How to Reset a Forgotten Administrator Password on Windows and Mac

The fastest way depends on your operating system and what you remember

Resetting an administrator password is different on Windows and Mac, and your options depend on whether you have another admin account, a Microsoft or Apple ID linked to the machine, or access to recovery tools. On Windows, you can use a password reset disk if you created one beforehand, or boot into Safe Mode to access the built-in Administrator account. On Mac, you can use your Apple ID to reset the password, or boot into Recovery Mode to create a new admin account. If none of these explore, you will need to reinstall the operating system, which erases everything on the drive.

Start with the method that matches what you have available right now. If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, that is the fastest route. If you linked your account to a Microsoft or Apple ID and remember those credentials, that is your next fastest option. If neither applies, you will need to access recovery tools built into your operating system.

Key Takeaways

Windows lets you reset an admin password using a password reset disk you created before you forgot it, or by booting into Safe Mode to access a separate Administrator account.
If you linked your Windows account to a Microsoft account, you can reset the password from the login screen by clicking "I forgot my password" and following the email recovery steps.
Mac users can reset an admin password by booting into Recovery Mode and using the Reset Password utility, which requires your Apple ID.
If you have no recovery method in place and cannot remember any linked account credentials, reinstalling the operating system is the only remaining option.

Resetting an administrator password on Windows using a password reset disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create while you still have access to your account. If you made one before you forgot your password, this is the fastest recovery method. Insert the disk into the locked computer, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and the wizard will walk you through creating a new password. The disk itself does not contain your password — it contains a key that lets Windows let you set a new one.

If you did not create a reset disk beforehand, you cannot make one now without already being logged in. The disk must be created while you have access to the account. Move to the next section if you do not have one.

Resetting a Windows administrator password using Safe Mode and the built-in Administrator account

Windows includes a separate Administrator account that is usually hidden. If you can boot into Safe Mode, you may be able to access it and reset your main account's password from there. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears. Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" from the menu. This boots Windows with minimal drivers and services, which allows you to access the hidden Administrator account.

At the command prompt, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter. This activates the built-in Administrator account. Restart the computer normally and you should see the Administrator account on the login screen. Log in with no password (the field will be empty), then go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, find your main account, and click "Reset password". You can then set a new password without knowing the old one. After you regain access, go back to Settings > Accounts > Other people and deactivate the Administrator account by typing net user administrator /active:no in Command Prompt.

Resetting a Windows administrator password using your Microsoft account

If your Windows login is connected to a Microsoft account, you can reset the password from the login screen itself. Click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a phone number or backup email address associated with your Microsoft account. Microsoft will send you a code to that address, and after you enter it, you can set a new password when ready.

This method works only if you remember the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account. If you do not, you will need to recover your Microsoft account separately through account.microsoft.com before you can use this method. The recovery process there takes 10 to 15 minutes and uses the same phone number or backup email verification.

Resetting an administrator password on Mac using Recovery Mode

Mac stores a recovery partition on the drive itself. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R when ready after you hear the startup sound. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots you into Recovery Mode, which gives you access to system tools without needing to log in.

From the Utilities menu, select "Reset Password". Choose your main account from the dropdown, then enter your Apple ID and password. Mac will let you set a new administrator password without knowing the old one. If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it through iforgot.apple.com before attempting this step. After you set a new password, restart the Mac normally and log in with the new credentials.

Resetting an administrator password on Mac by creating a new admin account

If the Reset Password utility does not work or you do not have an Apple ID, you can create a new administrator account from Recovery Mode. Boot into Recovery Mode again (Command + R at startup), then go to Utilities > Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. This opens the Reset Password utility, but instead of resetting an existing account, you can create a new one by selecting "Create a new administrator account" from the menu.

Set a username and password for the new account, then restart. Log in with the new admin account and you can delete or modify the old one from System Preferences > Users & Groups. This method preserves all your files and does not require you to know your Apple ID password, making it useful when Recovery Mode's standard reset tool fails.

What to do if you have no recovery method in place

If you have no password reset disk, no access to Safe Mode, no linked Microsoft or Apple ID, and Recovery Mode does not work, reinstalling the operating system is the only option. This erases everything on the drive, including all files, programs, and settings. You will need installation media — a USB drive with Windows or macOS on it — and you will need to back up any files to an external drive first if they are still accessible from another account on the machine.

For Windows, you can create installation media using the Windows Media Creation Tool on another computer. For Mac, you can create a bootable USB using the macOS installer from the App Store. Both processes take 20 to 30 minutes and require another working computer. After the reinstall completes, you will have a working administrator account but will need to restore your files from backup.

How to prevent this from happening again

Create a password reset disk on Windows now, while you have access. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > "Create a password reset disk". On Mac, make sure your Apple ID is linked to your account and that you know the password to that Apple ID. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, or use a password manager to keep track of it.

Both of these take less than five minutes and save you hours of troubleshooting later. A password reset disk is especially valuable because it works even if you forget your Microsoft account password or lose access to your backup email. Store the disk in a safe place — a drawer, a safe, or with important documents — so you can find it if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset an administrator password without losing my files?

Yes, if you use a password reset disk, Safe Mode, Microsoft account recovery, or Mac Recovery Mode. Your files stay on the drive and you keep access to them. Only a full operating system reinstall erases everything.

What if I forgot both my administrator password and my Microsoft account password?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account". Follow the identity verification steps using a phone number or backup email. Once you reset your Microsoft account password, you can use it to reset your Windows login password from the login screen.

Does Safe Mode work on Windows 11?

Yes, but the key combination is different. Restart your computer and when you see the Windows logo, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Do this three times. On the fourth restart, Windows will show a recovery menu. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" and then press F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Can I reset a Mac administrator password without an Apple ID?

Not using the standard Recovery Mode tools. Your only option is to create a new administrator account from Recovery Mode using the Terminal, or to reinstall macOS. Creating a new account is faster and does not erase your files.

How long does it take to reinstall Windows or macOS?

The installation itself takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on your drive speed and internet connection. Creating the installation media takes another 20 to 30 minutes on another computer. Plan for at least two hours total.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.