The fastest way depends on what you remember and what you set up before
If you forgot your password but still have access to the email or phone number linked to your account, you can reset it without leaving your computer. If you have no recovery information saved, you will need to use a different device or create a new local account. Windows and Mac handle this differently, so the steps depend on which system you use.
The key is acting before you shut down — once your computer is fully locked, some methods become much harder. If you are already locked out, skip to the section that matches your situation.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 or 11, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen if you use a Microsoft account, then follow the email or phone recovery steps.
- On a Mac, restart in Recovery Mode (Command + R during startup) and use the Reset Password utility from the Utilities menu.
- If you have no recovery email or phone number saved, you will need another admin account on the same computer or a Windows installation disc.
- Local accounts on Windows (not linked to Microsoft) require either another admin account or a password reset disc created before you forgot the password.
- If you are completely locked out with no recovery options, contact the computer manufacturer or a local repair shop — they can verify ownership and help you regain access.
Resetting a Windows password using your Microsoft account
If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (the email address you use for Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox), the reset process works from the login screen itself. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using the recovery email or phone number linked to your account.
Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone. Enter the code, then create a new password. The new password takes effect when ready, and you can log in right away. This method works even if you have not used your computer in weeks — as long as your recovery email or phone number is current, you can reset from any internet-connected device.
If you do not see "I forgot my password" on your login screen, you are using a local account instead of a Microsoft account. Skip to the local account section below.
Resetting a Mac password using Recovery Mode
On a Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + R as it starts up. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots into Recovery Mode, a separate system that exists outside your normal login. From the Utilities menu at the top, select "Reset Password."
Choose your user account from the dropdown, then click "Reset." You will be asked to enter a new password. On newer Macs with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chips), you may need to enter your Apple ID password instead of creating a new one on the spot — this is a security feature. After you reset, restart normally and log in with your new password.
If you do not have an Apple ID linked to your account, or if Recovery Mode does not recognize your account, you will need to use another admin account on the same Mac or contact Apple Support with proof of ownership.
Using another admin account on the same computer
If someone else uses your computer and has an admin account, they can reset your password without needing your recovery email. On Windows, they log into their account, go to Settings > Accounts > Other people, find your account, and click "Reset password." They will not need to know your old password.
On a Mac, another admin can go to System Settings > General > Login Items, then click the lock icon and enter their password. From there, they can select your account and reset your password. This method is faster than Recovery Mode if you have someone else with admin access nearby.
If you have no recovery options and no other admin account
This is the hardest situation. On Windows, you will need a password reset disc that you created before you forgot your password — if you have one, insert it at the login screen and follow the prompts. If you never created one, you will need a Windows installation disc or USB drive. Insert it, restart from that disc, and use the command-line tools to reset your password. This requires some technical steps and is easier with help from someone experienced.
On a Mac, if you have no recovery options and no other admin account, you will need to erase and reinstall macOS. This erases everything on the computer, so it should be a last resort. You can do this from Recovery Mode by selecting "Erase Mac" and then reinstalling the operating system.
If you do not feel comfortable with these steps, a local computer repair shop can help. They can verify that you own the computer and walk you through the process, or do it for you. This usually costs between fifty and two hundred dollars depending on your location and the shop.
Preventing this from happening again
Once you regain access, add a recovery email and phone number to your account right away. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and add both. On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items and link your Apple ID if you have not already. You can also create a password reset disc on Windows (Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disc) and store it somewhere safe.
If you use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane, store your computer password there as well. Password managers are encrypted and backed up to your account, so you can recover your password from another device if you forget it again.
What to do if you think someone else changed your password
If you did not forget your password but cannot log in because someone else changed it, the recovery process is the same — use "I forgot my password" on Windows or Recovery Mode on a Mac. After you regain access, change your Microsoft or Apple ID password when ready from a web browser, enable two-factor authentication, and check what devices are signed into your account. Remove any devices you do not recognize.
On Windows, also check Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to see if anyone added a new PIN or password. On a Mac, check System Settings > General > Login Items to see all accounts. If you believe someone has access to your account, consider running antivirus software or taking your computer to a repair shop to check for malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my password without a recovery email or phone number?
On Windows, you can if you have another admin account on the same computer or a password reset disc created before you forgot the password. On a Mac, you can use Recovery Mode if you have an Apple ID linked to your account. If you have none of these, you will need to erase and reinstall your operating system or contact a repair shop.
How long does it take to reset my password?
If you use a Microsoft account or Apple ID with recovery information saved, the reset takes five to ten minutes. If you need to use Recovery Mode or another admin account, it takes ten to twenty minutes. If you need to use a password reset disc or installation media, it can take thirty minutes to an hour depending on your comfort with the process.
Will I lose my files if I reset my password?
No. Resetting your password does not touch your files, programs, or settings. The only exception is if you erase and reinstall your operating system, which erases everything — this should only happen if you have no other recovery options.
What if I forgot my Microsoft or Apple ID password too?
Go to account.microsoft.com or appleid.apple.com from another device and click "Forgot password." Follow the recovery steps using your backup email or phone number. Once you reset your Microsoft or Apple ID password, you can use it to reset your computer password.
Can I reset my password if my computer is not connected to the internet?
On Windows with a Microsoft account, you will need internet to send and receive the recovery code. On a Mac in Recovery Mode, you do not need internet. If you are offline and have no other options, you will need to connect to the internet or use a password reset disc.