list of local accounts on a computer without logging in, which would show you the username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Windows password if I know my username?

No. Windows stores passwords in an encrypted form that cannot be read back, even by you. If you have forgotten your password, you must reset it using your recovery options (email, phone, or security questions for Microsoft accounts, or a reset disk for local accounts). There is no way to retrieve the original password.

What if I am locked out of my Microsoft account email too?

Microsoft has a recovery process for this. Go to account.microsoft.com, click Sign in, then Can't access your account? You can verify your identity using a phone number, authenticator app, or security questions. If you do not have access to any of those, Microsoft may ask you to wait a few days while they review your identity claim.

Is my saved browser password the same as my Windows password?

No. Your Windows password is what you type to log into your computer. Passwords saved in your browser are for websites and apps — they are stored separately in your browser's password manager. They are not connected to your Windows logon password.

Can someone else see my password if they have my computer?

Not your Windows password — it is encrypted and cannot be read. However, if you are logged in and they have physical access to your computer, they can see passwords you have saved in your browser by going to your browser's password manager. If you are concerned about this, use a strong, unique password for your Microsoft account and enable two-factor authentication.

What is a password reset disk and do I need one?

A password reset disk is a USB drive you create while you still know your password. If you forget your local account password later, you can use the disk to reset it without needing to verify your identity online. If you use a local account (not a Microsoft account), creating one is a good safety step. You can make one anytime in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.