I’ll never forget the day I stared at my screen in pure confusion—typed my usual password, hit enter, and BOOM—wrong password! 😨

For a moment, I thought my computer had betrayed me. Had I changed it last week? Was Caps Lock on? Did I forget everything?!

That sinking feeling of being locked out hits hard. But I’ve been there, and the good news is—there’s always a way back in. Whether you’re dealing with a forgotten password, missing security questions, or a locked admin account, this guide will walk you through EVERY reset method step-by-step, ensuring you regain access to your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC without losing data.

Before You Start: Crucial Information to Avoid Data Loss 🛑

Important: Will I lose my files if I reset my password?

Good news! Most password reset methods explained here DO NOT delete your personal files or programs. You only lose data if you choose the "Factory Reset" or "Remove everything" option as a last resort. We will clearly mark that method.

Is it safe to reset my password?

Yes, all methods described here are official or commonly used techniques. As long as you follow the steps carefully, your computer will be safe. Be wary of unverified "password cracker" software online—stick to trusted methods.

Do I need an internet connection?

Only if you are resetting a **Microsoft Account password**. For Local Account passwords, you might not need internet, especially if you use a recovery disk or advanced options.

Table of Contents (Click to Jump!)

Before You Start: Crucial Information to Avoid Data Loss
Fastest Way: Reset Your Password via Microsoft Account (Easy Fix!)
Reset Password for Local Account (No Microsoft Account?)
- Method 1: Answer Your Security Questions (If Set Up)
- Method 2: Use a Password Reset Disk (or USB Drive) (Pre-Made)
Advanced Method: Reset Password Using Command Prompt (via Recovery Environment)
Reset Password Using Another Admin Account
Emergency Option: Factory Reset Your PC (WARNING: DATA LOSS!)
Troubleshooting Common Password Reset Issues
Making Password Recovery Easier (Prevent Future Lockouts!)
Final Thoughts: No More Panic!

Fastest Way: Reset Your Password via Microsoft Account (Easy Fix!)

If your Windows 11 or Windows 10 login uses a Microsoft Account (meaning you sign in with an email address like @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @gmail.com linked to Microsoft services), resetting it is super simple and usually the quickest forgotten password solution.

💡 Microsoft Account = The email-based login you use for Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or Windows synchronization.

🛠 Steps to Reset Microsoft Account Password (Requires Internet Connection):

On the Windows login screen, look for the "I forgot my password" or "Reset password" link. Click it.
Windows will open a web page directly on your screen (or prompt you to open it on another device) for Microsoft's official password recovery site.
Enter your Microsoft email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with your account.
Verify your identity. Microsoft will offer options like sending a code to a backup email address, a phone number, or asking you to confirm information. Choose the option you have access to.
**Enter the verification code** you receive.
Once verified, you'll be prompted to set a new password. Choose a strong, new password you'll remember.
After setting the new password, you can log back into your PC with it. ✅

Common Question: What if I don't have internet access?
If you use a Microsoft account but have no internet, you'll need to go to another device (like a phone or another computer) that has internet access to complete the password reset at account.live.com/password/reset. Once the password is changed, your locked PC should eventually sync the new password when it connects to the internet (or upon restart if it gets a brief connection).

Reset Password for Local Account (No Microsoft Account?)

If your Windows 11 or Windows 10 login uses a Local Account (meaning you sign in with a simple username without an associated email from Microsoft, usually created during initial setup), recovery methods are different and can be more challenging if you haven't set up recovery options beforehand.

💡 **Local Account = A Windows account that’s offline and not synced to Microsoft servers. It's tied directly to your computer.**

Method 1: Answer Your Security Questions (If Set Up)

This is the easiest way to reset a Local Account password if you set it up when you created the account.

On the Windows login screen, try to enter your password. After an incorrect attempt, Windows might show an "I forgot my password" link (or a prompt below the password field). Click it.
If you previously set up security questions for your local account, you'll see them now (e.g., "What was your first pet's name?").
Answer all the security questions correctly.
If your answers are correct, you'll be prompted to create a new password for your local account.
Set a new password and log in. ✅

Common Question: What if I forgot my security questions?
If you forgot the answers to your security questions, this method won't work. You'll need to move on to Method 2 or the Advanced Method below.

Method 2: Use a Password Reset Disk (or USB Drive) (Pre-Made)

If you were proactive and created a password reset disk (on a USB drive) before you forgot your password, this is the quickest way to regain access to a local account.

💡 Password Reset Disk = A special USB drive created using Windows' built-in tools that can reset your local account password anytime, anywhere.

Don't have one? Unfortunately, you can't create one after you're locked out. Skip to the "Advanced Method" or "Factory Reset" below.

🛠 Steps to Reset Local Account Password with a Disk:

Plug your pre-made **Password Reset USB Drive** into your locked PC.
On the login screen, type an incorrect password. Windows will display "Incorrect password."
Click the "Reset password" link that appears (or sometimes "I forgot my password").
The Password Reset Wizard will appear. Click "Next."
Select your password reset disk from the dropdown menu (it should detect your USB drive). Click "Next."
Enter your **new password** and confirm it. You can also create a new password hint.
Click "Next" and then "Finish." You can now log in with your new password! ✅

Advanced Method: Reset Password Using Command Prompt (via Recovery Environment)

This method is for local accounts when you don't have a Microsoft account, security questions, or a password reset disk. It's more technical and involves booting your computer into a special recovery mode. You will need a Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD (which you can create on another working computer).

Heads Up for Senior Readers: This method is more complex. If you're uncomfortable with technical steps, consider asking a trusted tech-savvy friend or family member for help, or consider the "Factory Reset" option (with caution about data loss).

🛠 What you'll need:

A **Windows 11 or Windows 10 Installation USB drive/DVD**. (You can download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website on another computer to make one).
Basic comfort with navigating menus.

Also Read: How to Download Windows 10 & 11 ISO Files from Microsoft for Free [Updated]

🛠 Steps to Reset Password via Recovery Environment:

Insert the Windows Installation USB/DVD into your locked PC.
Restart your PC. As it's restarting, you might need to press a key (like F2, F10, F12, or DEL, depending on your computer brand) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings or select a boot device. The goal is to **boot from the USB drive/DVD**. Common BIOS/Boot Menu Access Keys by Manufacturer:

Acer: F2 or Del

ASUS: F2 or Del (often F2 for laptops, Del for desktops/motherboards)

Dell: F2 (for BIOS/UEFI settings), F12 (for Boot Menu)

HP: F10 or Esc (Esc often brings up a Startup Menu from which you can select F10 for BIOS Setup or F9 for Boot Device Options)

Lenovo (Consumer Laptops/IdeaPad): F2 or Fn + F2

Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter, then F1 (some models) or F12 (for Boot Menu)

MSI: Del

Samsung: F2

Toshiba: F2

Gigabyte: Del or F2

Tip: If you're unsure, try pressing the common keys (F2, F10, F12, Del, Esc) repeatedly right after powering on your PC. Some systems display a message indicating which key to press. If your laptop has an "Fn" key, you might need to hold it down while pressing the function key (e.g., Fn + F2).

Once you boot from the installation media, you'll see the Windows Setup screen. **Do NOT click "Install now."** Instead, click "Next" then "Repair your computer" in the bottom-left corner.

On the "Choose an option" screen, select "Troubleshoot."
Then select "Command Prompt."
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands exactly as shown, pressing Enter after each one:
Remove the Installation USB/DVD and **Restart your PC** normally.
On the login screen, you'll now see an **accessibility icon** (a circle with arrows, usually in the bottom-right corner). **Click it.** This will open a Command Prompt window.
In this Command Prompt, type the following command to reset your local account password:

net user [your username] [new password]`

**IMPORTANT:** Replace `[your username]` with your actual local account username (e.g., `net user John Doe`). If your username has a space, put it in quotes, like `net user "Logeshwaranorg"`.

Replace `[new password]` with your desired new password (e.g., `net user logeshwaranorg MyNewPass123`). If you want no password, type `""` (two double quotes with no space in between) for the password.

Press **Enter**. You should see "The command completed successfully."

Close the Command Prompt window. You can now **log in with your new password!**

**Cleanup (Important!):** After you've logged in, you should restore the original `utilman.exe` file.

Reset Password Using Another Admin Account

If another person who shares your computer has an **administrator account** and remembers their password, they can easily reset your password for you without needing a recovery disk or advanced methods.

💡 **Administrator = A user with full control over system settings and other user accounts.**

🛠 Steps to Reset via Another Admin Account (Windows 11 & 10):

Ask the other person to **log into Windows** using their administrator account.
For Windows 11:
- Open **Settings** (Windows key + I).
- Go to **Accounts** > **Family & other users**.
- Find the locked account under "Other users."
- Click on it, then click "Change account type" and temporarily make it a "Standard User" if it's already an Admin. This is just a temporary step to allow the password change.
- Click "Change password" (for Windows 11, this option appears only if the account is a standard user or local).
- Enter a new password, confirm it, and click "Next" or "Save."
- You can then change the account type back to Administrator if needed.
**For Windows 10:**
- Open **Settings** (Windows key + I).
- Go to **Accounts** > **Family & other users**.
- Select the locked account's name.
- Click "Change account type" and make sure it's set to "Standard User" temporarily if it's an admin.
- Click "Change password" for that account.
- Enter a new password, confirm it, and save.
- Change the account type back if desired.
Once the password is changed, you can **log in with the new password.** ✅

Emergency Option: Factory Reset Your PC (WARNING: DATA LOSS!)

This is the **absolute last resort** if all other methods fail, or if you simply want to start fresh. A factory reset will **delete all your personal files, installed programs, and settings**, restoring Windows to its original state. Only choose this option if you have no other choice or if you've already backed up your important data.

💡 **Factory Reset = Restores Windows to its original, default state. It's like getting a brand new computer software-wise. All your photos, documents, and installed apps will be gone.**

🔴 DANGER: This will delete ALL your personal files, photos, documents, and installed programs. Only proceed if you have a backup or if these files are not important.

🛠 Steps to Factory Reset Windows (Windows 11 & 10):

On the Windows login screen, click the **Power icon** (usually in the bottom-right corner).
**Hold down the Shift key** on your keyboard and, while holding Shift, click "Restart." Keep holding Shift until the "Choose an option" screen appears.
On the "Choose an option" screen, select "Troubleshoot."
Then select "Reset this PC."
You will be given two options:
- "Keep my files": This tries to reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files, but it will remove apps and settings. It **might not reset your password** if the user profile is corrupted.
- "Remove everything": This option will completely wipe your hard drive and reinstall Windows from scratch. **This is the option to choose to guarantee password reset, but it deletes everything.**
Choose "Remove everything" to be sure the password is removed.
Follow the on-screen prompts. You may be asked if you want to clean the drive fully (which takes longer but is more secure if you're selling the PC) or just remove files. For a personal password reset, "Just remove my files" is usually sufficient and faster.
Windows will reinstall. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer.
Once the setup is complete, you'll go through the initial Windows setup process where you can **create a brand new account and password.** ✅

Troubleshooting Common Password Reset Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are fixes for common problems:

🔴 My computer is locked, but I can't even get to the login screen or recovery options.
✔ **Fix:** Try repeatedly pressing the F2, F10, F12, or DEL key immediately after turning on your PC (before the Windows logo appears) to get into the BIOS/UEFI settings. From there, you might be able to find options to boot from a USB drive or access recovery. If your PC just shows a black screen, ensure it's fully powered on and try another monitor or check physical connections.
🔴 The "I forgot my password" link isn't appearing on the login screen.
✔ **Fix:** This usually means you're using a Local Account and haven't set up security questions, or Windows isn't recognizing the account type immediately. Try typing any password and hitting Enter—sometimes the link appears after a failed attempt. If not, proceed to the "Advanced Method" or "Factory Reset."
🔴 I used the `net user` command, but it says "System error 5 has occurred" or "Access is denied."
✔ **Fix:** This means the Command Prompt you opened doesn't have administrator privileges or isn't running in the correct context. You *must* boot from installation media (or a recovery drive) to get to a Command Prompt that can make these changes. Simply going to Safe Mode with Command Prompt might not be enough. Review the "Advanced Method" steps very carefully.
🔴 My keyboard or mouse isn't working on the login screen or in recovery.
✔ **Fix:** Try plugging your keyboard/mouse into a different USB port. If you're using wireless, try a wired keyboard/mouse. Sometimes, older USB devices or certain ports don't activate properly in recovery environments.
🔴 My Windows 11 password reset tool (or the Microsoft website) isn't working/responding.
✔ **Fix:** Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try using a different web browser or another device (like a smartphone or another computer) to access the Microsoft password reset page. Make sure you're entering the correct Microsoft account email/phone number.
🔴 I forgot my PIN, not my password. Can I reset that?
✔ **Fix:** Yes! On the login screen, if you see the PIN option, click "I forgot my PIN" below the PIN entry field. Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll typically need to verify your Microsoft account or answer security questions for a local account. If you just remember your password, you can log in with that and reset your PIN from Windows Settings (Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello)).

Making Password Recovery Easier (Prevent Future Lockouts!) 🔐

The best defense is a good offense! Take these simple steps **now** to ensure you never face a panic moment again:

✅ **Use a Password Manager:** This is the safest way to store all your passwords securely in one place. You only need to remember one master password. Look for reputable options like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, or your browser's built-in manager.
✅ **Set Up All Recovery Options for Your Microsoft Account:** Ensure your Microsoft account has a current backup email address and phone number linked. Visit account.microsoft.com/security and click "Update your security info."
✅ **Set Up Security Questions for Local Accounts:** If you use a Local Account, ensure you've set up and remembered the answers to your security questions. You can do this in **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Update your security questions.**
✅ **Create a Password Reset Disk (for Local Accounts ONLY):** This is a small USB drive that can instantly reset your local account password. Do this *before* you're locked out!
1. Plug in an empty USB flash drive.
2. In the Windows search bar, type "create password reset disk" and open the tool.
3. Follow the on-screen wizard to create the disk. Keep it in a safe place.
✅ **Keep Your Password Memorable (and Secure):**
- Use a phrase or pattern you won’t forget, but that's still complex.
- Avoid obvious personal information.
- Consider using a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

💡 **Best practice = Set up a password recovery disk (for local accounts) or verify your Microsoft account recovery options BEFORE you get locked out!**

If your PC is already logged in You Can still Change the Password which you have forgot.

Note : You Must Be Signed in Already to your PC For this tutorial.

Step 1 : Assume,you Have Signed in,Press Windows + R Key.

Also Read : Change Desktop Background in Windows 11 and 10 - A Senior Citizen's Guide [Updated]

Step 2 : Type lusrmgr.msc

Step 3 : It Will open A New Window with list of User Accounts in Your PC.Click On User

field.

Step 4 : Right Click On the User Account You Need to Change Password for...

Step 5 : Click On Set Password.

Step 6 : It Will open A Window Stating that you Need to Use this Only if You Have

Forgetted your Present Password... ignore and Click Proceed.

Change forgetten Windows Password without Password Recovery disk in windows 10

Step 7 : Type Your New Password and Click On OK.

Warning : Clicking On OK,Will results in change of Passwords and Other user info Which

Are Encrypted Will be deleted,So Don't Use this Unless You had Actually forgetted Your

Password.

Now Your Password Have Successfully Changed Without Old Password... Enjoy!!!

Another way:

Final Thoughts: No More Panic! 🚀

Forgetting your Windows password is frustrating, but as you’ve seen—there are tons of ways to fix it! Whether it's a quick reset via Microsoft, an advanced command in recovery mode, or even a factory reset, you now have every possible solution at your fingertips. No more getting stuck in a password panic loop.

🔥 If this guide helped you **regain access to your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC**, go set up recovery options right now! You’ll be prepared for anything in the future. 💯

Logeshwaran.org

Some Pages that you Should notice

How to Reset a Forgotten Windows Password (Windows 11 & 10) (Everyone's guide)