The fastest way depends on what you remember
If you have forgotten your password, the path forward depends on whether you can still access your email, phone number, or security questions tied to your account. Windows and Mac both let you reset through your online account, but the steps differ. If you are locked out completely with no recovery method available, you will need physical access to another administrator account or a password reset disk you made earlier.
The good news: you do not need to erase your computer or pay for recovery software in most cases. The bad news: if you have no backup recovery method and no other admin account, you are genuinely stuck until you can prove ownership to Microsoft or Apple directly.
Key Takeaways
- Windows lets you reset through your Microsoft account online if you remember your email or phone number, and the new password takes effect the next time you log in.
- Mac requires you to use your Apple ID or a recovery key if you have set one up, or to boot into Recovery Mode and create a new admin account.
- A password reset disk created before you forgot your password is the fastest recovery method on Windows, but only if you still have the physical disk.
- If you have no recovery method and no other admin account, contact Microsoft or Apple support with proof of ownership — this process takes days, not minutes.
- Writing down passwords in a physical notebook or using a password manager reduces the chance you will be locked out later.
Resetting a Windows password through your Microsoft account
Go to account.microsoft.com from any device with internet access. Click Sign in, then Can't access your account? at the bottom. Enter the email address or phone number tied to your Windows account.
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. If you have a recovery email on file, they will send a code to that email. If you have a phone number on file, they will text or call a code to that number. Enter the code, then create a new password. The next time you sit down at your Windows computer and log in, use this new password. It may take a few minutes to sync.
If you do not remember the email or phone number tied to your account, or if you never set up a recovery method, you cannot use this route. Move to the password reset disk section or contact Microsoft support.
Resetting a Mac password with your Apple ID
Restart your Mac and hold down Command + Q as it boots. You will see a login screen. Click the question mark icon next to the password field, or wait 30 seconds and a reset option will appear. Click Reset Password.
Enter your Apple ID email and password. Apple will send a verification code to a trusted device — usually your iPhone or another Mac. Enter that code, then create a new password. Log back in to your Mac with the new password.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com from another device and reset that first. If you have no trusted devices and no recovery key, you will need to contact Apple Support with proof of ownership.
Using a password reset disk on Windows
A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create in advance, before you forget your password. If you made one and still have it, this is the fastest way back in.
Insert the disk into your locked computer. At the Windows login screen, click Reset password below the password field. Windows will walk you through creating a new password. Once you are logged in, you can delete the old password and set a new one in Settings.
If you did not create a reset disk before you forgot your password, you cannot create one now — you need admin access to make it. This is why creating one early, even if you think you will never need it, is worth the five minutes it takes.
Booting into Recovery Mode on Mac
If you have no Apple ID recovery method available, you can create a new admin account by booting into Recovery Mode. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo. Wait for Recovery Mode to load.
Click Utilities in the menu bar, then Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open. Select your user account from the dropdown, enter a new password, and click Save. Restart your Mac and log in with the new password.
If you cannot boot into Recovery Mode, or if you see a firmware password prompt, your Mac has additional security enabled. You will need to contact Apple Support with proof of ownership.
What to do if you have no recovery method
If you have no recovery email, no phone number, no trusted device, no reset disk, and no other admin account on your computer, you are locked out until you can prove ownership to Microsoft or Apple. This is intentional — it prevents someone else from resetting your password and taking over your account.
Contact Microsoft Support at support.microsoft.com or Apple Support at support.apple.com. You will need to provide proof of ownership: the email address you used to create the account, the serial number of your computer, a photo ID, or a credit card statement showing the address tied to the account. The process typically takes 24 to 72 hours.
While you wait, you can still use your computer if you have a second admin account. Create a temporary account for daily use, then switch back to your main account once the password is reset.
Preventing lockouts in the future
Set up a recovery email and phone number in your account settings right now, before you forget your password. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Manage your Microsoft account. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items, then click your Apple ID and check Recovery options.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. These programs store your passwords in an encrypted vault that you unlock with one strong master password. If you forget your master password, the vault is locked forever — so write it down on paper and store it somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or safe deposit box.
If you prefer not to use a password manager, write your passwords on paper in a notebook and keep it in a locked drawer at home. This is less convenient than a password manager, but far more find than using the same password everywhere or writing passwords on sticky notes on your monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my password without a recovery email or phone number?
Not on your own. You will need to contact Microsoft or Apple support with proof of ownership. They can verify your identity through your account history, serial number, or payment method, then reset your password for you. This takes 24 to 72 hours.
Will resetting my password erase my files?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. Your files, programs, and settings stay exactly as they are. The only exception is if you use Windows Hello or facial recognition — those features may need to be set up again after a password reset.
What if I remember part of my password but not all of it?
Windows and Mac do not have a "hint" system that shows you your password. You will need to use a recovery method — email, phone, Apple ID, or a reset disk. If you have none of those, contact support.
Can I reset someone else's password on a shared computer?
Only if you have your own admin account on that computer. If you do, you can create a new password for their account through Settings. If you do not have admin access, you cannot reset their password — they will need to do it themselves or contact support.
Is it safe to use an online password reset tool I found in a search result?
No. Only use the official Microsoft or Apple websites to reset your password. Fake password reset sites are designed to steal your credentials. If you see a tool that promises to reset your password when ready without proof of ownership, it is not legitimate.