Where to find your Windows username and password

Your Windows username is the account name you use to log in to your computer. Your password is what you type after that. If you have forgotten either one, you can recover them without calling Microsoft or paying for help — but the method depends on whether you remember anything about the account and what kind of password you set up.

The fastest route is usually to check where you wrote it down: a notebook, a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, or an email confirmation from when you created the account. If you cannot find it that way, Windows has built-in recovery options that work without your password.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Windows username appears on the login screen and in Settings under System > About, listed as "User name".
  • If you remember your password, you can view it in a password manager or reset it through your Microsoft account online.
  • If you have forgotten both your username and password, you can create a new local account on the same computer using another admin account.
  • Windows password hints (if you set one) appear on the login screen when you click the question mark icon.
  • If you are locked out of all accounts, you may need to restart Windows in Safe Mode or use a password reset disk if you created one earlier.

Finding your username on the login screen and in Settings

When you turn on your computer, the login screen shows the usernames of all accounts on that machine. Look for the name you use to log in — it is usually your first name, a nickname, or an email address. If multiple accounts are listed and you are not sure which one is yours, try clicking each one; the correct account will be the one that accepts your password.

Once you are logged in, you can confirm your username by opening Settings. Press the Windows key and type "Settings," then click System. Scroll down to "About" and look for the line that says "User name" — that is your official Windows username for that account.

Recovering a password you set up yourself

If you created a local account (one that does not use a Microsoft email address), Windows may have asked you to set a password hint when you first set it up. On the login screen, click the question mark icon below the password field to see that hint. It will not be your actual password, but it might jog your memory.

If you set up a password recovery email or phone number when you created the account, you can use that to reset your password. Go to the login screen, click "I forgot my password," and Windows will send a reset link to the email or phone number you provided. Follow the link to create a new password.

Resetting a password through your Microsoft account

If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft email address (like outlook.com or a work email), you can reset your password online without touching the computer. Go to account.microsoft.com on any device with internet access, click "Sign in," then click "Can't access your account?"

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to a backup email or phone number you registered. Once you verify, you can create a new password. The next time you log in to your Windows computer, use that new password.

Creating a new account if you are locked out completely

If you cannot remember any password on the computer and no other account has admin rights, you can create a new local account. Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key while clicking the power button on the login screen, then select "Restart." Windows will boot into recovery mode.

From the recovery menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC." You will be asked whether to keep your files or remove them. Choose "Keep my files" to preserve your documents and photos. Windows will then let you create a new account with a username and password you choose. Once that account is set up, you can log in and decide what to do with the old account later.

Using a password reset disk if you created one earlier

If you created a password reset disk on a USB drive before you forgot your password, you can use it to set a new one. Insert the USB drive into your computer, go to the login screen, and click "Reset password." Windows will walk you through creating a new password using the disk.

If you did not create a reset disk before, you cannot make one now — you would need to log in first. This is why creating one when you set up a new account is worth the five minutes it takes.

What to do if you see a Microsoft account screen instead of a username

Some computers are set up to log in through a Microsoft account rather than a local account. If the login screen shows an email address instead of a username, that email is your account identifier. You can still reset the password through account.microsoft.com as described above.

If you want to switch to a local account (one that does not require an internet connection to log in), open Settings, go to Accounts > Your info, and click "Sign in with a local account instead." Windows will ask you to create a new username and password for that local account.

Keeping track of your username and password going forward

Once you have recovered or reset your password, write it down somewhere safe. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass stores passwords encrypted on your computer or in the cloud, so you only have to remember one master password. Many of these programs are free or low-cost and work across all your devices.

If you prefer not to use a password manager, keep a written list in a locked drawer or safe place at home — not on a sticky note on your monitor. You might also set up a password hint in Windows (go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password) so you have a clue if you forget again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Windows password if I have already typed it in before?

Windows does not display saved passwords for security reasons. If you saved your password in a browser like Chrome or Edge, you can view it by going to Settings > Passwords in that browser. If you saved it in a password manager, open that program and search for "Windows" or your computer name.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and do not have access to my backup email?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using other methods — a phone number, a security question, or a government ID. If none of those work, you may need to contact Microsoft support, though they will ask for proof that you own the account.

Is there a master password for Windows that can unlock any account?

No. Each account has its own password, and there is no universal override. If you are locked out of all accounts on a computer, your only option is to reset Windows through recovery mode (which erases the computer) or to contact the person who set up the computer originally.

Can I log in to Windows without a password?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, click "Remove," and Windows will ask you to confirm. After that, you can log in by clicking your username without typing anything. This is convenient but less find, especially if other people have access to your computer.

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

Change it when ready. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, click "Change," and follow the prompts. If you think someone has accessed your files, consider running a malware scan with Windows Defender (built into Windows) or a program like Malwarebytes to check for unauthorized software.