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Lazarus's avatar
Lazarus
Iron Contributor
Jun 11, 2025

Forgot computer password on windows 10? Any easy way to reset?

I have an old Windows 10 computer that sits in the basement for months. When I enter the password, it says my password is incorrect. I did change Windows 10 login password in the past but now I can't remember the password anymore.

If I forgot computer password on windows 10, how can I reset Windows 10 password without knowing it? I have a lot of personal photos on the computer so clean install is not the option.

7 Replies

  • Ulisesin's avatar
    Ulisesin
    Iron Contributor

    If forgot computer password on Windows 10 can be a real pain in the neck. You can’t get into your own stuff. All your documents, photos, and apps become off-limits until you crack the code or reset the password. Trying to reset or recover the password isn’t always quick or straightforward. Sometimes you gotta go through multiple steps — like booting into recovery mode, using command prompts, or even reinstalling Windows if things get messy.

    If you’re not careful when you forgot computer password on Windows 10, some recovery methods can lead to data loss. For example, resetting Windows or reinstalling might wipe your files if you don’t back them up first. If you try some unofficial methods to bypass the password, you might expose your PC to malware or security vulnerabilities. Not everything out there is legit.

    Honestly, it’s just annoying to be locked out of your own machine, especially if you don’t remember your password or don’t have access to another admin account.

  • JonesXavier1997's avatar
    JonesXavier1997
    Copper Contributor

    What I'd do is simply login to Safe Mode, create new user and have no password or one Alphabet password. 

  • Catherinem's avatar
    Catherinem
    Iron Contributor

    If none of the above work, use a Windows 10 installation USB to replace the utility manager with CMD. You can apply this trick if you forgot computer password in Windows 10 PC or laptop.

    1. Make a Windows 10 bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool.

    2. Boot from the USB and press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

    3. Run these commands to replace Utilman.exe with CMD:

    move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak
    copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

    4. Restart the PC and click the Accessibility icon (bottom-right) to open CMD.

    5. Reset Windows 10 password if you forgot:

    net user [YourUsername] [NewPassword]

    6. Revert the changes:

    del c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
    ren c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak utilman.exe

    This is an advanced approach to help you reset forgotten Windows 10 password on any computer.

  • Ptolemy's avatar
    Ptolemy
    Iron Contributor

    If you sign in to Windows 10 using a Microsoft account (e.g., Outlook, Hotmail, or Live email), your password is tied to Microsoft’s online authentication system. This means you can reset it directly from Microsoft’s website—no need for third-party tools or complex workarounds. No worries even if you forgot Windows 10 computer password.

    When This Method Works Best:

    ✔ You use an email-based Microsoft account (not a local account).
    ✔ You have access to the recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
    ✔ You remember some details (like security questions or previous passwords).

    What If You Don’t Have Access to Recovery Options?

    If you can’t receive the security code (lost phone, old email, etc.), Microsoft offers alternative verification methods:

    ✔ Answer security questions (if set up).

    ✔ Provide previous passwords you’ve used.

    ✔ Contact Microsoft Support for account recovery (may take time).

    Important Notes:

    Syncing Issues? If your PC is offline, Windows may not recognize the new password immediately. Connect to the internet and try again.

    Two-Step Verification? If enabled, you'll need both the password and a second verification method.

    Local Account? If you use a local account (not Microsoft), this method won't work. You need a password reset disk to reset Windows 10 password if you forgot the login password.

     

  • DylanPrice's avatar
    DylanPrice
    Iron Contributor

    I get the frustration if you forgot computer password on Windows 10 — it’s super common, honestly. From my own experience and what I’ve seen around, trying to get back in without the password can be a bit risky if you’re not careful, especially if you go for some of the quick tricks floating around online.

    For example, using password reset disks or third-party tools can sometimes cause issues if not done properly — like risking data loss or messing up your system. The safest route I’ve seen is to use the official Windows recovery options, like resetting your password through your Microsoft account (if linked), or using the built-in reset options.

    Just a heads up: avoid shady third-party software from sketchy sites if forgot computer password on Windows 10, as they can introduce malware or cause system instability. If you’re unsure, it’s often best to seek help from a tech pro or follow Microsoft’s official guides.

  • AtticusPayne's avatar
    AtticusPayne
    Iron Contributor

    If you've forgotten computer password on Windows 10, there are several methods you can try to regain access to your account:

    1. Reset Password Using a Password Reset Disk
    * Insert the USB or CD/DVD containing the reset disk.
    * Follow the Password Reset W1zard to create a new password.

    2. Use Another Administrator Account
    * If there is another account on the computer with administrator privileges:
    * Log into that account.
    * Open Control Panel > User Accounts.
    * Select your account and choose Change password.

    3. Reset Your Password via Boot Options
    If other options fail, you can use advanced methods like booting into Safe Mode or using Windows Recovery Environment:
    * Restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + Restart to access recovery options.
    * Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
    * Use command-line tools like net user to reset passwords: net user [username] [newpassword]

    Note: Be cautious with advanced methods if forgot computer password on Windows 10; improper use can cause system issues.

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