The fastest way: use another admin account on the same computer

If you have a second user account on the computer with admin rights, you can reset the forgotten password from that account in about five minutes. Log in to the other account, open Settings, go to Accounts, then select the account you're locked out of. Click "Reset password" and create a new one. You don't need the old password to do this.

This works because Windows stores multiple user accounts on one machine, and an admin account can change another account's password without knowing the current one. If you're the only person who uses the computer, this option won't work — move to the next section instead.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have a second admin account on the same computer, you can reset the password through Settings without knowing the old one.
  • If you're the only user, you'll need a password reset disk you created before you got locked out, or a Microsoft account linked to the computer.
  • A Microsoft account password reset works from any device with internet access and takes about 10 minutes.
  • If none of these paths are open to you, a clean Windows reinstall is the only remaining option, and it will erase all files on the drive.

Reset through your Microsoft account if you remember the email and password

If your Windows 10 account is connected to a Microsoft account (the email address you use to sign in), you can reset the password from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or another computer, sign in with your Microsoft email and password, and look for "Security" or "Password" in the left menu. Click "Change password" and follow the prompts to set a new one.

Once you've changed the password at Microsoft's website, wait a few minutes, then try signing into Windows 10 with the new password. The change syncs to your computer automatically. This method works even if you're away from home, because you're resetting the account through Microsoft's servers rather than the computer itself.

You'll know your account is a Microsoft account if the email address appears on the Windows 10 sign-in screen. If you see only a username (like "John" instead of "john@outlook.com"), your account is a local account, and this method won't work.

Use a password reset disk if you created one before

If you created a password reset disk on a USB drive or external drive before you forgot your password, you can use it to set a new one without losing any files. Insert the disk into the computer, click "Reset password" on the sign-in screen, and follow the wizard. It will ask you to create a new password and confirm it.

This only works if the reset disk exists and is still readable. Many people don't create one until they need it, so this path is often not available. If you don't see a "Reset password" option on the sign-in screen, you don't have a usable reset disk on hand.

What to do if none of these options work

If you don't have a second admin account, don't remember your Microsoft password, and didn't create a reset disk, the only remaining option is to reinstall Windows 10. This erases all files, programs, and settings on the drive and returns the computer to a blank state. You'll be able to create a new account and sign in, but you'll lose everything that was on the computer.

To reinstall Windows, you'll need another computer to read the Windows 10 installation media onto a USB drive, then boot from that drive on the locked computer. Microsoft provides the Media Creation Tool for free on their website. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your computer's speed.

Before you start a reinstall, check whether the computer is under warranty or belongs to an employer or school — they may have recovery options or support staff who can help without erasing the drive. A local computer repair shop can sometimes recover access without a full reinstall, though this costs money.

How to avoid this in the future

Create a password reset disk now, while you can still sign in. Plug in a USB drive, open Settings, go to Accounts, click "Sign-in options," scroll down to "Recovery," and select "Create a password reset disk." Windows will walk you through it in two minutes. Store the disk somewhere safe — a drawer in your desk is fine.

Also make sure you remember the password to your Microsoft account. If you use Microsoft Edge or Outlook, you're already signed in with it. If you're not sure, go to account.microsoft.com and try signing in with your email address. If you can't remember that password either, reset it now while you have access to the email account associated with it.

Why Windows requires a password to sign in

Windows uses the sign-in password to encrypt your files and protect them from other people using the same computer. If Windows let anyone reset the password without proof of identity, anyone with physical access to the computer could read your files. The password is the lock, and there's no master key that works without some form of proof that you own the account.

This is why the recovery paths all require something you set up in advance (a reset disk), something you control outside the computer (a Microsoft account password), or proof that you're an admin on that specific machine (a second account). If you have none of these, Windows has no way to verify you're the real owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without losing my files?

Yes, if you use a password reset disk, a Microsoft account, or a second admin account. All three methods change your password without touching your files or programs. Only a full Windows reinstall erases everything.

What if I remember part of my password but not all of it?

Windows doesn't have a "hint" system that helps you remember — you either know the password or you don't. If you're close but not exact, Windows will reject it. You'll need to use one of the recovery methods instead.

Can I reset the password if the computer is not connected to the internet?

Not through a Microsoft account — that requires internet to reach Microsoft's servers. A password reset disk or a second admin account both work offline. If you have neither, you'll need to connect to the internet to read Windows installation media on another computer.

Will resetting my password affect my Microsoft account or email?

No. Resetting your Windows password and resetting your Microsoft account password are separate things. Changing one does not change the other. If you reset your Windows password through a Microsoft account, you're using your Microsoft password to prove your identity — you're not changing it.

How long does a Windows reinstall take?

The read and installation usually take 30 to 60 minutes on a typical home internet connection and computer. The exact time depends on your internet speed and how fast your hard drive is. You'll need the computer to stay powered on and connected the whole time.