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, a phone number linked to your account, or a recovery code you saved earlier. Windows and Mac handle password recovery differently, so the steps you take depend on which system you use. The good news is that both operating systems have built-in recovery paths designed for this exact situation — you do not need special software or to contact the manufacturer.

Before you start, know that recovery takes between 10 minutes and an hour depending on which method works for you. If you are locked out right now, start with the method that matches what you still have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a Microsoft account can reset their password through the Windows sign-in screen using a recovery email or phone number.
  • Windows users with a local account need to use password reset disk, another admin account, or Safe Mode if they created a recovery disk beforehand.
  • Mac users can reset their password through the login screen using their Apple ID, or by booting into Recovery Mode if they do not remember their Apple ID password.
  • If you have another admin account on the same computer, you can reset the forgotten password from that account without needing external recovery methods.
  • Creating a password reset disk or recovery code right now — before you forget your password — is the fastest recovery method if you ever need it.

Resetting a Windows password with a Microsoft account

If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft email address (outlook.com, hotmail.com, or another email you use to sign in), you can reset your password from the sign-in screen itself. Look for the link that says "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it.

Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft email address and then send a code to that email or to a phone number on file. Check your email inbox (including spam folder) for a message from Microsoft. The code is usually six digits. Enter that code on the screen, and Windows will let you create a new password. Once you set the new password, you can sign in normally.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number linked to your account, you will need to use a different recovery method. Move to the section below about using another admin account or Safe Mode.

Resetting a Windows password with a local account

A local account is one that exists only on your computer, not linked to Microsoft or any online service. If you use a local account and have forgotten the password, you have three options: use a password reset disk if you created one before, use another admin account on the same computer, or boot into Safe Mode.

If you created a password reset disk in the past, insert that disk or USB drive now. At the sign-in screen, click "Reset password" and follow the prompts to select your reset disk. Windows will walk you through creating a new password. If you did not create a reset disk, you cannot create one now — you are locked out.

If another person uses an admin account on this computer, ask them to sign in. Once they are signed in, open Settings, go to Accounts, select "Other people," find your account name, and click "Reset password." They can set a temporary password for you without needing your old one. You can change it to something new the next time you sign in.

Using Safe Mode to reset a Windows local account password

If no other admin account exists on your computer, you can boot into Safe Mode and use the built-in Administrator account. Restart your computer and hold down the F8 key repeatedly as it starts up, before the Windows logo appears. (On some newer computers, restart and hold Shift while clicking "Restart" from the sign-in screen, then select "Troubleshoot," "Advanced options," and "Startup Settings," then press F4.)

Safe Mode will load with a list of accounts, including one called "Administrator." Sign in with no password — the Administrator account often has no password set. Once you are in, open Settings, go to Accounts, and select your locked account. Click "Reset password" and create a new one. Restart your computer normally and sign in with your new password.

This method works only if the Administrator account has no password. If it does, you will need to contact Microsoft support or take your computer to a repair shop, as there is no other built-in recovery path for a local account with no reset disk and no other admin account.

Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID

At the Mac login screen, if you have forgotten your password, click the question mark icon next to the password field. Mac will ask if you want to reset your password using your Apple ID. Click "Reset using Apple ID." Enter your Apple ID email address and password, and Mac will let you create a new computer password when ready.

If you do not see the question mark icon, or if you have also forgotten your Apple ID password, you will need to use Recovery Mode instead. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R as it starts up until you see the Apple logo. This boots into macOS Recovery, a separate system that runs before your main password is checked.

Resetting a Mac password using Recovery Mode

Once you are in Recovery Mode, click "Utilities" in the menu bar and select "Terminal." Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open. Select your user account from the dropdown, enter a new password twice, and click "Reset Password." Restart your Mac and sign in with the new password.

If the Terminal method does not work, you can also use the "Reset Password" utility directly from Recovery Mode. Click "Utilities," then "Reset Password," and follow the same steps. Both methods accomplish the same thing — they let you set a new password without needing the old one.

If you are asked for a recovery key or see a message about FileVault encryption, your Mac is using full-disk encryption. You will need the recovery key that was shown when FileVault was turned on. If you do not have that key, contact Apple Support, as there is no other way to regain access.

What to do after you reset your password

Once you have signed in with your new password, change any other accounts that used the same password — email, banking, social media, work systems. A forgotten password often means that password was not written down or stored securely, so use this as a chance to create a stronger one and store it properly.

Consider setting up a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password manager in Windows or Mac. These tools store passwords securely and can generate strong ones for you. You only have to remember one master password.

If you have not already, create a password reset disk (Windows) or write down your recovery key (Mac). Both take five minutes and can save you hours if you forget your password again. On Windows, search for "Create a password reset disk" in Settings. On Mac, your recovery key appears when you turn on FileVault in System Settings under Security & Privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I do not have access to my email or phone?

On Windows with a Microsoft account, no — you need one of those to verify your identity. On a local Windows account, you need a password reset disk, another admin account, or Safe Mode access. On Mac, you need your Apple ID password or a recovery key. If you have none of these, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop.

How long does it take to reset a password?

If you have a recovery email or phone number set up, 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to use another admin account or Recovery Mode, 20 to 30 minutes. If you have to contact support, it can take several days.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes how you sign in — it does not touch your documents, photos, or programs. Everything stays on your computer.

What if I see a message about BitLocker or FileVault?

BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (Mac) are encryption tools. If they are turned on, you will need a recovery key to reset your password. That key was shown when encryption was first turned on. If you do not have it, you cannot regain access without contacting support.

Can someone else reset my password without my permission?

Only if they have physical access to your computer and can sign in with another admin account, or if they have your recovery key or reset disk. This is why keeping those items find matters — store recovery keys in a safe place, not on a sticky note on your monitor.