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

If you use Windows, your fastest option is usually the password reset disk you created before you forgot the password — if you have one. If you don't have a disk, Windows lets you reset through a Microsoft account recovery email or phone number, or through security questions you set up earlier. If you use a Mac, you can reset through your Apple ID or a recovery key. On either system, the process takes 10 to 30 minutes if you have the right recovery information already in place.

The catch: all of these routes require something you set up before you forgot your password. If you didn't set up recovery options, your choices narrow. You can still reset, but the path is longer and may require you to prove you own the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a Microsoft account can reset a password through a recovery email or phone number linked to that account.
  • Mac users can reset through an Apple ID or a recovery key created during setup, both of which work even if you don't remember your login password.
  • A password reset disk (Windows) or recovery key (Mac) created before you forgot your password is the fastest reset method.
  • If you have no recovery options set up, you may need to verify ownership of the device through a security code or by answering setup questions.

Windows: resetting through your Microsoft account

Go to the Windows login screen on the locked laptop. Click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your email address or phone number — use whichever one is linked to your Microsoft account.

Microsoft will send a code to that email or phone. Enter the code on the laptop screen. You'll then create a new password. Once you do, you can log in with the new password when ready. This works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and takes about 10 minutes if you have access to your email or phone.

If you don't have access to the email or phone number linked to your Microsoft account, or if you don't remember which one you used, you'll need to use a different method — either a password reset disk (if you created one) or a local account reset (which requires more steps).

Windows: using a password reset disk

A password reset disk is a USB drive you create before you forget your password. If you have one, plug it into the locked laptop. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password," then look for an option to use a reset disk. Windows will walk you through creating a new password using the disk.

If you don't have a reset disk yet, you can't create one now — you need access to your account first. But if you're planning ahead for future lockouts, you can create one by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disk. Store it somewhere safe.

Mac: resetting through your Apple ID

Restart your Mac and hold down Command + Q when you see the login screen. This opens the login window. Click the question mark icon next to the password field, or wait 30 seconds — a reset option will appear. Select "Reset your password" and enter your Apple ID email address.

Apple will send a code to your Apple ID email. Enter the code on your Mac, then create a new password. You can log in with the new password right away. This method works on macOS Big Sur and later.

If you don't remember your Apple ID email or don't have access to it, you'll need to use a recovery key instead (if you created one during setup) or go through Apple's account recovery process, which can take several days.

Mac: using a recovery key

A recovery key is a 28-character code Apple gives you when you set up two-factor authentication on your Apple ID. If you saved yours, you can use it to reset your Mac password without needing access to your Apple ID email.

On the Mac login screen, click the question mark icon or wait 30 seconds for the reset option to appear. Select "Reset your password" and choose "Use a recovery key." Enter the key, then create a new password. Keep your recovery key in a safe place — if you lose both your password and your recovery key, resetting becomes much harder.

What to do if you have no recovery options set up

On Windows, if you don't have a Microsoft account linked to your laptop, a recovery email, or a password reset disk, you'll need to verify you own the device. Windows may ask you to answer security questions you set up during installation, or to enter a code sent to a backup email. If you can't answer those questions or access that email, you may need to reset Windows entirely, which erases your files.

On Mac, if you don't have an Apple ID, a recovery key, or access to your Apple ID email, you'll need to use Mac Recovery mode. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo. Go to Utilities > Terminal and type resetpassword, then press Enter. This opens the password reset tool. You can create a new password, but you'll need to verify your identity through security questions or other proof of ownership.

In both cases, the process is slower and may require you to contact the manufacturer's support team to confirm you own the device. This is intentional — it's a security measure to prevent someone else from resetting your password without permission.

Preventing lockouts in the future

The easiest reset is the one you never need. Create a password reset disk on Windows (Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Create a password reset disk) and store it in a safe place. On Mac, enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID and save your recovery key somewhere you won't lose it — a safe, a password manager, or a trusted family member.

Write down your security questions' answers and store them separately from your password. Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store your laptop password along with your recovery email and phone number. That way, if you forget your laptop password, you have everything you need to reset it in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without the email or phone number I used to set it up?

On Windows, if you can't access your recovery email or phone, you'll need a password reset disk or the ability to answer security questions from setup. On Mac, you'll need your recovery key or access to your Apple ID email. If you have none of these, contact Microsoft or Apple support with proof of ownership.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password through a recovery email, phone, or recovery key keeps all your files intact. Only a full Windows reset or Mac Recovery reinstall erases files, and that's a last resort if you have no other recovery options.

How long does a password reset take?

If you have your recovery email or phone linked to your account, 10 to 15 minutes. If you're using a password reset disk or recovery key, 5 to 10 minutes. If you need to verify ownership through support, it can take 24 hours or longer.

What if I don't remember my Microsoft or Apple ID password either?

You can reset your Microsoft or Apple ID password separately on their websites — go to account.microsoft.com or iforgot.apple.com. You'll need access to your recovery email or phone. Reset that account first, then use it to reset your laptop password.

Is there a way to reset my password without losing access to my files?

Yes, as long as you use a recovery method (email, phone, recovery key, or reset disk). All of these let you create a new password while keeping your files. Only a full system reset erases files, and you should only do that if every other method fails.