The fastest way depends on whether you remember your Microsoft account password

If your HP laptop runs Windows 10 or Windows 11 and you set up a Microsoft account during setup, you can reset your password from the login screen without opening the computer. Click "I forgot my password" on the login screen, then follow the prompts to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Microsoft will send you a reset link, and you can create a new password within minutes.

If you use a local account instead — one created only on this computer, not linked to Microsoft — the process is slower and requires either a password reset disk you made earlier or access to another administrator account on the same laptop. If you have neither, you will need to reinstall Windows, which erases your files.

The method that works for you depends on what type of account you have and what recovery options you set up before you forgot the password. The sections below walk through each path.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account passwords can be reset from the login screen using a recovery email or phone number, and the new password takes effect when ready.
  • Local account passwords require a password reset disk created before you forgot the password, or access to another administrator account on the same computer.
  • If you have neither a reset disk nor another admin account, you will need to reinstall Windows, which deletes all files on the drive.
  • You can check what type of account you have by looking at the login screen — a Microsoft account shows an email address, while a local account shows only a username.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen

On the Windows login screen, look at the account name. If it shows an email address, you have a Microsoft account. Click the login field, then look for the text "I forgot my password" or a link that says "Reset password." Click it.

Windows will ask you to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by email (sent to your recovery email address) or by text (sent to your recovery phone number). Enter the code when it arrives, then create a new password. The new password works when ready — you can log in right away.

If you do not see a recovery email or phone number on file, or if the recovery email is one you no longer have access to, you can still reset the password through the Microsoft account website. Go to account.microsoft.com on another device, click "Security" in the left menu, then "Password security." Click "Change password" and follow the prompts. You will need to answer security questions or use a backup authentication method you set up earlier.

Resetting a local account password with a password reset disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create ahead of time specifically for this situation. If you made one before you forgot your password, plug it into your HP laptop now.

On the login screen, enter any password (it does not have to be correct). When Windows tells you the password is wrong, click "Reset password." Windows will detect the reset disk and walk you through creating a new password. Once you set the new password, you can log in normally.

If you did not create a reset disk before, you cannot use this method. Move to the next section.

Using another administrator account on the same laptop

If someone else has an administrator account on this HP laptop, they can reset your password without needing a reset disk. Have them log in with their account, then open Settings and go to Accounts > Other people (in Windows 10) or Accounts > Other users (in Windows 11).

They should find your account in the list, click it, then click "Reset password." Windows will ask them to set a new password for your account. They do not need to know your old password. Once they finish, you can log in with the new password they created.

This method only works if the other person has administrator rights. If their account is a standard user account, they will not see the option to reset another person's password.

Reinstalling Windows if you have no other options

If you do not have a password reset disk, another administrator account, or access to your Microsoft account recovery options, you will need to reinstall Windows. This erases all files on your C: drive, so use this only as a last resort.

You will need another computer to read Windows installation media from Microsoft's website. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (for Windows 11) or microsoft.com/software-read/windows10 (for Windows 10), then follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive. Plug the USB drive into your HP laptop, restart it, and boot from the USB drive. Follow the Windows setup wizard to reinstall the operating system.

During setup, you can create a new local account or sign in with a Microsoft account. Once Windows is installed, your old files will be gone, but you will have a working laptop with a password you know.

How to create a password reset disk before you forget your password

If you still have access to your account, create a reset disk now so you never face this situation again. Plug a USB drive into your HP laptop, then open Settings and go to Accounts > Sign-in options (Windows 11) or Accounts > Sign-in options (Windows 10).

Scroll down to "Password" and click "Add." Windows will ask you to enter your current password, then walk you through creating a reset disk on the USB drive. Once it finishes, label the USB drive clearly and store it somewhere safe. If you ever forget your password, you can use this disk to reset it in minutes.

What to do if your HP laptop is encrypted with BitLocker

Some HP business laptops use BitLocker encryption, which adds a step to password recovery. If you see a message about BitLocker when you start your laptop, you will need a recovery key before you can reinstall Windows or reset your password.

If your employer or IT department set up BitLocker, contact them for the recovery key. If you set it up yourself, check your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com — the recovery key may be stored there under "Device" or "Security." Without the recovery key, you cannot access the drive, even after reinstalling Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my HP laptop password without another computer?

If you have a Microsoft account, yes — click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and use your recovery email or phone. If you have a local account and no reset disk, you need another computer to read Windows installation media and reinstall the operating system.

What if I do not remember the email address for my Microsoft account?

Look at the login screen — the email address shown there is your Microsoft account. If you cannot remember the password for that email account, go to the email provider's website (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) and use their password recovery process. Once you regain access to the email, you can reset your laptop password.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No, resetting your password keeps all your files intact. Only reinstalling Windows deletes files. If you use a password reset disk, Microsoft account recovery, or another administrator account, your files stay on the drive.

How long does it take to reset an HP laptop password?

Microsoft account password resets take 5 to 10 minutes if you have access to your recovery email or phone. Local account resets with a reset disk take about the same time. Reinstalling Windows takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your internet speed and drive size.

Can I reset my password if my HP laptop is off?

Yes, if you have a Microsoft account — turn on the laptop and use the login screen recovery process. If you have a local account, you need a password reset disk or another administrator account, both of which require the laptop to be on.