You cannot retrieve a forgotten administrator password, but you can reset it

Windows 10 does not store your administrator password anywhere you can look it up. Once you set it, only Windows knows the encrypted version. If you have forgotten it, you cannot recover the original password — but you can reset it to something new using built-in Windows tools or a password reset disk you created earlier.

The method you use depends on whether you are locked out of your account right now, whether you have another administrator account on the same computer, and whether you prepared a password reset disk before you forgot the password.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 does not let you view or recover a forgotten administrator password; you can only reset it to a new one.
  • If you have a password reset disk, you can use it at the Windows login screen to create a new password without losing any files.
  • If you have another administrator account on the same computer, you can reset the forgotten account's password through Settings without needing a reset disk.
  • If you are locked out and have no reset disk or second admin account, you will need to reinstall Windows or use third-party recovery tools.
  • Creating a password reset disk now prevents this problem later and takes less than five minutes.

Reset your password using a password reset disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create while you still know your password. It stores the information Windows needs to let you set a new password without knowing the old one. If you created one before you forgot your password, this is the fastest way to regain access.

Insert the reset disk into your computer and go to the Windows 10 login screen. Click "Reset password" below the password field. Windows will walk you through creating a new administrator password. You will not lose any files, programs, or settings — only the old password disappears.

If you did not create a reset disk before, you cannot make one now because you are locked out. Move to the next section.

Reset the password from another administrator account

If someone else uses the computer and has an administrator account, they can reset your password without a reset disk. This works only if that other account is also an administrator — a standard user account cannot reset another account's password.

Have the other administrator log in to their account. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Other people" on the left. Find your account in the list, click it, then click "Reset password". You will be asked to create a new password for your account. Once that is done, you can log in with the new password.

This method does not erase your files or settings. Your account will work exactly as before, except with the new password.

Create a password reset disk now to prevent this later

If you still have access to your administrator account, spend five minutes creating a password reset disk. This takes you out of this situation permanently.

Log in to your administrator account. Plug in a blank USB drive or insert a blank floppy disk. Open Control Panel, go to User Accounts, then click "Create a password reset disk" on the left side. Windows will ask you to choose the disk and enter your current password. Follow the prompts to completion. Label the disk clearly and store it somewhere safe — not on your desk.

If you ever forget your password in the future, you can use this disk at the login screen to reset it in minutes. The disk works even if you have not used it for years.

Reinstall Windows if you have no other way in

If you are locked out, have no password reset disk, and have no other administrator account on the computer, you will need to reinstall Windows 10. This erases everything on the drive, including all your files and programs.

You will need another computer to read Windows 10 and create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (available free from Microsoft's website). Insert that drive into your locked computer, restart it, and boot from the USB drive. Follow the installation prompts. When Windows asks where to install, choose the drive that holds your current Windows installation. Windows will overwrite the old installation and let you create a new administrator account.

This method destroys all your files. Use it only when you have no password reset disk and no second administrator account.

Third-party password recovery tools

Several companies sell software that can reset Windows passwords without reinstalling. Tools like Ophcrack, PCUnlocker, and Hiren's Boot CD claim to reset administrator passwords by booting from a USB drive or CD.

These tools work by accessing the Windows password database directly, bypassing the normal login screen. They are legal to use on your own computer but may not work on all Windows 10 versions, especially if you have enabled certain security features. Some require payment; others are free. Results vary, and some may not work at all depending on your system setup.

Before buying one, research whether it works with your specific Windows 10 build. Many people report mixed results, so this is not a may provide solution.

Why Windows does not let you recover your password

Windows stores passwords as encrypted hashes, not as readable text. Even Microsoft employees cannot see your password. This design protects you: if someone steals the password database, they cannot read the passwords inside it.

The downside is that you cannot recover a forgotten password — you can only reset it. This is true for all Windows versions, not just Windows 10. Password reset disks and secondary administrator accounts exist specifically because of this limitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I remember the answer to my security question?

Only if your account is linked to a Microsoft account (not a local account). If you use a Microsoft account and have set up security questions, you can go to account.microsoft.com, click "Security" and follow the steps to reset your password online. A local account does not have this option.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password changes only the password itself. All your files, programs, and settings remain exactly as they were. You will be able to access everything once you log in with the new password.

What if I have a Microsoft account instead of a local account?

If you forgot the password to a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account". Follow the prompts to verify your identity using a backup email or phone number. You can reset your password there without touching your computer.

Can I use someone else's password reset disk on my computer?

No. A password reset disk is tied to the specific account and computer it was created for. You cannot use another person's disk to reset your own password.

How long does a password reset disk stay valid?

A password reset disk works indefinitely. You can create one today and use it five years from now. It remains valid even if you change your password multiple times, as long as you do not delete the disk itself.