Three ways to get back into your account

If you remember your password but want to change it, use the Settings app. If you've forgotten it entirely and can't log in, you have two other routes: a password reset disk (if you made one before), or a Microsoft account recovery process. Which one works depends on what you set up when you created your account and whether you have access to a recovery email or phone number.

The fastest path is usually the one you prepared for in advance. If you didn't prepare anything, the Microsoft account recovery process takes longer but works for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your current password, open Settings, select Accounts, then Password, and click Change to set a new one.
  • If you forgot your password and have a password reset disk, insert it at the login screen and follow the wizard to create a new password.
  • If you forgot your password and have no reset disk, go to the Microsoft account recovery page on another device and verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number.
  • After you regain access, create a password reset disk when ready so you won't be locked out again.
  • If your computer is part of a workplace domain, contact your IT department instead — they manage password resets for domain accounts.

Changing your password when you still know it

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Select Accounts from the left sidebar, then click Password in the menu that appears.

Click the Change button. Windows will ask you to enter your current password first. Type it and click Next. Then enter your new password twice — once in the "New password" field and again in the "Reenter password" field. Add a password hint if you want one (something only you would understand), then click Next and Finish. Your password is now changed.

If you use a PIN or Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint), you can change those the same way from the Password screen — just click the option you want to update instead of Password.

Using a password reset disk if you have one

A password reset disk is a USB drive you create in advance, before you forget your password. If you made one, this is the fastest way back in. Insert the USB drive into your computer, then go to the Windows 10 login screen (the screen where you type your password).

Click Reset password below the password field. The Password Reset Wizard will open. Click Next, then select the USB drive from the list of devices. Click Next again. Enter a new password, enter it again to confirm, and add a hint if you want one. Click Next, then Finish. You can now log in with your new password.

After you're back in, create a new reset disk when ready. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then select Sign-in options from the left sidebar. Scroll down to Recovery and click Create a password reset disk. Follow the wizard and store the disk somewhere safe.

Recovering a Microsoft account online

If you forgot your password and don't have a reset disk, you'll need to recover your account through Microsoft. Go to the Microsoft account recovery page (account.live.com/password/reset) on another computer or phone. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Windows account, then click Next.

Microsoft will ask you to prove you own the account. You can choose to receive a code by email or text message. Select whichever option you have access to, then click Next. Check your email or phone for the code, enter it on the Microsoft page, and click Next. You'll then create a new password. Enter it twice and click Next. Microsoft will confirm the reset is complete.

Go back to your Windows 10 computer and try logging in with your new password. It may take a few minutes for the change to sync to your device, so wait a moment and try again if it doesn't work when ready.

What to do if you can't receive a recovery code

If the recovery email or phone number on your account is outdated or you no longer have access to it, Microsoft has a longer verification process. On the account recovery page, after you enter your account email, click I can't access this email or phone number. Microsoft will ask you security questions you set up when you created your account, or other details like the last password you remember or when you created the account.

Answer as many questions as you can accurately. Microsoft reviews your answers and sends you a new recovery code if it confirms you own the account. This process can take hours or even a day. Once you receive the code, follow the steps above to create a new password.

Resetting a domain account at work

If your computer is connected to a workplace network (a domain account rather than a personal Microsoft account), you cannot reset your password yourself. Contact your IT department or help desk — they manage all password resets for domain accounts. Have your employee ID or username ready when you call.

Most workplaces have a phone number or internal website for password resets. Some let you reset through a self-service portal if you can answer security questions or receive a code on your work phone. Your IT department will tell you which method your company uses.

Creating a password reset disk for the future

The easiest way to avoid being locked out is to create a password reset disk now, while you still have access. You need a blank USB drive (any size will work). Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in options. Scroll down to the Recovery section and click Create a password reset disk.

The wizard will ask you to select a USB drive, then enter your current password to confirm. Click through the remaining screens and wait for the process to finish. Remove the USB drive and label it clearly — something like "Password Reset Disk — Keep Safe". Store it somewhere you'll remember but where others won't find it, like a locked drawer or safe.

This disk works only for your account on this specific computer. If you get a new computer, you'll need to create a new reset disk for it. The old disk won't work on a different machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password from the login screen without a reset disk?

Not directly from the login screen. You need either a password reset disk you created beforehand, or access to another device where you can go to the Microsoft account recovery page and verify your identity. If you have neither, you'll need to contact Microsoft support or your IT department.

What if I forgot my password and my recovery email is also hacked?

Go to the Microsoft account recovery page and select "I can't access this email or phone number." Microsoft will ask you to answer security questions or provide other proof you own the account. This verification takes longer, but it's designed to let you regain access even if your recovery email is compromised.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay exactly where they are. Once you log in with your new password, everything will be there.

Can I use the same password I used before?

Yes, Windows allows you to reuse old passwords. However, it's safer to choose a new one. If someone discovered your old password, using it again leaves your account at risk.

How long does it take to reset a Microsoft account password?

If you receive a recovery code by email or text, the reset is when ready — you can log in as soon as you create the new password. If Microsoft needs to verify your identity through security questions, it can take several hours to a full day for them to review and respond.