Finding your Windows 10 username

Your Windows 10 username appears in the top-right corner of your lock screen, just above the password field. When you turn on your computer or wake it from sleep, look at that corner — the name shown there is your username. If you are already logged in, you can also find it by clicking the Start menu, then your profile picture in the top-left corner; your username displays directly under the picture.

If you need to write it down, take a screenshot or write it exactly as it appears, including capital letters. Windows usernames are case-sensitive in some contexts, so matching the capitalization matters when you use it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows 10 username shows on the lock screen above the password field, or in the Start menu under your profile picture.
  • If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using a password reset disk, a Microsoft account recovery email, or a security question if you set one up.
  • A password reset disk created before you forgot your password is the fastest way to regain access without needing internet or another device.
  • If you use a Microsoft account instead of a local account, you can reset your password on the Microsoft website from any device with internet access.

Resetting your password if you have forgotten it

Windows 10 offers different password reset paths depending on whether you use a local account (username and password stored on your computer) or a Microsoft account (linked to your email and Microsoft services). On the lock screen, if you see your email address instead of a username, you have a Microsoft account.

For a Microsoft account, click "I forgot my password" on the lock screen. Windows will ask you to enter a recovery email or phone number. Microsoft sends a code to that email or phone; enter the code and create a new password. This works as long as you can reach the recovery email or phone number you set up with your account.

For a local account, the lock screen shows a "Reset password" link if you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password. Insert that disk and follow the prompts to create a new password. If you did not create a reset disk, you will need to use a security question (if you set one up) or contact Microsoft Support for additional recovery steps.

Creating a password reset disk for future use

A password reset disk is a USB drive or external drive that lets you reset your password without needing your old one. To create one, plug in a USB drive, then open the Control Panel (search for "Control Panel" in the Start menu). Click "User Accounts," then "User Accounts" again, then "Create a password reset disk" in the left sidebar.

Follow the wizard: select your USB drive, enter your current password, and let Windows write the reset information to the disk. Label the disk clearly and store it somewhere safe. If you ever forget your password, you can use this disk to reset it from the lock screen without losing any files or settings.

This disk only works on the account it was created for. If you have multiple user accounts on your computer, each account needs its own reset disk.

Switching between local and Microsoft accounts

Windows 10 lets you change which type of account you use. If you use a local account and want the recovery options that come with a Microsoft account, you can link your account to a Microsoft email address. Open Settings (search for "Settings" in the Start menu), click "Accounts," then "Your info," then "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead."

If you use a Microsoft account and prefer a local account with no internet requirement, you can switch the other direction. Go to Settings, Accounts, Your info, and click "Sign in with a local account instead." You will keep all your files and settings; only the login method changes.

What to do if you cannot remember your security questions

If you set up security questions when you created your local account and cannot remember your answers, you have limited options without a password reset disk. You can contact Microsoft Support, but they will ask for proof of identity and the process takes longer than using a reset disk.

The fastest path forward is usually to use another administrator account on the same computer, if one exists. An administrator can reset your password through Settings without needing your old password or security questions. If no other administrator account exists and you have no reset disk, Microsoft Support is your next step.

Protecting your username and password going forward

Once you have reset your password, write down your username in a safe place — not on a sticky note on your monitor, but in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in Windows Credential Manager. These tools store usernames and passwords encrypted on your computer.

Create a password reset disk now, before you forget your password again. Store it in a drawer or safe place at home. If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your recovery email is current and that you can still access it. Check this once a year, especially if you have changed email addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Windows hides your password as you type for security. If you have forgotten it, you must reset it using one of the methods above — there is no way to view a password you have already set. This is intentional; it prevents someone looking over your shoulder from seeing your password.

What if I have a Microsoft account but cannot access my recovery email?

Go to account.microsoft.com from any device with internet access and click "Can't access your account." Microsoft will walk you through identity verification using your phone number, a backup email, or security questions. This process can take several days if you cannot verify your identity quickly.

Does resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password changes only how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay on your computer. You will see everything exactly as you left it once you log in with your new password.

Can I use the same password reset disk on multiple computers?

No. A password reset disk works only on the specific computer and user account it was created for. If you have multiple computers, create a separate reset disk for each one.

What is the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?

A local account stores your username and password on your computer only. A Microsoft account links to your email and Microsoft services, letting you recover your password online and sync settings across devices. Local accounts work without internet; Microsoft accounts need internet to set up but offer more recovery options.