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 key you saved earlier. Windows and Mac both let you reset without calling support, but the steps differ. Start by identifying which of these you have access to — that determines which method will work.
Do not restart your computer repeatedly or try random passwords. Each wrong attempt may lock you out temporarily, and restarting can make recovery harder. Instead, go directly to the login screen and look for a password reset option.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users can reset a password using a Microsoft account recovery email or phone number, or by using a local account recovery disk if one was created beforehand.
- Mac users can reset a password using an Apple ID, a recovery key, or by booting into Recovery Mode if neither of those options is available.
- The fastest reset method is using an email address or phone number you still have access to, which typically takes five to ten minutes.
- If you cannot remember your email password either, you will need to recover that account first before you can reset your computer password.
- Creating a password reset disk or recovery key now prevents this problem in the future and takes less than five minutes to set up.
Resetting a Windows password using your Microsoft account
If your Windows computer is linked to a Microsoft account (the kind you use to sign into Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox), you can reset your password from the login screen itself. At the login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with that Microsoft account.
Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone. Open the email or text message, copy the code, and enter it on the reset screen. You will then be asked to create a new password. Make it at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder for someone else to guess. Once you confirm the new password, you can log in to your computer when ready.
This method works only if you still have access to the email address or phone number you registered with Microsoft. If you have lost access to both, move to the next section.
Resetting a Windows password using a recovery disk
If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it now. You will need a USB drive or floppy disk (depending on when you created it) with the recovery file on it. Plug it into your computer, then at the login screen click "Reset password" and follow the prompts to select your recovery disk.
Windows will walk you through creating a new password. This method is fast — usually two to three minutes — but only works if the disk exists. If you did not create one, you will need to use a different method.
Resetting a Windows password in Safe Mode
If you have a local Windows account (not a Microsoft account) and did not create a recovery disk, you can try resetting the password using the built-in Administrator account. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly as it boots up, before the Windows logo appears. Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" from the menu.
Once the command prompt opens, type net user [your username] [new password] and press Enter. Replace [your username] with your actual username and [new password] with the new password you want. For example: net user sarah newpassword123. You will see a message saying the command completed successfully. Restart your computer normally and log in with your new password.
This method requires you to know your username. If you are not sure what it is, restart again and look at the login screen — your username appears above the password field.
Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID
On a Mac, click the login screen, then hold down the power button until you see "Restart" and click it. When the Mac restarts, you will see a login screen with a question mark icon. Click "Reset Password" below the password field.
Enter your Apple ID email address and password. Apple will verify your identity, then let you create a new Mac password. This takes about five minutes and works as long as you remember your Apple ID password. If you have forgotten that too, you will need to recover your Apple ID first through Apple's website before you can reset your Mac password.
Resetting a Mac password using Recovery Mode
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, restart your Mac and when ready press and hold Command + R as it boots. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This launches Recovery Mode. Click "Utilities" in the menu bar, then select "Reset Password".
Select your Mac user account from the dropdown, then create a new password. You do not need your Apple ID for this method. Once you have set a new password, restart your Mac normally and log in with it. After you are logged in, you can update your Apple ID password separately if you want to.
What to do if you cannot access your email or phone number
If you have forgotten your password and no longer have access to the email address or phone number linked to your account, you have limited options. For Windows, contact Microsoft Support directly — they can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access. For Mac, contact Apple Support with proof of ownership (your receipt, serial number, or proof of purchase).
Both companies will ask you to verify who you are before they help. Have your device serial number ready — on Windows, open Command Prompt and type wmic bios get serialnumber. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", and look for the Serial Number field. This speeds up the verification process.
Setting up a password reset method now
The easiest way to avoid this problem is to create a recovery option before you need it. On Windows, open Settings, go to "Accounts", then "Security options", and look for "Password recovery options". Add a backup email address or phone number. On Mac, open System Preferences, click "Users & Groups", select your account, and make sure your Apple ID is linked.
You can also create a password reset disk on Windows by opening Control Panel, going to "User Accounts", and clicking "Create a password reset disk". This takes about two minutes and saves you hours of trouble later. Store the disk somewhere safe but accessible — a drawer in your desk works better than a safety deposit box, since you need it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reset my password?
If you have access to your recovery email or phone number, the reset takes five to ten minutes. If you need to contact support, it can take one to three business days. Creating a recovery option now takes less than five minutes and prevents delays later.
Will I lose my files if I reset my password?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in — it does not affect your documents, photos, or any other files on your computer. Everything stays exactly where it is.
Can I reset my password if I do not have a Microsoft account or Apple ID?
If you have a local account on Windows with no Microsoft account linked, you can use Safe Mode and the command prompt method described above. On Mac, you will need either an Apple ID or access to Recovery Mode. If neither is available, contact the manufacturer's support team.
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 capital letters matter. If you are still locked out, try the recovery method again. If the problem continues, contact Windows or Apple support with your device serial number.
Should I write down my new password?
Write it down and store it somewhere find — a locked drawer or safe at home, not on a sticky note on your monitor. Alternatively, use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords encrypted and requires only one master password to access them all.