The fastest way depends on what you remember and what system you use

If you have forgotten your password, the path forward depends on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you have access to a recovery email or phone number tied to your account. Windows lets you reset through a Microsoft account if you set one up; Mac requires either an Apple ID or a recovery key you may have saved during setup. Both systems have offline reset options if you do not have internet access, but they take longer and require specific preparation.

The method also changes if you are locked out of a work or school laptop — those machines often have their own password recovery rules set by IT staff, and you will need to contact them directly rather than using the personal account recovery steps below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a Microsoft account can reset their password online from another device, and the new password works the next time you restart.
  • Mac users need either an Apple ID or a recovery key to regain access; if you have neither, you will need to contact Apple Support or take the machine to an Apple Store.
  • Work or school laptops require you to contact your IT department or help desk, not the personal account recovery process.
  • Offline password reset on Windows requires a second computer and a USB drive, and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Saving a recovery key or backup codes when you first set up your account makes future lockouts much faster to resolve.

Resetting a Windows password using your Microsoft account

If your laptop runs Windows 10 or Windows 11 and you set up a Microsoft account when you installed it, you can reset your password from any other computer with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or another computer. Click Sign in, then Can't access your account? Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Microsoft account.

Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to a backup email address or phone number you registered. Enter that code, then create a new password. The next time you restart your locked laptop and reach the login screen, use this new password to sign in. The change takes effect when ready.

If you do not remember the email or phone number you used, or if you never set up a backup contact method, you will need to use the offline reset method described below or contact Microsoft Support for additional verification steps.

Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID

On a Mac, restart the computer and hold down the power button until you see the login screen. If you set up an Apple ID during Mac setup, you can click Forgot password? on the login screen. Enter your Apple ID email address, and Apple will send a reset link to that email. Click the link from another device, create a new password, and return to your Mac to sign in with the new password.

If you do not have access to the email address associated with your Apple ID, or if you never set one up, you will need your recovery key — a long code Apple generates during setup. If you saved this key in a safe place, you can use it to reset your password without needing the email address. If you do not have the recovery key and cannot access the email, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase.

Offline password reset on Windows using a USB drive

If you cannot access the internet or do not have a Microsoft account set up, you can reset your Windows password using a second computer and a USB drive. On the working computer, read a password reset tool such as Offline NT Password Editor (free, open-source) or Ophcrack (also free). Follow the tool's instructions to create a bootable USB drive — this usually means downloading the tool, inserting the USB drive, and running a setup program that copies files to the drive.

Insert the USB drive into your locked laptop, restart it, and boot from the USB drive. This usually means holding down a key like F12, Esc, or Del during startup to open the boot menu, then selecting the USB drive. The password reset tool will load and show you a list of user accounts on your laptop. Select your account and follow the tool's steps to reset the password. Once complete, restart the laptop normally and sign in with your new password.

This process takes 20 to 30 minutes the first time, and requires you to be comfortable navigating boot menus and following technical instructions. If you are not sure which key to press during startup, look up your laptop model — most manufacturers publish this information online.

Resetting a work or school laptop password

If your laptop is owned by your employer or school, do not use the personal account recovery methods above. Instead, contact your IT department, help desk, or the support number listed in your employee handbook or student portal. Work and school machines are often configured differently, and attempting personal recovery may trigger security alerts or lock your account further.

When you contact IT, have your employee ID, student ID, or other identifying information ready. They will verify your identity and either reset your password for you or send you a temporary password to use for your first login. Some organizations require you to change the temporary password when ready after signing in.

Preventing lockouts in the future

The easiest way to avoid this situation is to save your recovery information when you first set up your account. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Security options and add a backup email address and phone number to your Microsoft account. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Options and note whether you have an Apple ID set up; if you do, write down your recovery key in a safe place.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store your laptop password along with other passwords. These tools encrypt your passwords and let you access them from other devices if you forget. Many password managers also generate strong passwords automatically, which reduces the chance you will forget a password you did not write yourself.

What to do if you cannot reset your password

If none of the methods above work — for example, if you have no backup email, no recovery key, and no access to a second computer — you have two remaining options. Contact the laptop manufacturer's support line with proof of purchase; they may be able to verify your identity and help you regain access. Alternatively, you can perform a factory reset, which erases all files on the laptop and reinstalls the operating system. This is a last resort because you will lose all your data, but it does give you a working laptop with a new password.

Before attempting a factory reset, back up any files you can access from another computer, or ask a technician whether data recovery is possible after the reset. Some repair shops can recover files from a laptop even after a factory reset, though this service costs money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you use your Microsoft account or Apple ID, the reset takes 5 to 10 minutes and works the next time you restart. Offline reset using a USB drive takes 20 to 30 minutes. Work or school IT departments usually respond within one business day, though some offer phone support for faster help.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes the code you use to sign in. Your files, programs, and settings remain on the laptop. A factory reset, which is different, does erase everything — but that is only necessary if you cannot use any other recovery method.

Can I reset my password if I do not have a second device?

If you have no second device and no backup email or phone number, you cannot use the online reset methods. You would need to use an offline reset with a USB drive (which requires borrowing a computer to create the USB drive) or contact the manufacturer or a repair shop for help.

What if I forgot my password and my backup email is also hacked?

Contact Microsoft Support (for Windows) or Apple Support (for Mac) directly. Explain that you cannot access your backup email. They will ask you to verify your identity using other information, such as the phone number on your account, answers to security questions, or proof of purchase. This verification takes longer but allows you to regain access.

Do I need to reinstall Windows or Mac if I reset my password?

No. Resetting your password does not change the operating system or require reinstallation. Your laptop will work exactly as it did before, except you will sign in with your new password.