The fastest way: use another account on the same computer

If you have a second user account on the same Windows 10 machine — even a guest account you set up once — you can reset the forgotten password from that account without needing a recovery email or phone number. This works because Windows stores password reset tools in a system folder that any administrator account can reach.

Log in with the other account. Open the Start menu, type "Computer Management" and press Enter. In the window that opens, click the arrow next to "Local Users and Groups" on the left, then click "Users". You will see a list of all accounts on the machine. Right-click the account you are locked out of and select "Set Password". Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Proceed". You can now type a new password (or leave it blank for no password). Click "OK" and you are done. Log out and sign in with your new password.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have access to another administrator account on the same computer, you can reset a forgotten password in Computer Management without needing email or a phone.
  • If you only have one account, you will need the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account to reset the password through the sign-in screen.
  • Windows 10 password reset links sent by email or text expire after a few hours, so complete the reset as soon as you receive the link.
  • If you cannot access your recovery email or phone, you may need to create a new local account and transfer your files, or contact Microsoft support with proof of ownership.

Reset through the sign-in screen if you remember your recovery email or phone

When you are at the Windows 10 sign-in screen and cannot remember your password, click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.

You will receive a reset link by email or text within a few minutes. Click or tap that link, and Windows will let you create a new password right away. The link works for a few hours only, so do this step as soon as the message arrives. Once you set the new password, go back to the sign-in screen and log in normally.

This method works only if you remember which email address or phone number you used when you created the account. If you set up your account years ago and no longer have access to that email or phone, you will need to try another route.

Create a password reset disk before you get locked out

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk (rarely used now) that Windows creates to unlock your account if you forget the password later. You can only make one while you are still logged in — Windows will not let you create one from the sign-in screen.

Plug in a USB drive. Open the Start menu, type "password reset disk" and press Enter. The wizard will walk you through saving a reset file to the drive. Keep this drive somewhere safe. If you ever forget your password, insert the drive at the sign-in screen, click "Reset password", and the wizard will let you create a new one without needing email or a phone number.

Many people set up a reset disk once and forget about it, which defeats the purpose. If you do create one, label it clearly and store it where you will actually find it during a lockout.

Use a Microsoft account recovery code if you saved one

When you first set up two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account (the security feature that sends a code to your phone when you sign in), Microsoft offers you a recovery code — a long string of numbers you can use if you lose access to your phone. If you saved this code somewhere safe, you can use it to reset your password.

At the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password" and enter your email. When prompted for proof that you own the account, select "I don't have my sign-in info" and then choose "I have a recovery code instead". Enter the code and you will be able to set a new password.

Recovery codes work only once, so after you use it to reset your password, generate a new one in your Microsoft account settings to have a backup for the future.

Start over with a new local account if you cannot recover the old one

If you cannot access your recovery email, phone, or reset disk, and you have no other administrator account on the machine, you may need to create a brand new local account and move your files to it. This is not ideal, but it lets you use the computer again.

At the sign-in screen, click "Sign in with a local account instead" (the exact wording varies by Windows 10 version). Create a new account with a password you will remember. Once you are logged in, you can copy your documents, photos, and other files from the old account's folder to the new one. You will lose access to programs tied to the old account, but your personal files are usually recoverable.

This method requires you to have physical access to the computer and the ability to reach the sign-in screen. If the machine is encrypted with BitLocker (a Windows security feature), you may also need a recovery key to proceed.

Contact Microsoft support if the computer is yours but you cannot prove it

Microsoft has a support process for people who own a Windows 10 computer but cannot reset the password through normal channels. You will need to prove you own the device — usually by providing the product key (a 25-character code printed on the machine or in your purchase receipt) or by answering security questions you set up when you created the account.

Go to the Microsoft account recovery page and select "I can't access my account". Follow the prompts to verify your identity. The process can take a few hours to a few days. Microsoft will contact you with next steps, which may include resetting your password or unlocking your account.

Keep your Windows 10 product key and any purchase receipts in a safe place. If you bought the computer used or inherited it, you may not have these documents, which can make recovery much harder.

Prevent lockouts by setting up recovery options now

The easiest way to avoid a forgotten password is to set up recovery options while you still have access to your account. Open Settings, go to "Accounts", then "Your info", and click "Manage your Microsoft account". Add a backup email address and a phone number. You can also generate and save a recovery code for two-factor authentication.

If you use a local account (not a Microsoft account), open Settings, go to "Accounts", then "Sign-in options", and scroll down to "Password". Click "Add a password hint" — something only you would understand. This hint will appear on the sign-in screen if you forget the password, and it might jog your memory without needing to reset anything.

Creating a password reset disk right now takes five minutes and can save you hours of frustration later. Treat it the same way you would treat a spare house key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Windows 10 password without a Microsoft account?

Yes, if you have another administrator account on the same computer, you can reset it through Computer Management. If you only have one account and it is a local account (not linked to an email), you will need a password reset disk or recovery code that you created beforehand. Without either, you may need to create a new account.

How long does a password reset link stay valid?

Password reset links sent by email or text expire after a few hours, usually between two and four hours depending on when you requested it. If the link expires, go back to the sign-in screen and request a new one.

What if I forgot my password and my recovery email was hacked?

Contact Microsoft support and explain the situation. You will need to prove you own the account by answering security questions or providing your Windows product key. The process takes longer than a normal reset, but Microsoft can help you regain access.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password changes only the password itself. Your documents, photos, and other files stay on the computer. If you create a new account instead, your old files remain in the old account's folder and you can copy them over.

Can I reset a Windows 10 password from another computer?

Only through your Microsoft account recovery page, which requires you to receive a reset link by email or text. You cannot use Computer Management or a password reset disk from a different machine. If you have physical access to the locked computer, use one of the methods described above instead.