The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you know your password but forgot it, you cannot reset it from the login screen — you need to log in first. If you are locked out completely, Windows and Mac both have built-in recovery paths that work without calling support or erasing your drive. The method you use depends on whether you set up a recovery email, a recovery phone number, or a PIN, and whether you are on a work laptop or a personal one.

Start by identifying which operating system you have. Look at the login screen itself: Windows shows a Windows logo or "Windows" text; Mac shows an Apple logo. The recovery steps are completely different between them, so using the wrong set will waste time.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows lets you reset a forgotten password using a recovery email or phone number you set up before you got locked out, or by answering security questions if you created them.
  • Mac requires either your Apple ID password (if you linked one to your account) or physical access to another Mac or recovery media to regain access.
  • Work laptops managed by your employer often have their own password reset tools through your company's IT portal, which is faster than the built-in recovery.
  • If you set up Windows Hello (face or fingerprint), you can use that to log in even if you forgot your password, then change the password afterward.
  • Resetting your password does not erase your files — it only changes how you log in.

Windows: Using a recovery email or phone number

On the Windows login screen, look for the text "I forgot my password" or a link that says "Reset password." Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft account email address (the one you use to sign in), then present you with recovery options.

If you set up a recovery email when you created your account, Windows will send a code to that email. Check that inbox, copy the code, and enter it on the laptop. If you set up a recovery phone number, Windows can text or call you with a code instead. Enter the code and Windows will let you create a new password right there on the login screen.

If you do not see either option, Windows may ask you security questions instead — these are questions you answered when you set up your account, like "What was the name of your first pet?" Answer them correctly and you can reset your password. If you cannot remember your answers, you will need to use a different method.

Windows: Using Windows Hello if you set it up

If you previously set up Windows Hello — facial recognition or a fingerprint reader — you can use that to log in even if you forgot your password. Look at the login screen for a camera icon or fingerprint icon. If you see one, click it and follow the prompt. Once you are logged in, you can change your password through Settings.

To change your password after logging in with Windows Hello, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select "Password." Click "Change" and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your current password (or use Windows Hello again) before creating a new one.

Mac: Using your Apple ID

On a Mac login screen, if you forgot your password, click the question mark or "?" button, or wait for the login screen to show a hint. After several wrong password attempts, macOS will offer to let you reset your password using your Apple ID. Click "Reset using Apple ID" if that option appears.

Enter your Apple ID email and password. macOS will verify your identity and let you create a new login password. This works only if you linked your Apple ID to your Mac account when you set it up. If you did not, you will need to use a different method.

After resetting your password through Apple ID, macOS may ask you to update your keychain password (the encrypted storage for saved passwords and login information). You can use the same new password or create a different one — either choice works.

Mac: Using recovery mode if you cannot use Apple ID

If you did not link an Apple ID to your Mac, or if that method does not work, you can use Recovery Mode. Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and when ready hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots into Recovery Mode.

In Recovery Mode, open the Utilities menu and select "Reset Password." Choose your user account from the list, then click "Reset." You can create a new password without entering the old one. After resetting, restart your Mac normally and log in with the new password.

Recovery Mode is built into every Mac and does not require any external media or another computer, but it only works if you can physically access the Mac and remember your user account name.

Work laptops: Check your company's IT portal first

If your laptop is owned by your employer, do not use the personal recovery methods above. Instead, look for your company's IT help desk portal or password reset tool — most large organizations have a self-service password reset page on their internal network or a dedicated phone line. Check your employee handbook, your company intranet, or email your IT department.

Work laptops are often managed by your company's IT system, which means the personal recovery methods may not work or may cause problems with your work account. Using your company's official tool is faster and prevents conflicts with company security policies.

What to do if none of these methods work

If you cannot access a recovery email, do not have a recovery phone number, did not set up Windows Hello or Apple ID, and cannot reach your company's IT department, you have limited options. You can attempt to use another administrator account on the same laptop if one exists — log in as that administrator and change the password for your account through Settings or System Preferences.

If no other administrator account exists, you will need to contact the laptop manufacturer's support line or visit a repair shop. They can verify your identity and ownership, then help you regain access. This process usually takes longer than self-service recovery and may involve a fee, but it does not erase your files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay on the laptop. You will see everything exactly as you left it once you log in with the new password.

Can I reset my password if I do not have internet access?

On Windows, you need internet to receive a recovery code by email or text. On Mac, Recovery Mode works without internet. If your Windows laptop is not connected to the internet, connect it to Wi-Fi or ethernet, then try the recovery process again.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password too?

Go to iforgot.apple.com on another device (phone, tablet, or computer). Enter your Apple ID email and follow the steps to reset your Apple ID password. Once you have that password, you can use it to reset your Mac login password.

How long does password recovery usually take?

Self-service recovery through email or text code takes a few minutes. Recovery Mode on Mac takes about five minutes. Work IT departments usually respond within one business day, though some have faster phone support.

Can I prevent this from happening again?

Yes. Set up a recovery email and recovery phone number in your account settings now, before you need them. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Security Options. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Password & Security. Having these set up means you can recover access in minutes instead of hours.