The fastest way depends on whether you remember any password at all

If you can still log in to your Microsoft account or your HP account from another device, you can reset your laptop password without wiping the machine. If you cannot access either account, or if your laptop runs a local (non-Microsoft) account, you will need to use HP's built-in recovery tools or reinstall Windows. The method that works fastest for you depends on which type of account you set up when you first turned on the laptop.

Before you start, have a pen and paper ready. You will need to write down recovery codes or take screenshots of important information. If your laptop is encrypted with BitLocker (common on HP business models), the process takes longer because you will also need a recovery key.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your Microsoft account password, you can reset your HP laptop password from any web browser by visiting account.microsoft.com and using the "Reset password" link.
  • If you set up a local account (not tied to Microsoft), you will need to use HP's password reset disk, a second admin account, or Windows installation media to regain access.
  • HP laptops with BitLocker encryption require a recovery key before you can reset the password; this key was shown during setup and should be stored separately from the laptop.
  • The fastest option for most people is using a second computer to reset the Microsoft account password, which then syncs to the laptop within minutes.
  • If you have no recovery options available, you may need to reinstall Windows, which erases all files on the laptop unless you have a backup.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from another device

This is the fastest method if your HP laptop is connected to a Microsoft account. Open a web browser on any computer, phone, or tablet and go to account.microsoft.com. Click "Sign in" and enter your email address. When prompted for your password, click "Forgot my password" instead.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by email, text message, or security key, depending on what you set up when you created the account. Enter the code you receive, then create a new password. Make it at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or @) if possible.

Once you have set the new password, go back to your HP laptop and try logging in with it. If the laptop is connected to the internet, the new password will sync within a few minutes. If it does not work when ready, restart the laptop and try again.

Using a password reset disk on a local account

If you created a local account (one that does not use your email address to log in), and you made a password reset disk when you first set up the laptop, you can use that disk now. A password reset disk is a USB drive or external drive that you created during Windows setup. Look for a USB drive you labeled "Password Reset Disk" or similar.

Insert the disk into your HP laptop. At the Windows login screen, click "Reset password" (this link appears below the password field). Windows will walk you through creating a new password using the information on the reset disk. You do not need to know your old password for this method.

If you never created a password reset disk, this method will not work. Move to the next section instead.

Logging in with a second admin account

If someone else set up an admin account on your HP laptop, you can use that account to reset your password. At the Windows login screen, click "Other user" and enter the username and password for the second admin account. Once you are logged in, open Settings and go to Accounts > Other people. Find your account name and click it, then click "Reset password". Windows will let you set a new password without asking for the old one.

This method only works if the second account has admin rights. If you are not sure whether an account is an admin, try it anyway — Windows will tell you if you do not have permission.

Recovering a BitLocker-encrypted laptop

Some HP laptops, especially business models, use BitLocker encryption. If your laptop is encrypted, you cannot reset the password without the BitLocker recovery key. This key is a 48-digit number that was shown on screen during Windows setup.

If you saved the recovery key, look for it in your email, a document, or a printed sheet. If you have a Microsoft account, you may also have saved it to your account at account.microsoft.com/security-info. Sign in and look for "BitLocker recovery key" in your security settings.

If you have the recovery key, restart your laptop and enter it when prompted. Once you are in Windows, you can reset your password using one of the methods above. If you cannot find the recovery key, you will need to contact HP support or reinstall Windows.

Reinstalling Windows as a last resort

If you have no password reset disk, no second admin account, and no access to your Microsoft account, your last option is to reinstall Windows. This erases all files on your laptop unless you have a backup stored elsewhere. Before you start, back up any files you can access from another computer or external drive.

You will need a second computer and a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or Windows 10 if your laptop is older) and read the Windows installation tool. Follow the on-screen steps to create a bootable USB drive. Then insert the USB drive into your HP laptop, restart it, and press F2, F10, or Delete during startup to enter the boot menu. Select the USB drive and follow the Windows installation steps.

During installation, you will be asked to choose a drive to install Windows on. Select the drive that contains your old Windows installation (usually the largest one). Windows will erase it and install fresh. Once installation is complete, you can set up a new account and password.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have regained access to your laptop, take steps to avoid being locked out in the future. If you use a Microsoft account, write down your recovery email address and phone number and store them somewhere safe. If you use a local account, create a password reset disk now by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disk.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store your passwords in an encrypted file. A password manager will not help you if you forget the master password, but it will prevent you from forgetting individual passwords in the first place. If you use Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition), set it up as a backup login method so you have another way in if you forget your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not know whether my account is a Microsoft account or a local account?

Look at the Windows login screen. If your account name is an email address, it is a Microsoft account. If it is a single word or a name without an email domain, it is a local account. You can also check by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info and looking at the account name shown at the top.

Can I reset my password if the laptop is not connected to the internet?

Not using the Microsoft account method. If your laptop is offline, you will need a password reset disk or a second admin account. If you have neither, you will need to connect to the internet (by Ethernet cable or at a location with Wi-Fi) before you can reset a Microsoft account password.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password does not delete anything on your laptop. Only reinstalling Windows erases files. All other methods leave your files intact.

How do I find my BitLocker recovery key if I did not save it?

If you have a Microsoft account, sign in at account.microsoft.com and go to Security > Device security to see if the key is stored there. If you do not have access to your Microsoft account, or the key is not there, contact HP support with proof of ownership (receipt, serial number, or warranty information).

What should I do if none of these methods work?

Contact HP support with your laptop's serial number and proof of ownership. They can help you verify your identity and may be able to provide a recovery key or walk you through additional options. You can also take the laptop to a local computer repair shop, though they may charge a fee.