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 computers store passwords differently, and the steps differ between them. The good news: you do not need to erase your computer or pay someone to unlock it. You can reset the password yourself from the login screen in most cases.

Before you start, know that you will need either a second device (phone or tablet) or a recovery email address you set up when you created your account. If you have neither, the process takes longer but is still possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows and Mac both let you reset a forgotten password from the login screen using a recovery email or phone number you provided when you set up the account.
  • On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen; on Mac, restart in Recovery Mode and use your Apple ID or recovery key.
  • If you do not have access to your recovery email or phone, you will need to verify your identity through security questions or contact Microsoft or Apple support.
  • The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your recovery information ready.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe after you reset it, or use a password manager so you do not lose it again.

Resetting a Windows password from the login screen

On the Windows login screen, look for the text "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using one of three methods: your recovery email address, a phone number you registered, or security questions you answered when you created the account.

If you chose email recovery, Windows will send a code to that email address. Check the inbox (and spam folder) on that email account, copy the code, and enter it on the Windows screen. If you chose phone recovery, Windows will text or call you with a code. Enter that code on the login screen. Once Windows confirms the code, you will be taken to a screen where you can type a new password.

Choose a password you have not used before and that you can remember or write down securely. Avoid birthdays, pet names, or anything someone could guess. After you enter the new password twice to confirm it, click Next. Windows will return you to the login screen, where you can now sign in with your new password.

Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID

On a Mac login screen, if you have forgotten your password, click the question mark icon next to the password field. Mac will show you a hint you created when you set up the account. If the hint does not help you remember, click "Reset it" or look for a "Reset Password" button.

Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID — the same account you use for the App Store or iCloud. Once you enter your Apple ID password and verify your identity (usually by entering a code sent to a trusted phone), Mac will let you create a new login password. You do not need to know your old password to do this.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password either, you will need to reset that first on a different device by going to iforgot.apple.com. Once your Apple ID password is reset, return to your Mac and use the new Apple ID password to reset your login password.

What to do if you do not have access to your recovery email or phone

If the email address or phone number you registered no longer works, you will need to answer your security questions instead. On the Windows login screen, after clicking "I forgot my password," select the security questions option. Answer the questions you set up when you created your account — Microsoft will ask for at least two correct answers.

On a Mac, if you cannot use your Apple ID to reset your password, you will need to restart your Mac in Recovery Mode. Restart your computer and hold Command + R as it boots. Once Recovery Mode opens, go to Utilities and select Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. This will open the Reset Password utility, where you can create a new password without knowing the old one. You will need to restart your Mac after this step.

Contacting Windows or Apple support if you are still locked out

If you cannot remember your security questions, do not have access to your recovery email or phone, and cannot restart your Mac in Recovery Mode, you will need to contact Microsoft or Apple directly. Have your computer's serial number ready — you can find it on the original receipt or the bottom of your device.

Microsoft support can be reached through support.microsoft.com. Apple support can be reached through support.apple.com or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Both companies will ask you to verify your identity by providing information about your account or device. This process can take several days, so be prepared to wait.

Preventing this from happening again

After you reset your password, take two steps to avoid being locked out in the future. First, write your new password in a find location — a locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password that you can access from any device. Second, make sure your recovery email address and phone number are current. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and check the email and phone listed there. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items and verify your Apple ID information.

If you use a password manager, you will only need to remember one strong master password, and the manager will store all your other passwords securely. This is the most common way people avoid forgotten passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without a recovery email or phone number?

Yes, but it is more difficult. You can answer security questions on Windows or use Recovery Mode on a Mac. If you cannot do either, you will need to contact Microsoft or Apple support and verify your identity with information about your account or device.

How long does it take to reset a Windows or Mac password?

If you have your recovery email or phone number, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you need to contact support, it can take several days. The wait time depends on how busy the support team is.

Will I lose my files if I reset my password?

No. Resetting your password does not erase any files, programs, or settings on your computer. Everything stays exactly as it was — you are only changing the password you use to log in.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Make sure you are typing the new password exactly as you created it — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are still locked out, restart your computer and try again. If the problem continues, contact Microsoft or Apple support.

Can someone else reset my password without my permission?

No. To reset your password, someone would need access to your recovery email address or phone number, or they would need to know your security questions. Keep your recovery email and phone number private, and do not share your security question answers with anyone.