can't find my Apple ID in system preferences

Since you mentioned "System Preferences,” I assume you are on a Mac.

If you click on the Apple menu > System Preferences, there is an icon for Apple ID.  It is the only icon you cannot remove from the System Preferences panel.

Alternately, once in System Preferences, you can click the View menu > Show All Preferences OR select View menu > Apple ID to get to your Apple ID settings.

I have a similar but not exactly the same question. I cannot find a Software Update icon my System Preferences, so I cannot update my MacOS software on my MacBook, and it does not update automatically. So I am stuck at OS Sierra 10.12.6. Help!!!