The fastest way depends on what you remember and what you set up before
If you forgot your Windows password, you have three main routes: use a password reset disk you made earlier, reset it through your Microsoft account online, or use another admin account on the same computer. The fastest option is usually the one you prepared for in advance. If you did not prepare anything, you can still reset your password, but it takes longer and requires either another computer or another account with admin rights on yours.
The method that works for you depends on whether you use a local account (password stored only on your computer) or a Microsoft account (password tied to your email). Most newer Windows installations use a Microsoft account by default. Knowing which one you have saves time, because the reset process is different for each.
Key Takeaways
- A password reset disk, made before you forgot your password, is the fastest way to regain access — it works in minutes without needing another device.
- If you use a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online from any device, then sign back into your computer with the new password.
- If you have another admin account on the same computer, you can use it to reset the forgotten password through Settings.
- If none of these explore, you will need to use another computer to create a password reset disk or contact Microsoft support for a local account recovery.
Using a password reset disk you made earlier
A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create while you still know your password. It stores the information Windows needs to let you create a new password without knowing the old one. If you made one before you forgot your password, this is your fastest option.
Insert the disk into your computer. On the Windows login screen, enter any password (it does not have to be correct). Windows will tell you the password is wrong. Click "Reset password" below the password field. A wizard will open and guide you through creating a new password. The disk does the verification work, so you do not need to answer security questions or access your email. Once you create the new password, you can log in normally.
If you did not make a reset disk before, you cannot make one now — Windows will not let you create one while you are locked out. You will need to use one of the other methods.
Resetting a Microsoft account password online
If your Windows login is connected to a Microsoft account (you sign in with an email address), you can reset your password from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com/security on a phone, tablet, or another computer. Click "Security" and then "Change password" or "Reset password" depending on what the page shows.
Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by entering a code sent to your backup email address, a code sent to your phone number, or by answering security questions you set up earlier. Once you verify, you can create a new password. Write it down or save it somewhere safe.
Go back to your locked Windows computer. On the login screen, enter your email address and your new password. Windows will sign you in. If it does not work when ready, restart your computer and try again — sometimes it takes a moment for the password change to sync.
Using another admin account on the same computer
If another person uses your computer and has an admin account, they can reset your password without needing a disk or access to your email. Ask them to log into their account. Once they are signed in, open Settings and go to Accounts, then "Other people" or "Family and other users" depending on your Windows version.
Find your account in the list and click it. Click "Reset password". Windows will ask for a new password. Your admin friend can enter a temporary password for you — something straightforward like "Temporary123" that you can change later. Click "Next" and then "Finish". You can now log in with the temporary password.
Once you are logged in, change the temporary password to something only you know. Go to Settings, Accounts, "Your info", and click "Password". Enter the temporary password, then create a new one. This ensures only you know your login password going forward.
Creating a password reset disk from another computer
If you have access to another Windows computer and a USB drive, you can create a password reset disk on that computer, then use it on your locked computer. On the other computer, open Settings and go to Accounts, then "Sign-in options". Scroll down to "Password reset disk" and click "Create a password reset disk".
A wizard will open. It will ask you to select your account (choose the account that is locked out on your computer), then ask for a USB drive to insert. The wizard will create the disk. Take that USB drive to your locked computer and follow the "Using a password reset disk" steps above.
This method works only if the locked account is a local account (not a Microsoft account). If it is a Microsoft account, the reset disk method will not work — use the online password reset instead.
What to do if you cannot use any of these methods
If you do not have a reset disk, cannot access your Microsoft account email or phone, have no other admin account, and have no access to another computer, you will need to contact Microsoft support. They can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access to your account. This process takes longer than the other methods and may require proof of purchase or identity documents.
Alternatively, you can perform a Windows reinstall. This erases everything on your computer and installs a fresh copy of Windows. You will lose all your files, programs, and settings unless you have a backup. This is a last resort, but it does work when nothing else is available. You will need another computer to read Windows and create an installation USB drive.
How to avoid being locked out again
Once you regain access, create a password reset disk when ready. Go to Settings, Accounts, "Sign-in options", and click "Create a password reset disk". Use a USB drive you label clearly and store somewhere safe. This disk works even if you forget your password years later.
If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your backup email address and phone number are current. Go to account.microsoft.com and check that both are listed and correct. These are what Microsoft uses to verify your identity if you forget your password. Update them if you have changed your phone number or no longer use an old email address.
Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store your Windows password securely. You can look it up if you forget it, and the manager itself is protected by a master password you choose. This is not a replacement for a reset disk, but it is a useful backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my password without a disk or another account?
Yes, if you use a Microsoft account. Go to account.microsoft.com from any device and reset your password using your backup email or phone number. Then sign into Windows with your new password. If you use a local account with no backup options set up, you will need either a reset disk, another admin account, or to contact Microsoft support.
What if I forgot my password and my backup email is also hacked?
Contact Microsoft support directly. Explain that you cannot access your account and cannot verify through your backup email. They will ask you to verify your identity through other means, such as a phone call or by providing information about your account history. This takes longer than self-service reset but does work.
Does resetting my password delete my files?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. All your files, programs, and settings stay on your computer. The only exception is if you perform a full Windows reinstall, which does erase everything. A straightforward password reset does not touch your data.
Can I reset my password from the login screen without another device?
Only if you have a password reset disk or another admin account on the same computer. If you use a Microsoft account and have neither of those, you need another device to access account.microsoft.com. If you use a local account with no reset disk or admin account, you cannot reset it from the login screen alone.
What is the difference between a local account and a Microsoft account?
A local account stores your password only on your computer. A Microsoft account ties your password to your email address and syncs across devices. You can tell which one you have by looking at the login screen — a local account shows a username, while a Microsoft account shows an email address. Microsoft accounts are easier to recover because you can reset them online.