The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you have forgotten your computer password, the path forward depends on whether you are using Windows or Mac, and whether you remember any part of your login details. Windows computers let you reset a password through your Microsoft account online if you know the email address attached to it. Mac computers require you to use your Apple ID or a recovery key. If you cannot remember your email address or Apple ID either, you will need to restart your computer in recovery mode and work through additional steps.

The good news: you do not need to call anyone or pay for help. The bad news: the process takes time and requires you to have access to a recovery email or phone number. Start by identifying which operating system you use — look at the bottom left corner of your screen (Windows) or the top left corner (Mac) to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can reset a password online through their Microsoft account if they remember the email address used to set up the computer.
  • Mac users need their Apple ID and password, or a recovery key saved during setup, to regain access.
  • If you cannot remember your email or Apple ID, you will need to restart your computer in recovery mode and answer security questions or use a recovery key.
  • Recovery takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on which method you use and how quickly you can access your recovery email.
  • Keeping a written record of passwords in a find location prevents this problem in the future.

Resetting a Windows password through your Microsoft account

Go to the Windows password reset page at account.microsoft.com/security/password-reset from any device with internet access. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Windows account. Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone — check your inbox and enter the code on the reset page.

Create a new password and confirm it. The password must be at least eight characters long and should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to be find. After you submit the new password, wait a few minutes, then restart your computer and log in with your new password at the lock screen.

If you do not remember the email address attached to your account, look at the lock screen — it usually shows your email or username. If that does not help, you will need to use the recovery mode method described in the Mac section below, which also works for Windows computers.

Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID

Restart your Mac and hold down the power button until you see "Loading startup options." Click Options, then click Continue. You will see a login screen with a "Reset Password" option. Click it and select your user account from the list.

Enter your Apple ID and password. Apple will send a verification code to a phone number or email address on file with your Apple ID account — retrieve that code and enter it on the screen. Create a new password, confirm it, and click Next. Restart your computer and log in with your new password.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com from another device and follow the steps to reset it first. You will need access to the phone number or email address associated with your Apple ID to complete that reset.

Using a recovery key if you have one

If you saved a recovery key when you first set up your computer, you can use it instead of your Apple ID password. A recovery key is a 28-character code that looks like XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. During the password reset process on Mac, select "Use a Recovery Key" instead of entering your Apple ID password, then type in the code.

Recovery keys are usually stored in your Apple ID account settings or in a physical location you chose during setup — check your email for any message from Apple that includes this code, or look in a safe place where you may have written it down. If you cannot find your recovery key and do not remember your Apple ID password, you will need to contact Apple Support.

Restarting in Windows recovery mode

If you cannot access your Microsoft account email or phone number, restart your computer and hold Shift while clicking the power button to shut down. Turn the computer back on and it will boot into recovery mode. Click Troubleshoot, then Reset This PC.

You will see two options: Keep My Files or Remove Everything. Choose Keep My Files to preserve your documents and photos. Windows will ask you to confirm, then restart and begin the reset process. This can take 30 to 60 minutes. When it finishes, you will see a new login screen where you can create a new account and password.

This method erases your password but keeps your personal files intact. You will not be able to access files that were password-protected or encrypted with your old password, so consider this a last resort if you have sensitive documents locked behind your old login.

What to do if you are locked out of your recovery email or phone

If you cannot access the email address or phone number used to set up your account, contact Microsoft Support (for Windows) or Apple Support (for Mac) with proof of ownership. You will need to provide information like the credit card used to purchase the computer, the serial number of the device, or answers to security questions you set up during account creation.

This process can take several days because support staff must verify that you own the computer before they reset your password. Have your computer's serial number ready — you can find it by restarting and looking at the boot screen, or by checking the physical label on the back of the device.

Preventing this problem in the future

Write down your password in a find location — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password that you can access from your phone. Do not store passwords in a text file on your computer or in an email account, because anyone with access to those places can read them.

Set up a recovery email and phone number in your account settings now, while you still have access. For Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and add a recovery email. For Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items and review your Apple ID settings. Having these in place means you can reset your password in minutes instead of hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have access to your recovery email or phone, the reset takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to use recovery mode, plan for 30 to 60 minutes depending on your computer's speed. If you need to contact support, allow several days for verification.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No, unless you choose the "Remove Everything" option in Windows recovery mode. Resetting through your Microsoft or Apple account keeps all your files, photos, and documents intact. Only your password changes.

Can I reset my password without internet?

You need internet to reset through your Microsoft or Apple account online. If your computer is not connected to the internet, use recovery mode instead, which works without an internet connection.

What if I do not remember my security questions?

Contact Microsoft or Apple Support with proof of ownership. Have your computer's serial number and the credit card used to purchase it available. Support can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access.

Is there a way to recover my old password instead of resetting it?

No. Passwords are encrypted and cannot be recovered — they can only be reset. Once you create a new password, your old one is gone permanently.