Reset your Windows 10 local account password

Use the following instructions to reset your local account password. Your local account signs you in on your device offline, but it doesn’t link to your other devices. For a more complete experience, we recommend you sign in with a Microsoft account to access services like Outlook, Skype, and OneDrive on any of your devices. If you forgot your Windows 10 password, the easiest way to get back into your account is to reset the password for your Microsoft account.

Reset local account password for Windows 10, version 1803 and beyond

If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version 1803 and you can answer security questions to sign back in.

After you’ve entered an incorrect password:

Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. If you’re using a work device that’s on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In that case, contact your administrator.

Answer your security questions.

Enter a new password.

Sign in as usual with the new password.

Reset local account password for Windows 10, before version 1803

For versions of Windows 10 earlier than 1803, local account passwords can’t be reset because there are no security questions. You can reset your device to choose a new password, however this option will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. If you’ve backed up your files you’ll be able to restore your deleted files. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.

To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:

Press the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.

On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

How to unlock the Windows PC when forgetting password?

By Matthieu Andre 2019-01-17 9725 0

1. Use a password reset disk

Using a password reset disk is the first step before moving forward. Your Windows system use a Windows Password Recovery, allowing you to change your password and recover it instantly but also you will be able to burn it on CD, DVD and USB flash Drive. Therefore, if you have created a password reset disk from your laptop before forgetting it, you can use it to unlock it. To change your password, please follow steps:

Step 1. Insert the password disk into your laptop.

Step 2. On the password text box, enter any incorrect password, and press Enter.

Step 3. Click on OK when the password is incorrect.

Step 4. Click on Reset Password.

Step 5. Type the new password of the user account.

Step 6. Follow the Password Reset Wizard.

Don’t forget to back up your data on the disk because the burning process will format and erase all your data on the drive. Make bootable password disk with DVD±R, DVD±RW and CD-R/CD-RW.

2. Boot your locked computer from the disk

If your laptop brought with a setup disk when you bought it, then you can use it to unlock your laptop. Using a boot disk can change and recover your password on your locked laptop. Efficient and fast, it can repair and boot your system. To boot from the disk, please follow instructions.

Use safe mode

If you can’t log in your Administrator account on Windows systems (e.g.: Windows 7,), you can attempt to reset your password using Safe Mode. Indeed, Windows has an administrator account built-in, which isn’t invisible in normal use. Select the account that you would like to change the password for, and follow the on-screen instructions. But make sure your account is activated and set up by default. To use safe mode, please follow instructions:

Step 1. Press F8.

Step 2. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Step 3. Click on Control Panel.

Step 4. Tap User Account.

Step 5.Change Account.

Use command prompt

You can use command prompt when you face load critical operating files from changing user settings on your laptop. Resetting password of local user accounts, it generally require some knowledge to use it correctly when your laptop is locked. By inserting your system repair disk, please follow instructions to use efficiently command prompt on your laptop.

Step 1. Insert your system repair disk.

Step 2. Type CMD and press Restart.

Step 3. Type the following command to select your account and create a new password.

Net user [account name] [new password]

Step 4. Use the following command to clear your password and set a new one in case.

Net user [account name]»»

You can also access from Safe Mode by pressing the following command: Windows Key + R to open Run Dialog.

3. Perform a reset to your Microsoft account

If you are using a Microsoft account to protect your laptop, you have an easier way to reset your password by changing the current password of your Microsoft account. Indeed, it will automatically modify and set up a new one, so that you can log in easily. A security code will be sent before setting your new password. To reset your Microsoft account, please follow these steps:

Step 2. Choose «I Forgot My Password»and hit Next.

Step 3. Enter your phone number and email linked to your Microsoft account.

Step 4. Type the security code received.

Step 5. Set up a new password.

Step 6. Reboot your laptop and log in with your newly password.

This method won’t work if you are not using Microsoft as your default account type. Make sure you reboot your device before you log in again.

4. Download and install a third party application

If you don’t have your Microsoft set as default, or you can’t reboot your locked computer from the disk, there is an ultimate way to reset your Windows password without losing any data by using a third party software. Windows Password Mate for example is one of the most efficient and reliable Windows password recovery program helping Windows users to remote control their passwords and unlock them on another Windows laptops. Available on different versions, this program require no internet connection while you are resetting the password. You can thus literally remove it on another device. To download and install a third party Application, please follow steps:

Step 1. Download and install the Windows Password Mate on a different computer.

Step 2. Burn a password reset with a USB drive or CD /DVD.

Step 3. Change boot priority on locked Windows system.

Step 4. Start unlocking Windows password.

You can now enter into your laptop without entering any password at all.

Wrap up

To conclude, unlocking a laptop without password is requiring you time and patience. Setting a password is very quick and very easy to use preventing you from cyber-attacks. By following clear steps cf-below, you will resolve your issue permanently.

Firstly, use a reset disk to recover your password. This will get you onto Password Reset Wizard, giving you a new password and back up your data.

Secondly, boot your locked computer from the disk. To do so, use safe mode and command prompt to reset your password.

Thirdly, if you are a Microsoft user, reset with your Microsoft account in case of forgot password. A verification system will be sent.

Finally, download and install a third party application on another device if you are not able to unlock your laptop.

Reset a forgotten Microsoft account password

We recommend following the steps in this order to assist you with resetting your Microsoft account and if that isn’t successful, how to try and recover your account.

Tip: The steps below are for forgotten passwords. If you want to make changes to a known Microsoft account password, see Change your Microsoft account password instead.

Reset your password

If the password you typed is incorrect, you’ll see a message that says:

Your account or password is incorrect. If you don’t remember your password, reset it now.

We recommend following the steps below to resolve your password issues. If you already tried this but it didn’t work, move ahead to Step 2: If you can’t reset your password.

1. Select Forgot password?

If the Enter password window is still open select Forgot password?

(Or go directly to Reset password and enter the username name again for the account you’re trying to reset and select Next).

2. Verify your identity

For your protection, Microsoft must verify your identity before you can proceed with resetting your password.

How to verify your identity depends if you previously added security info to your account and if you can still access them. Select from the two options below.

Option 1: You received and can select a verification option

Select which option to send the verification code to.

Option 2: No verification options are given or you can no longer access any of the options

If you don’t see an option for where to send a code or you no longer have access to any of the verification options shown, you won’t be able to reset your password this way.

Try the solutions listed in Step 2: If you can’t reset your password. If those don’t work either, or if you selected I can’t receive a code from this verification page, you’ll begin the account recovery process.

Go directly to Step 3: Help with the Microsoft account recovery form for tips to complete that process.

3. Get a verification code

Depending on the contact method you chose, retype the first part of the email address or the last four digits of the phone number hinted at in the previous window.

Select Get code.

Microsoft will send a verification code to the email or phone number you selected.

Go to the recovery phone or email for where you expect to receive the code.

Tip: If you didn’t receive a message, check your junk folder or if you selected the phone option, make sure your phone has service and can receive texts, and verify your phone isn’t set up to block texts from unknown numbers.

4. Enter code and reset password

Paste or type the code you received and select Next.

Type your new password and select Next.

You successfully reset your password

If you successfully reset your password, now is a good time to set a reminder to verify your security contact info, or make changes to it. See Security best practices for more info.

You weren’t able to reset your password.

If you couldn’t reset your password this way, move ahead to:

Change or reset your Windows password

If you forgot or lost your password for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you may be able to change or reset it. To get started, choose your version of Windows from the Select Product Version drop-down menu.

If you already know your current password and want to change it

Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options . Under Password, select the Change button and follow the steps.

Reset your Windows 10 local account password

If you’ve forgotten or lost your Windows 10 password for a local account and need to sign back in to your device, the below options might help you get up and running. For more info on local standard vs. administrative accounts, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.

Windows 10 version 1803 and later

If you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 10, then you have at least version 1803 and you can answer security questions to sign back in.

After you’ve entered an incorrect password:

Select the Reset password link on the sign-in screen. If you use a PIN instead, see PIN sign-in issues. If you’re using a work device that’s on a network, you may not see an option to reset your password or PIN. In that case, contact your administrator.

Note: If you don’t see security questions after you select the Reset password link, make sure your device name isn’t the same as your local user account name (the name you see when you sign in). To see your device name, right-click Start in the taskbar, select System, andscroll to the Device specifications section. If the device name is the same as your account name, you can create a new administrator account, sign in as an administrator, and then rename your PC (when you view your device name, you can also rename it).

Answer your security questions.

Enter a new password.

Sign in as usual with the new password.

Windows 10 before version 1803

For versions of Windows 10 earlier than 1803, local account passwords can’t be reset because there are no security questions. You can reset your device to choose a new password, however this option will permanently delete your data, programs, and settings. If you’ve backed up your files you’ll be able to restore your deleted files. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.
To reset your device, which will delete data, programs, and settings:

Press the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen.

On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Select Remove everything.

Warning: Resetting your device will permanently delete data, programs, and settings.

Reset your Microsoft account password you use to sign in to your computer

On the sign-in screen, type your Microsoft account name if it’s not already displayed. If there are multiple accounts on the computer, choose the one you want to reset. Below the password text box, select I forgot my password. Follow the steps to reset your password.

Troubleshoot problems signing in

If you’re still having trouble signing to your account, see more solutions in Troubleshoot problems signing in.

Reset your password

Note: If you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 password, see Reset your Windows 10 local account password.

If you’ve forgotten your Windows 8.1 password, there are several ways to retrieve or reset it:

If your PC is on a domain, your system administrator must reset your password.

If you’re using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online. For more info, see How to reset your Microsoft account password.

If you’re using a local account, use your password hint as a reminder.

If you still can’t sign in, you must reinstall Windows. For Windows RT 8.1, contact your PC manufacturer.

More help with passwords in Windows 8.1

If you forget or lose your password, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.

If you think your Microsoft account password has been compromised or stolen by someone with malicious intent, we can help. For more info, see When you can’t sign in to your Microsoft account.

If you’re signing in to only your local PC, yes. However, we recommend that you keep your PC more secure by using a strong password. When you use a password, only someone who knows it can sign in. If you want to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, a password is required. For more info, see Can I sign in to Windows without a password? To learn more about Microsoft accounts and local accounts, see Create a user account.

Stronger passwords contain a variety of characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols or spaces. A strong password should also be something that is difficult for a stranger to guess or crack. It shouldn’t contain a complete word, or easy-to-find details like your real name, your user name, or your birth date.

If you’re signing in to a Microsoft account, your password is limited to 16 characters. For more info about Microsoft accounts, see Create a user account.

You can update your password regularly to keep it more secure. If your PC isn’t connected to a domain, follow these steps:

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.

Tap or click Change your password and follow the instructions.

If your PC is connected to a domain, your system administrator might manage how frequently you must change your password. To do so, choose one of the following:

If you’re using a keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, tap or click Change a password, and follow the instructions.

If you’re using a tablet, press and hold the Windows button, press the power button, and then tap or click Change a password and follow the instructions.

It depends on whether you’re using a third-party email address. If your email address ends in outlook.com, hotmail.com, live.com, or another Microsoft service, changing the password for your Microsoft account also changes it for that email service.

But you can use any email address for your Microsoft account, even an email address from a third-party web-based mail service like Google Mail or Yahoo! Mail. When you choose a password for your Microsoft account, it doesn’t change the password you might need to use to sign in to web mail on a third-party site.

Create a picture password to sign in with gestures instead of by entering characters.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Accounts, and then tap or click Sign-in options.

Under Picture password, tap or click Add, and then follow the instructions.

When you choose a password for your user account, it’s important to pick something you can remember. You’re going to need it again later!

Of course, you can also write your password down and keep it in a safe place. Taped to the underside of your laptop or the inside of your desk drawer is probably not a good idea, however. If you do write your password down, be sure to keep it separate from your PC.

For added security, use different passwords for different purposes. For example, it’s a good idea to keep distinctly different passwords for a social networking account and your online bank account.

If you do forget or lose your password, there are still several things you can try to reset or recover it. For more info, see Reset your password above to reset or recover it.

Reset your password

My computer is on a domain

Select the Start button , select Control Panel, select User Accounts, select User Accounts, and then select Manage User Accounts. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

On the Users tab, under Users for this computer, select the user account name, and then select Reset Password.

Type the new password, confirm the new password, and then select OK.

My computer is in a workgroup

If you type the wrong password when you attempt to log on, Windows displays a message that the password is incorrect. Select OK to close the message.

Select Reset password, and then insert your password reset disk or USB flash drive.

Follow the steps in the Password Reset wizard to create a new password.

Log on with the new password. If you forget your password again, you can use the same password reset disk. You don’t need to make a new one.

Note: If an administrator resets your password, you might lose access to some of your files.

Change your password

Press Ctrl+ Alt+ Delete, and then select Change a password.

Type your old password followed by a new password as indicated, and then type the new password again to confirm it.

Note: If you are logged on as an administrator, you can create and change passwords for all user accounts on the computer.

Warning: If you use an administrator account to change a password for another account, any encrypted files or e mail messages for that other account will no longer be accessible to the person who was using that account.