The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you can still log in to your Microsoft account from another device or browser, you can reset your password through the Microsoft account website without touching the locked computer. If you cannot access your account online, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you created one before), answer security questions you set up earlier, or use a local administrator account if one exists on the machine. The method that works depends on what you set up when you first created the account.

If none of those options are available, you can create a new local account on the computer and transfer your files, though this is more time-consuming. A few methods require you to restart the computer in a specific way, so have a pen and paper ready to follow the steps exactly.

Key Takeaways

  • Resetting your password through the Microsoft account website works from any other device and is the fastest method if you remember your email or phone number.
  • A password reset disk created before you forgot the password can unlock the computer without needing your email or security questions.
  • If you have a second administrator account on the same computer, you can use it to reset the password on your main account.
  • Creating a new local account and moving your files is possible but takes longer and should be your last option.

Reset through your Microsoft account online

Go to account.microsoft.com from any computer or phone and sign in with your email address. Click "Security" on the left side, then find "Password" and select "Change password." You will be asked to enter your current password (which you do not have), so click "I forgot my password" instead. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your email address or phone number.

Once you verify, you can create a new password. Write it down before you close the page. Go back to the locked Windows computer, click "Sign in," and enter your new password. This method works for any Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine connected to a Microsoft account.

Use a password reset disk if you created one

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you may have created years ago as a backup. Insert it into the locked computer. On the Windows sign-in screen, click "Reset password" (this link only appears if a reset disk is detected). Follow the wizard, which will guide you through creating a new password. The disk itself does not contain your old password — it just proves you own the computer.

If you do not remember creating a reset disk, you probably did not make one. Windows does not create this automatically. If you see the option on the sign-in screen but do not have the disk, you cannot use this method.

Answer security questions you set up earlier

On the Windows sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password." Windows will ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with the account. Microsoft will then ask you to answer the security questions you chose when you created the account (for example, "What is your mother's maiden name?").

If you answer correctly, you can create a new password when ready. If you do not remember the answers you gave, or if you never set up security questions, this method will not work. You will see a message saying you cannot verify your identity this way, and you will need to try another method.

Use another administrator account on the same computer

If someone else set up an administrator account on your computer, or if you created a second account for yourself, you can sign in with that account and reset your main account's password. Sign in to the administrator account, then go to Settings > Accounts > Other people. Find your locked account in the list and click it. Select "Reset password," and you can create a new one without needing your email or security questions.

This only works if the second account is still accessible and has administrator rights. If every account on the computer is locked, you cannot use this method.

Create a new local account and recover your files

If none of the above methods work, you can create a brand new local account on the Windows computer. Restart the computer and hold down the power button for 10 seconds three times in a row (turn it off, wait 10 seconds, turn it on, wait for the logo, turn it off again, repeat). On the third restart, Windows will show a "Startup Repair" screen. Click "Advanced options," then "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC." Choose "Keep my files" to preserve your documents and photos.

Windows will ask you to create a new account name and password. Once you finish, you will have a working computer with a new account. Your old files will be in a folder called "Windows.old" that you can access and move to your new account. This method takes 30 to 60 minutes and is more involved than the others, so use it only if the previous methods are not possible.

What to do if you use a work or school account

If your Windows account is managed by your employer or school, you cannot reset the password yourself. Contact your IT department or help desk — they have tools to reset it for you. Do not try the methods above, as they may lock you out further or trigger security alerts on the network.

Have your employee ID or student ID ready when you contact them. They will usually reset your password within a few hours and send you a temporary one by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without restarting the computer?

Yes, if you can reach the Microsoft account website from another device. You do not need to touch the locked computer at all — just reset your password online and use the new one to sign in. This is the fastest method and works from your phone, tablet, or another computer.

What if I do not remember my Microsoft email address?

Look for recovery email addresses or phone numbers you may have added to the account. Go to account.microsoft.com and try signing in with variations of your email (for example, if you think it might be firstname.lastname@outlook.com). If you still cannot find it, you will need to use a password reset disk, security questions, or another administrator account on the computer.

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

No. Windows does not store passwords in a way that lets you view them — only reset them. Once you reset your password, the old one is gone permanently. This is a security feature to protect your account.

How long does it take to reset my password?

Resetting through your Microsoft account takes a few minutes. Answering security questions or using a password reset disk takes about the same time. Creating a new local account and recovering files takes 30 to 60 minutes. The fastest method is always resetting online from another device.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password does not touch your documents, photos, or programs. Everything stays on the computer. The only method that involves any file movement is creating a new local account, and even then you choose to keep your files.