How to find administrator password

From a post by contributor Owl-53 at:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254631413?answerId=258649543022#258649543022

Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Computer

1 - Choose Apple menu > > Shut Down.

2- Do not attempt a Restart to access this feature. The computer Must be Shutdown and pause for about 10 seconds before moving forwards

3 - Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see “Loading startup options.”

4 - Click Options, then click Continue.

5 - Top Tool Bar >> Utilities >> Terminal

6 - Type resetpassword as one word and no spaces

7 - Press Return key

8 - Follow the prompts and remember the New Password

How to Find or Reset Your Administrator Password – iMac 24-inch (macOS 26.6)

First, it is important to understand that finding an existing administrator password, changing a known password, and resetting a forgotten password are three different things.

macOS does not provide a feature to display or retrieve an existing administrator password.

If you have forgotten it, you may be able to reset it, but that replaces the original password with a new one.

In which case,  following the instructions provided by my Learned  Colleague @ Limnos  👍

Below is just to add additional and important Technical Details as it related to the computer issue 

If you want to FIND the existing administrator password

➡️  Unfortunately, macOS cannot reveal an existing administrator password through System Settings or another built-in feature. ⬅️

Before considering a reset, check whether you previously saved or recorded it:

• Check the Passwords app for a manually saved entry.

• Check any third-party password manager you use.

• Look for a password hint on the Mac login screen.

• Check whether another administrator account exists on your iMac.

Remember that your Apple Account password and your Mac login password are generally different.

Important information about FileVault and Keychain

If FileVault is enabled, your Mac may request its recovery key during the reset process.

A few things to remember:

• Your FileVault recovery key is different from your Apple Account password.

• On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, a previously saved FileVault recovery key may be available in the Passwords app on another Apple device signed in to the same Apple Account, provided iCloud Passwords & Keychain is enabled.

• Resetting your login password may affect access to your existing login keychain.

• If prompted to create a new keychain, follow the on-screen instructions.

Apple's instructions: See the FileVault recovery key for your Mac in Passwords.

If you're still unable to regain access

If none of ALL the options work, do not erase your iMac or reinstall macOS just yet.

Erasing your Mac can permanently delete your personal files.

I would recommend contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider for further assistance.