Use Another Admin Account on the Same Computer

If someone else has an admin account on your Windows 10 computer, they can reset your password without you needing to log in first. This is the fastest method if you have access to another account.

Have the other person click the Windows Start button, type "Settings," and open Settings. They should go to Accounts, then select "Other people" on the left side. They'll see your account listed. They click your name, then click "Reset password." Windows will ask them to answer security questions or use an alternative sign-in method — whichever you set up when you created your account. Once they answer correctly, they can type a new password for you.

This method works only if that other person knows the answers to your security questions or has access to your backup email or phone number. If they don't, you'll need to try a different route.

Key Takeaways

  • Another admin account on the same computer can reset your password through Settings without needing to know your old password.
  • If no other admin account exists, you can use a password reset disk you created before you forgot your password — insert it and follow the reset wizard.
  • Microsoft account holders can reset their password online at account.microsoft.com from any device, then sign in to Windows with the new password.
  • If you have no other account, no reset disk, and a local account instead of a Microsoft account, you'll need to reinstall Windows or contact Microsoft Support.
  • Creating a password reset disk or backup sign-in method now prevents this problem in the future.

Use a Password Reset Disk You Made Earlier

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it to reset your password without logging in. This disk is a USB drive or floppy disk (rarely used now) that Windows created to store your password hint information.

Insert the disk into your computer. On the Windows login screen, click "Reset password" below the password field. Windows will open the Password Reset Wizard. Follow the wizard's prompts — it will ask you to select the disk drive where your reset disk is located, then let you type a new password. Once you finish, you can log in with your new password.

If you never created a reset disk, this option won't work. You can create one now for future use: log in with any working account, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, scroll down to "Password," and click "Create a password reset disk." Windows will walk you through saving it to a USB drive.

Reset a Microsoft Account Password Online

If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft account (you sign in with an email address and password), you can reset your password from any other device without touching your computer.

Go to account.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or another computer. Click "Sign in," then click "Can't access your account?" at the bottom. Enter your email address and complete the security check — Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a backup email, phone number, or authenticator app you set up earlier. Once you verify, you can set a new password.

After you reset your password online, go back to your Windows 10 computer and sign in with your email address and the new password. Windows will sync your account and let you in. This method requires that you set up a backup email or phone number when you created your Microsoft account — if you didn't, you'll need to contact Microsoft Support to verify your identity another way.

Reinstall Windows 10 as a Last Resort

If you have no other admin account, no password reset disk, a local account (not a Microsoft account), and no way to verify your identity, reinstalling Windows 10 is your remaining option. This erases everything on your computer, so use it only when nothing else works.

You'll need another computer and a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows10 on the other computer and read the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Run it, select "Create installation media for another PC," and follow the steps to put Windows 10 on your USB drive. Insert the USB drive into your locked computer, restart it, and press the key that opens the boot menu — usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del, depending on your computer's brand. Select the USB drive from the menu. Windows will start the installation process. When it asks where to install Windows, select your main drive and proceed. This will erase your old Windows installation and let you create a new account.

Before you reinstall, know that you'll lose all files, programs, and settings on that drive unless you backed them up to an external drive or cloud storage first.

Prevent This Problem in the Future

Once you're back in your account, take steps to avoid being locked out again. Create a password reset disk and store it somewhere safe — a drawer, a safe, or with a trusted person. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, scroll to "Password," and click "Create a password reset disk."

If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your backup email and phone number are current. Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Security," and check that your recovery email and phone are listed and correct. If you use a local account (one that doesn't connect to Microsoft), consider switching to a Microsoft account so you can reset your password online if you forget it again.

Write your password down and store it in a physical location only you can access — a safe, a locked drawer, or with a trusted family member. Many people also use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, which stores passwords encrypted and lets you recover them if you forget your Windows password.

Local Account vs. Microsoft Account: Which One Matters

Your account type determines which reset methods work for you. A Microsoft account uses an email address and password, syncs across devices, and lets you reset your password online from any device. A local account exists only on your computer, uses a username and password stored locally, and cannot be reset online.

To check which type you have, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you see an email address at the top, you have a Microsoft account. If you see a username without an email, you have a local account. If you're locked out, knowing this tells you whether the online reset method will work for you.

If you have a local account and want the flexibility of online password resets, you can switch to a Microsoft account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click "Sign in with a Microsoft account instead." Windows will walk you through linking your local account to a Microsoft email address.

What to Do If You're Locked Out of a Work or School Computer

If the computer belongs to your employer or school, don't try these methods — they may violate your organization's policies or trigger security alerts. Instead, contact your IT department or help desk. They have tools to reset your password securely and can verify your identity through your organization's system.

Most organizations have a password reset portal or a phone number for locked-out users. Check your employee handbook, school website, or the login screen itself — many display a help desk number or link. Calling or emailing IT is faster and safer than trying to reset the password yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my Windows 10 password if I don't remember my security questions?

If you're using a Microsoft account, you can verify your identity with a backup email or phone number instead of security questions. If you have a local account and no other admin account or reset disk, you'll need to reinstall Windows or contact Microsoft Support with proof of ownership.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password through another admin account, a reset disk, or online does not delete your files. Only reinstalling Windows erases your files, so avoid that method unless you have no other choice.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and my backup email is old?

Go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account?" Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. If your backup email is no longer active, you can use your phone number, an authenticator app, or answer security questions instead. If none of those work, Microsoft Support can help you regain access.

Can I use someone else's admin account to reset my password permanently?

Yes. When another admin resets your password through Settings, the new password becomes your permanent password. You own that account and can change the password again whenever you want by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password.

Is it safe to write my password down?

Writing your password down and storing it in a find physical location — a safe, locked drawer, or with a trusted person — is safer than forgetting it and being locked out. A password manager is even better because it encrypts your passwords and you only need to remember one master password.