Finding Your Windows Username on Your Computer
Your Windows username is the account name you use to sign in to your computer. The fastest way to find it is to look at the sign-in screen itself — the name displayed above the password box is your username. If you are already signed in, you can see it in the bottom-left corner of your screen, next to the Windows logo on the taskbar.
If you need to confirm it another way, open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar), then look at the left sidebar. You will see a section labeled "This PC" with your username displayed underneath. You can also right-click on "This PC" and select Properties to see your full computer name and username together.
On the sign-in screen, your username may appear as just a first name or a full email address, depending on how your account was set up. If you signed in with a Microsoft account (an Outlook, Hotmail, or other Microsoft email), your username is that email address. If you created a local account, your username is whatever name you chose during setup.
Key Takeaways
- Your Windows username appears on the sign-in screen above the password box, or in the taskbar corner if you are already signed in.
- Microsoft account usernames are email addresses; local account usernames are the names you created during Windows setup.
- You can view your username in File Explorer under "This PC" or in System Properties.
- Windows passwords cannot be recovered or viewed after they are set, but you can reset a forgotten password using a recovery email or phone number.
- If you do not remember your password, use the "I forgot my password" link on the sign-in screen rather than trying to bypass it.
What to Do If You Forgot Your Windows Password
Windows does not show you your password after you set it, and there is no way to view it once it is stored. If you have forgotten it, you will need to reset it using the recovery method you set up when you created your account.
On the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password box. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using either a recovery email address or a phone number associated with your account. If you set up a Microsoft account, you likely provided one of these during setup. Windows will send a code to that email or phone, and you can use the code to create a new password.
If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone number, the process becomes much harder. You will need to contact Microsoft support directly, and they will ask you to prove you own the account. Have your computer serial number and any other proof of ownership ready.
Resetting a Local Account Password Without Recovery Information
If you created a local account (not a Microsoft account) and did not set up a recovery email or phone number, resetting a forgotten password requires more steps. You will need another administrator account on the same computer, or you will need to use Windows installation media to reset the password.
If another administrator account exists on your computer, sign in with that account. Go to Settings, then select Accounts, then Family & other users. Find your account in the list and click it, then select "Change password." You can create a new password without needing the old one.
If no other administrator account exists, you will need a Windows installation USB drive or disc. This process is technical and involves booting from the installation media and using command-line tools. Many people find it easier to contact a local computer repair shop or Microsoft support for help with this step.
Finding Your Username in Settings and System Information
Windows stores your username in several places you can check. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select Accounts. The top of the Accounts page shows your account name and account type (Microsoft account or local account).
You can also find your username in System Information. Press the Windows key and type "System Information," then open it. Look for "User Name" in the list — it will show your full username in the format "COMPUTERNAME\username" or as an email address if you use a Microsoft account.
If you use a Microsoft account, you can also sign in to account.microsoft.com from any web browser to see your account details, including your username and any recovery information you have set up.
Understanding Microsoft Accounts Versus Local Accounts
Your username format depends on which type of account you have. A Microsoft account uses an email address as the username — usually an Outlook, Hotmail, Gmail, or other email you provided when setting up Windows. A local account uses a straightforward name you created, like "John" or "JSmith."
Microsoft accounts are connected to Microsoft's servers, so you can recover a forgotten password using your recovery email or phone. Local accounts are stored only on your computer, so recovery is harder if you forget the password and did not set up recovery information.
You can check which type you have by going to Settings, then Accounts. If your account shows an email address, it is a Microsoft account. If it shows a straightforward name, it is a local account. You can also look at the sign-in screen — if you see an email address, you have a Microsoft account.
Changing Your Password Once You Know Your Username
Once you have confirmed your username, you may want to change your password for security reasons. The process differs slightly depending on whether you have a Microsoft account or a local account.
For a Microsoft account, go to Settings, then Accounts, then Password. Select "Change your password" and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your current password first, then create a new one. For a local account, go to Settings, then Accounts, then Sign-in options. Under "Password," select "Change" and follow the same process.
If you are changing your password because you think someone else knows it, change it as soon as possible. A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is at least 12 characters long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my Windows password after I set it?
No. Windows stores passwords in an encrypted format and does not display them after you create them. If you forget your password, you must reset it using your recovery email or phone number, not retrieve the old one.
What if I see multiple usernames on my sign-in screen?
Your computer may have more than one account. Each account has its own username and password. Click on the account you use to sign in, then enter that account's password. If you are not sure which account is yours, look for the one with your name or the email address you use.
Is my username the same as my email address?
Only if you signed in with a Microsoft account. If you created a local account, your username is the name you chose during setup, not your email. You can check in Settings under Accounts to see which type you have.
Can I change my username?
For a Microsoft account, you cannot change the email address that serves as your username without creating a new account. For a local account, you can change your username through Settings, though this does not affect your password — you change those separately.
What should I do if I do not remember my recovery email or phone number?
Contact Microsoft support with proof that you own the account, such as your computer serial number or a credit card used for Microsoft purchases. They can help you regain access, though the process may take several days.