Forum Discussion
How to reset Windows 10 password when locked out?
Hey folks, hope everyone's doing well!
I've got myself into a bit of a pickle and could really use your collective wisdom. I've been locked out of my Windows 10 computer (yeah, I know, should've written down the password) and I'm scratching my head on how to get back in. Has anyone here been through this and managed to reset their password without being able to log in?
I've seen a few methods online involving bootable USB drives and using command prompts, but I'm not super tech-savvy and a bit hesitant to dive into something that seems so complex. I'm looking for a more straightforward, beginner-friendly way to reset my password and get back to my files.
If you've got any ideas or step-by-step guides that could help out a fellow Windows user in distress, I'd be super grateful.
Thanks
[Edit] A few folks asked me if the problem was solved? Yes. The password was reset with the help of Passcue Windows Password Recovery software. Thanks Jack888 for the recommendation!
17 Replies
- EwosieIron Contributor
I also locked out of my Windows 10 computer before, and I used iSePassword Windows Password Recovery Pro. This tool is great for people who are not very tech-savvy , you can create a bootable USB drive with the software, and it guides you through the process to reset your Windows password.
I followed this guide: (worked for me)
https://www.smartpcguide.com/reset-forgotten-password-windows
Hope this helps you!
- JimSp51Copper Contributor
I’ve been trying this for over an hour and can’t get past step 3. When I reboot, with the USB set as the first boot priority, it keeps taking me back to my old screen. I never get to the second green screen. HELP!
- MooreCopper Contributor
Most people won't prepare for a password reset disk as they don't know it at all. However, don't worry too much. If you signed in with a Microsoft account, then follow the password reset link from Microsoft. However, you should have the recovery phone number for receiving the security code.
For Windows 10 local account, there are many tools available to help you make a password reset disk. Once you have one, then you can easily reset the forgotten password. Please try the ones suggested in previous replies.
- thomasjohn123Copper Contributor
To reset your Windows 10 password without logging in, try this beginner-friendly method:
- Use Microsoft Account Recovery: If your Windows login is linked to a Microsoft account, go to the https://account.live.com/password/reset on another device and follow the steps to reset your password. Once changed, use the new password to log in.
- Use Password Reset Disk: If you created a password reset disk before, plug it in and follow the prompts to reset the password.
- Get Help from Another User Account: If there's another admin account on the same computer, log into it and reset your password via Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
If none of these options apply, https://pintod.coma bootable USB may be necessary, but these are the simplest solutions to try first.
- InterestingballCopper Contributor
Usually, we suggest you to use a Microsoft account in Windows 10 and whenever you lost your password you can reset your password online only with your phone number.
If you choose using a local account in Windows 10 and want to reset your forgotten password,
Firstly answer the security questions and proceed password reset.
Secondly, you can use your password reset disk to reset lost password for a local admin account.
- ElizabethParkCopper Contributor
Once, I forgot Windows 10 password and it felt like the end of the world. I tried all possible passwords but none of them worked, and I became more and more anxious. However, I suddenly remembered that a friend once told me about a way to reset Windows 10 password using the command prompt. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time because it seemed too complicated, but now it has become a lifesaver.
So, I decided to give this method a try. First, I needed a Windows installation disk or a bootable USB drive. Fortunately, I had an old Windows installation disk at home, so I immediately found it, inserted it into the computer, and restarted to enter the installation interface.
Step 1. Insert the Windows installation disk or USB drive and restart your computer.
Step 2. Select "Repair your computer" -> "Troubleshoot" -> "Advanced options" -> "Command Prompt".Step 3. Back up and replace utilman.exe: Then exit diskpart, back up and replace the utilman.exe file:
exit
d:
cd \windows\system32
ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak
copy cmd.exe utilman.exeStep 4. Restart your computer: Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer to return to the login screen.
Step 5. Open the Command Prompt: At the login screen, click the "Accessibility" icon (usually a small circle icon) in the lower right corner. Now, the Command Prompt should open instead of Accessibility.
Step 6. Reset your password: In the Command Prompt, enter the following command to reset your password to your desired password:
net user username NewPasswordStep 7. Restore utilman.exe: Enter the command prompt in repair mode again and restore utilman.exe to its original state:
d:
cd \windows\system32
del utilman.exe
ren utilman.exe.bak utilman.exeStep 8. Restart and log in: Restart the computer and log in with the newly set password.
Although this method sounds a bit complicated, it is actually quite smooth to follow the steps. After the operation, I successfully logged in to the computer with the new password, and the big stone in my heart finally fell. I really recommend that if you are also locked out, you can try this method, but you must be careful in operation, after all, it involves modifying system files.
- cm127979Copper Contributor
ElizabethPark Disregard. I figured it out! Thanks so much for your help, you saved me a lot of time and effort!
- cm127979Copper ContributorElizabethPark For step 3, Can you break that down a little more? I am able to get to the command prompt but I cannot access d: .......in this case is d: the local drive or disk drive?
- cm127979Copper Contributor
- CordadioIron Contributor
BlindosaaIf you forgot Windows 10 password and the PC/laptop was locked out, then the most helpful solution is taking advantage of Windows password reset disk.
A Windows 10 password reset disk is a special type of disk that allows you to reset Windows 10 user account password if you forget it. This disk is created while you still have access to your account and can be used in case you get locked out. The below tutorial shows you how to reset Windows 10 password without logging in:
Step 1: After entering the wrong password, a “Reset password” link will appear below the password box. Click on it.
Step 2: Insert the USB flash drive you created earlier into the computer. This will start the Password Reset Wizard. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 3: Choose the USB flash drive from the dropdown list and click “Next.”
Step 4: Enter a new password for your account, confirm it, and click “Next.”The wizard will reset your password. Click “Finish” to complete the process.
- SofiaGarciaCopper Contributor
Once, I also encountered a situation where I forgot my Windows 10 password. I was really anxious at the time, after all, all my important documents and work data were on that computer. I tried various possible password combinations, but none of them worked. At this time, I remembered that I had a backup consciousness before and made a Windows 10 password reset disk.
I quickly rummaged through the boxes and found the USB drive and inserted it into the computer. I restarted the computer and went to the login screen. I saw a link to "Reset Password" and clicked it without hesitation. The system recognized my password reset disk and began to guide me step by step.
Follow this detailed steps:
- Restart the computer: Restart the computer to the login screen.
- Click the reset password link: On the login screen, click the "Reset Password" link.
- Start the wizard: This will start the "Forgot Password Wizard". Click "Next".
- Select USB drive: Select the inserted password reset disk, and then click "Next".
- Create a new password: Enter a new password and confirm it, then click "Next".
- Complete the wizard: After completing the password reset, click "Finish".
- Log in again: Unplug the USB drive and log in to your account using the newly set password.
If you don't have a Windows password reset disk, follow this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-password-reset-disk-for-a-local-account-in-windows-9a54a5ca-27bc-de72-244a-27b7d62951de to create one.
- AidenWilliamsCopper Contributor
Once, I also encountered a situation where I forgot Windows 10 password of local account. I was really a little panicked at that time. After all, all the important files were in that account. I remember that I really didn't want to use those complicated technical means at that time, and wondered if there was a simple way to solve it.
So, I saw a "Reset Password" link on the login screen. Although I hadn't noticed it before, I decided to click it this time. After clicking it, the system prompted me to answer the security questions I had set before. I was quite glad that I didn't fill in some random answers at that time. The question was the name of my elementary school. I remembered that I set the name of my alma mater and answered it without hesitation. Then the system actually let me enter the interface for setting a new password.
After entering and confirming the new password, I was able to log in smoothly. This experience made me realize that setting security questions is really useful, especially when you forget Windows 10 password.
Moreover, this method is really very direct and does not require any complicated operations. It is simply a lifesaver.
- AcemanrockslCopper Contributor
Blindosaa If you forgot the password and want to reset Windows 10 password without losing data, you can follow the steps in this tutorial:
https://www.uuclever.com/reset-windows-password
I had done this successfully on two Windows 10 laptops. Only take a couple of minutes to reset the password!
- BlindosaaCopper ContributorUnfortunately, I don't prepare for a password reset USB in the past. Is any other workaround to do this?
- Hello,
If you're using Microsoft account, try to reset the password online using another device, visit this link:
https://account.live.com/password/reset
After resetting the password, see if you can login to original device with new password.
If you're using local account, refer this support article:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/reset-your-windows-local-account-password-86912508-e584-37cc-86eb-6e9b0542b5ba
Let us know this helps!- rupashresthaCopper Contributor
KapilArya I reset my password but I am still unable to login