The fastest way depends on whether you remember any part of your password

If you are locked out of your Windows account, your options split into two paths: resetting a password you have forgotten entirely, and recovering one you partially remember. Microsoft's built-in recovery tools work differently depending on which situation you are in, and which version of Windows you use. The method that works fastest for you depends on what you set up when you created your account.

Before you try anything, check what version of Windows you have. Press the Windows key and the Pause key together, or right-click "This PC" and choose Properties. You will see "Windows 10" or "Windows 11" near the top. The steps below cover both versions, but some recovery options only work on one.

Key Takeaways

  • If you set up a password reset disk or recovery key when you created your account, those are the fastest ways back in — they work without internet.
  • If you use a Microsoft account (not a local account), you can reset your password from the Windows login screen using a phone number or backup email address.
  • If you set up Windows Hello facial recognition or a PIN, you can use those to log in instead, then change your password afterward.
  • If none of those options are available, you will need to use a password reset tool on another computer or contact Microsoft Support for your specific situation.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen

If your account is linked to a Microsoft email address (outlook.com, hotmail.com, or another email you registered with Microsoft), you can reset your password without leaving the login screen. Click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter a phone number or backup email address associated with your account.

Microsoft will send a code to that phone or email. Enter the code on the next screen, then create a new password. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and you do not need internet on the locked computer — you can receive the code on your phone and type it in. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

If you no longer have access to the phone number or email address you registered with, you will need to contact Microsoft Account Support. They can verify your identity through other means, but this takes longer and may require you to answer security questions or provide a government ID.

Using a password reset disk if you created one

If you created a password reset disk when you first set up Windows, that disk (usually a USB drive) is the fastest way back in. Insert it into the locked computer, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and Windows will walk you through creating a new password. The disk itself does not contain your old password — it just proves you have physical access to the computer and lets Windows let you in.

If you did not create a reset disk before you got locked out, you cannot create one now. You would need to be logged in to create one. However, if you have access to another Windows computer in your home, you can create a reset disk for this computer right now, before you get locked out. Open Control Panel, search for "password reset disk," and follow the wizard. This is worth doing even if you are not locked out yet.

Using Windows Hello or a PIN to log in

If you set up Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) or a PIN code when you created your account, you can use either of those to log in instead of your password. A PIN is usually four digits, and Windows Hello uses your face or fingerprint. Once you are logged in, you can change your password through Settings without needing to know the old one.

Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password" on the left. Click "Change" and Windows will ask you to enter your current password — but if you are using Windows Hello or a PIN to log in, you can skip that step by clicking "I forgot my password" on that screen. You will then create a new password.

Recovering a local account password without internet

If your account is a local account (not linked to a Microsoft email), and you did not set up a reset disk or Windows Hello, your options are more limited. You will need to use a password reset tool on another Windows computer. The most common free option is Offline NT Password Editor, a tool you read, burn to a USB drive, and boot from on the locked computer.

This method requires you to restart the locked computer from the USB drive, which means you need to know how to access your computer's boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F2, or Del during startup — the key varies by manufacturer). Once booted into the tool, you can reset your password. This is technical and takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have not done it before, but it works on any Windows version.

Alternatively, if you have another Windows computer available, you can create a Windows installation media (a bootable USB drive with Windows on it) using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Boot the locked computer from that drive and choose "Repair your computer" instead of installing Windows. From there, you can access recovery options that let you reset your password.

What to do if you cannot remember your Microsoft account email

If you use a Microsoft account but cannot remember which email address you used to sign up, look for clues on the login screen. Windows usually shows the first few letters of your email address. You can also check any other computers in your home that use the same account — they will show the full email address in Settings under Accounts.

If you still cannot find it, contact Microsoft Account Support directly. They can help you locate your account using your phone number, a recovery email address, or a security code you set up. This process takes longer than a self-service reset, but Microsoft can verify your identity and help you regain access.

Preventing lockouts in the future

Once you are back in, take 10 minutes to set up recovery options so you do not face this again. Open Settings, go to Accounts, and select "Security options" or "Password." Add a recovery email address and a phone number to your Microsoft account. If you use a local account, create a password reset disk and store it somewhere safe — a drawer, a safe, or a locked cabinet.

Consider also setting up Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) or a PIN code. These are faster to use every day, and they give you a backup way to log in if you forget your password. Windows Hello is particularly useful because it works even if you are offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I do not have a phone or email address linked to my account?

If you have a local account with no recovery options set up, you will need to use a password reset tool like Offline NT Password Editor on another computer, or contact Microsoft Support if you use a Microsoft account. Neither option is when ready, but both can work.

What if I have a work or school account?

Work and school accounts are managed by your organization, not by Microsoft directly. Contact your IT department or help desk — they have tools to reset your password without you needing to do anything technical. Do this during business hours, as IT support may not be available after hours.

Is it safe to use a password reset tool I read from the internet?

Tools like Offline NT Password Editor are open-source and widely used, but read them only from the official source. Check the project's GitHub page or official website. Never read password reset tools from random websites or links in search results, as they may contain malware.

How long does it take to reset a Microsoft account password?

If you have a recovery phone number or email set up, the reset takes five to ten minutes. If you need to contact Microsoft Support, it can take several hours to a few days depending on how busy they are and how quickly you respond to their verification requests.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes the password you use to log in. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly as they are. You will not lose anything.