The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you can still log in to your Microsoft or Apple account from another device, you can reset your laptop password without losing your files. If you cannot access another device, or if you use a local account with no email recovery option, you will need to use a password reset disk (if you made one before forgetting the password) or answer security questions you set up earlier. The method that works for you depends on what account type you use and what recovery options you set up when you first created the account.

Start by identifying whether you use a Microsoft account, Apple account, or local account. On a Windows laptop, look at the sign-in screen — if it shows your email address, you use a Microsoft account. On a Mac, open System Settings and look under "General" to see whether you are signed in with an Apple ID. A local account shows only a username, not an email address.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft and Apple account passwords can be reset from another device using your recovery email, which is the fastest method if you have access to another computer or phone.
  • Windows local accounts can be reset using a password reset disk if you created one before forgetting the password, or by answering security questions you set up in advance.
  • Mac accounts can be reset using your Apple ID password or a recovery key if you saved one, or by using another admin account on the same Mac.
  • If you have no recovery options and no other admin account, you will need to contact Microsoft, Apple, or a local technician for further help.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from another device

Go to account.microsoft.com from any web browser on another computer, phone, or tablet. Click "Sign in" and then click "Can't access your account?" below the password field. Enter your email address and complete the security check (usually a code sent to your recovery email or phone number). Microsoft will then let you create a new password.

Once you have set a new password, go back to your Windows laptop and sign in with that new password at the lock screen. Your files will remain on the laptop — changing your password online does not erase anything. If you do not have another device available, skip to the section on using a password reset disk or security questions.

Resetting an Apple account password from another device

Go to iforgot.apple.com from any web browser. Enter your Apple ID email address and follow the prompts to verify your identity. Apple will ask you to confirm your identity using a trusted device (a phone or other Mac where you are already signed in) or by answering security questions you set up when you created the account.

Once you have verified your identity, you can create a new password. Return to your Mac and sign in with the new password. If you do not have a trusted device and do not remember your security questions, Apple offers additional recovery options through their account recovery process, though this may take longer.

Using a Windows password reset disk

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, insert that disk into your laptop now. At the Windows sign-in screen, click "Reset password" below the password field. Windows will walk you through creating a new password using the reset disk. This method works only if the disk exists — you cannot create one after you have already forgotten the password.

If you do not have a reset disk, you can still try answering security questions if you set them up when you created your local account. Click "Reset password" at the sign-in screen and select "Answer security questions instead." If you remember the answers, Windows will let you create a new password when ready.

Using security questions on Windows

At the Windows sign-in screen, click "Reset password" and then select the option to answer security questions. Windows will ask three questions you chose when you set up the account — these might be about your first pet, your mother's maiden name, or the city where you were born. Answer all three correctly and you can create a new password on the spot.

If you do not remember your answers, or if you never set up security questions, this method will not work. Move to the next section for other options.

What to do if you have no recovery options

If you use a Microsoft account and cannot access your recovery email or phone, go to account.microsoft.com/security and look for "Advanced security options." Microsoft offers an account recovery process that may take a few days and requires you to prove your identity in other ways, such as with a government ID photo or by answering questions about your account history.

If you use a Mac and have another admin account on the same computer, sign in with that account, open System Settings, and go to "Users & Groups." Select your account and click "Reset Password." If you do not have another admin account and cannot access your Apple ID recovery options, contact Apple Support — they can help you regain access to your account.

If you use a Windows local account with no reset disk and no security questions, your options are limited. You can contact Microsoft Support to explain your situation, though they may ask for proof of ownership. In some cases, a local computer technician can help, though this usually costs money.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have reset your password and can sign in again, set up recovery options so you do not get stuck next time. On Windows with a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com/security and add a recovery email address and phone number. On a Mac, go to System Settings, click your Apple ID, and make sure your recovery email and phone number are current.

If you use a Windows local account, open Settings, go to "Accounts," and click "Security options." You can set up security questions and create a password reset disk. Store the reset disk somewhere safe — a drawer, a safe, or even a cloud storage service where only you can access it. Write down the location so you remember where it is if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without losing my files?

Yes. Resetting your password does not delete anything on your laptop. Your documents, photos, programs, and settings all stay exactly where they are. Only the password to sign in changes.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and my recovery email is old?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" You can update your recovery email during the account recovery process. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity in other ways, such as with a phone number or by answering questions about your account.

Can I reset my Mac password if I do not know my Apple ID password?

Yes, if you have another admin account on the same Mac. Sign in with that account, open System Settings, go to "Users & Groups," select your account, and click "Reset Password." You do not need your Apple ID password for this method.

Is there a way to reset my password without another device or recovery options?

If you have no recovery email, no phone number, no reset disk, and no security questions set up, your options are very limited. Contact Microsoft (for Windows) or Apple (for Mac) support with proof of ownership. A local computer technician may also be able to help, though this usually involves a fee.

How long does it take to reset a password through Microsoft or Apple?

If you have access to your recovery email or phone, you can reset your password in minutes. If you need to use Microsoft or Apple's account recovery process because you cannot access those options, it may take several days while they verify your identity.