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

If you remember your Microsoft account password, you can reset your HP laptop password from the login screen in under five minutes without any special tools. If you do not remember that password either, or if your HP runs a local account instead of a Microsoft account, you will need to use a password reset disk you created earlier, or boot into Safe Mode to access the built-in Administrator account. The method that works for you depends on what you set up before you forgot the password.

Start with the method that matches your situation: if you have a Microsoft account and remember its password, try the login screen recovery first. If that does not work or does not explore to you, move down the list in order. Each method below assumes the previous one is not available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • If your HP laptop uses a Microsoft account and you remember that password, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen and follow the email recovery steps.
  • A password reset disk created before you forgot the password is the fastest recovery method for local accounts.
  • Booting into Safe Mode and using the built-in Administrator account works if you have no reset disk and no Microsoft account recovery option.
  • Windows installation media can reset your password if other methods are not available, but requires a USB drive and takes longer.
  • After you regain access, create a password reset disk when ready so you never face this situation again.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen

On the HP login screen, look for the text "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it. Windows will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.

Check that email inbox or text messages for the code. Enter it on the screen, then create a new password. The new password takes effect when ready, and you can log in to your HP laptop right away. This method works only if you still have access to the email address or phone number on file with Microsoft.

If you cannot access that email or phone number, or if you do not remember your Microsoft account password either, move to the next method.

Using a password reset disk if you created one before

If you created a password reset disk on a USB drive or floppy disk before you forgot your password, insert it into your HP laptop now. On the login screen, enter any password (it does not have to be correct), then click "Reset password" when it appears.

Windows will launch the Password Reset Wizard. Follow the prompts, select your reset disk from the list of drives, and create a new password. This process takes about two minutes and works regardless of whether your account is a Microsoft account or a local account.

If you never created a reset disk, or you cannot find it, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Booting into Safe Mode to access the Administrator account

Restart your HP laptop and press F8 repeatedly as it boots up, before the Windows logo appears. (On some newer HP models, press Shift + F8 instead.) A menu will appear with boot options. Select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Command Prompt."

Once Safe Mode loads, look for an account called "Administrator" on the login screen. This account often has no password set. Click it to log in. If it asks for a password, try leaving the field blank and pressing Enter.

Once you are logged in as Administrator, open Settings, go to Accounts, and select your own account name. Click "Change your password" and create a new one. Log out, restart your HP laptop normally, and log in with your new password.

This method works on most HP laptops running Windows 10 or Windows 11, but some newer models have disabled the Administrator account by default. If Safe Mode does not show an Administrator option, try the Windows installation media method instead.

Using Windows installation media to reset your password

This method requires a second computer and a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. On the other computer, go to Microsoft's Windows read page and read the Windows installation tool that matches your HP laptop's version (Windows 10 or Windows 11). Run the tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.

Insert the USB drive into your HP laptop and restart it. Press F9 or Esc during startup to open the boot menu (the key varies by HP model). Select the USB drive from the list. Windows Setup will launch. Click "Repair your computer," then "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC."

Choose "Keep my files" to preserve your documents and programs, then follow the prompts to reset Windows. Your password will be cleared, and you can create a new one when Windows finishes. This method takes 20 to 40 minutes but works on almost every HP laptop.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you regain access to your HP laptop, create a password reset disk when ready. Open Settings, search for "password reset disk," and click "Create a password reset disk." Insert a USB drive, follow the wizard, and store the drive somewhere safe but accessible.

You should also consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store your passwords securely. If you use a Microsoft account, enable two-factor authentication in your Microsoft account settings so that even if someone learns your password, they cannot log in without a code from your phone or email.

What to do if none of these methods work

If you cannot access the Administrator account, do not have a reset disk, cannot recover your Microsoft account, and do not have Windows installation media, your HP laptop may have additional security features enabled. Contact HP Support with proof of ownership (your receipt or serial number). They can verify your identity and provide recovery options, though this process typically takes several business days.

Some HP laptops sold through businesses or schools have additional restrictions that prevent standard password reset methods. If your HP was provided by an employer or school, contact their IT department instead — they may have a master recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. Your documents, photos, and programs remain on your HP laptop. The Windows installation media method is the only one that can delete files, and only if you choose "Remove everything" instead of "Keep my files."

Can I reset my password without a Microsoft account?

Yes. If your HP uses a local account (not linked to Microsoft), the password reset disk method, Safe Mode Administrator account, or Windows installation media will all work. You do not need a Microsoft account to reset a local account password.

How long does it take to reset my password?

Microsoft account recovery takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have access to your recovery email or phone. A password reset disk takes 2 to 3 minutes. Safe Mode takes 10 to 15 minutes. Windows installation media takes 20 to 40 minutes. The fastest method depends on what you set up before you forgot the password.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password too?

Go to account.microsoft.com on another device and click "Can't access your account." Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email, phone number, or security questions. Once you reset your Microsoft password there, you can use it to reset your HP laptop password from the login screen.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to reset my password?

No. Reinstalling Windows is a last resort that deletes everything on your HP laptop. All the methods above reset your password without reinstalling anything. Use the Windows installation media method only if Safe Mode and password reset disks do not work.