The fastest way depends on your operating system and whether you remember any password at all

If you remember your password but forgot it, Windows and Mac both offer built-in recovery paths that work without reinstalling anything. If you have completely lost access, the process is longer but still possible — you will need either a password reset disk you made earlier, a second administrator account, or access to the email or phone number tied to your Microsoft or Apple account. The method you use depends on what you have available right now.

Do not attempt to bypass the password by booting into safe mode or using third-party tools unless you own the computer outright and have no other option. Those methods can corrupt your system or trigger security features that lock you out further.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows lets you reset your password through your Microsoft account email or phone if you remember either one, and the process takes about 10 minutes from another device.
  • Mac users with a second administrator account can reset the forgotten password through System Settings without losing any files.
  • A password reset disk created before you forgot your password is the fastest recovery method on Windows, requiring only the disk and about 5 minutes.
  • If you have no recovery method in place, you will need to prove ownership of the computer to Microsoft or Apple, which can take several days.
  • Recovery email addresses and phone numbers are your lifeline — add them to your account now, before you need them.

Windows: Using your Microsoft account email or phone

Go to the Windows sign-in screen and select "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account. You do not need to be on the locked computer to do this — you can use any device with internet access.

Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone. Enter the code on the locked computer, then create a new password. The new password takes effect when ready, and you can sign in right away. This method works whether you are using a local account or a Microsoft account, as long as you set up recovery information beforehand.

If you do not remember which email or phone number you used, visit account.microsoft.com from another device, sign in with your username, and check the "Security" section to see what recovery methods are on file. Add a recovery email or phone now if you see none listed.

Windows: Using a password reset disk

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, insert it into the locked computer. At the sign-in screen, select "Reset password" and follow the wizard. The disk contains an encrypted key that lets you create a new password without needing your Microsoft account. This is the fastest method if you have the disk available.

To create a reset disk now for future use, open Control Panel on a computer where you can still sign in, search for "Create a password reset disk," and follow the wizard. You will need a USB drive or external drive. Label it clearly and store it somewhere safe but accessible — a desk drawer, not a safe deposit box you visit once a year.

Windows: Using a second administrator account

If another person has an administrator account on the same computer, they can reset your password without needing your email or a reset disk. Have them sign in with their account, open Settings, go to Accounts, select "Other people," find your account, and choose "Reset password." They will not need your old password.

This method only works if the second account has administrator rights. A standard user account cannot reset another account's password. After the reset, you can sign in with the new temporary password and change it to something you prefer.

Mac: Using a second administrator account

Sign in with a different administrator account on the same Mac. Open System Settings, go to General, then select "Users & Groups" (or "Users & Groups" in System Preferences on older versions). Click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then select your account and click "Reset Password." Enter a new password and click "Reset Password" again.

You will not lose any files or data. The new password takes effect when ready. If you do not have a second administrator account, you will need to use your Apple ID instead.

Mac: Using your Apple ID

At the Mac login screen, enter your password incorrectly three times. A message will appear offering to reset your password using your Apple ID. Click "Reset it using your Apple ID" and sign in with your Apple ID credentials. You will be prompted to create a new password.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset that through iforgot.apple.com before attempting to reset your Mac password. Make sure your recovery email and phone number are current in your Apple ID account settings — Apple will use those to verify your identity if needed.

If you have no recovery method in place

Contact Microsoft Support (for Windows) or Apple Support (for Mac) and explain that you have lost access to your administrator account. You will need to prove you own the computer. They may ask for your product key, serial number, or proof of purchase. The verification process typically takes several days.

While you wait, you can still use the computer with a standard user account if one exists, though you will not be able to install software or change system settings. Create a temporary standard account now if you need to access files while your administrator account is being recovered.

Preventing lockout in the future

Add a recovery email address and phone number to your account right now, before you need them. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and scroll to "Your Microsoft account." On Mac, open System Settings > General > Users & Groups, select your account, and check that your recovery email is listed under "Apple ID."

Create a password reset disk on Windows and store it safely. Write down your Apple ID in a find place. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass, store your administrator password there — but make sure you can access the password manager without signing in to your computer first, or you will be stuck in a loop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I do not remember my Microsoft or Apple ID password?

Yes. Go to account.microsoft.com (Windows) or iforgot.apple.com (Mac) from another device and use your recovery email or phone to reset your account password first. Then use that new password to reset your computer password.

What if I do not have a recovery email or phone number on file?

Contact Microsoft or Apple support with proof of ownership. The process is slower — usually several days — because they need to verify you own the computer before resetting anything. This is why adding recovery information now, while you can still sign in, matters.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your administrator password does not touch your files, programs, or settings. Everything stays where it is. You will straightforward be able to sign in again.

Can I reset the password if I only have a standard user account?

No. A standard account cannot reset an administrator password. You need either a second administrator account, a password reset disk, or access to your Microsoft or Apple ID. If none of those are available, you will need to contact support.

Is there a way to reset my password without losing my data?

Yes — all the methods described here preserve your data. Reinstalling Windows or Mac would erase everything, so avoid that unless support specifically tells you it is necessary.