Forum Discussion
Isaaccom
Apr 10, 2025Iron Contributor
Forgot local administrator password Windows 10 without disk, How to reset?
Hello everyone, I recently encountered a super headache and came to the forum for help. I have an old Windows 10 desktop computer at home. I installed the system for my family a few years ago. As a ...
PatrickRoss
Apr 10, 2025Iron Contributor
If you've forgotten Windows 10 local administrator password and cannot access the system, there are a few methods you can try to regain access without losing your data. Here are some options you can explore:
1. Use Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- Restart your computer and press F8, Shift + F8, or continuously tap the F8 key until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. (Note: This may not work on some UEFI systems).
- Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."
- When the command prompt appears, you may be able to create a new user account or reset the password for your existing account. If you are able to access the command prompt, you can use the following commands: net user YourUsername NewPassword
This allows you to reset the password for the existing account if forget Windows 10 local administrator password.
2. Using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- You can try booting from the Windows 10 installation media (USB/DVD). If you don’t have one, you may need to create it using another computer.
- Boot from the installation media and select your language preferences, then click "Next."
- Click on "Repair your computer" instead of "Install now."
- Go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."
- In Command Prompt, run the following commands to replace the Sticky Keys executable with the Command Prompt:
copy c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe c:\
copy /y c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe - Restart your PC normally and when you get to the login screen, press the Shift key five times. This will launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- You can now reset your admin account password using the command: net user YourUsername NewPassword
- Don’t forget to restore the original sethc.exe file after you're done: copy /y c:\sethc.exe c:\windows\system32\sethc.exe