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

If someone else has an admin account on your computer, they can reset your password without erasing your files. This takes about five minutes and requires no special tools or recovery codes.

Have the other person log in with their admin account, then open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"). Go to Accounts on the left side, then select "Other people" or "Family & other users". Find your account name in the list and click it. Select "Reset password" and create a new password without needing to know the old one. You'll be able to log in with the new password when ready.

This method only works if an admin account already exists on the computer. If you're the only account, or if the other accounts aren't admin accounts, you'll need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Another admin account on the same computer can reset your password in Settings without erasing your files or needing recovery codes.
  • A Windows password reset disk created before you forgot your password will let you reset it from the login screen, but only if you made it in advance.
  • If you use a Microsoft account instead of a local account, you can reset your password on Microsoft's website from any device, then log back in.
  • Resetting Windows itself erases everything on the computer, so it should only be your last option after other methods won't work.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 have slightly different menu names, but the process is the same: find your account in Settings and choose the reset option.

Using a password reset disk you created earlier

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it to reset your password from the login screen itself. This works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

At the login screen, click "Reset password" (the link appears below the password field). Insert the USB drive or disk you created as your reset disk. Windows will walk you through creating a new password. Once you finish, you can log in with the new password.

The catch is that you must have created this disk in advance — you cannot create one after you're already locked out. If you never made one, this option won't be available to you.

Resetting a Microsoft account password online

If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account (rather than a local account), you can reset the password from any computer or phone using Microsoft's website. This is often faster than the other methods because you don't need physical access to recovery codes or another computer.

Go to account.microsoft.com on any device and select "Sign in". Click "Can't access your account?" and enter your email address. Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to a backup email or phone number you set up earlier. Once you verify, you can create a new password. The next time you log into your Windows computer, use this new password.

This method requires that you set up a backup email or phone number with Microsoft before you forgot your password. If you didn't, Microsoft may ask security questions or other verification steps that take longer.

Resetting Windows itself as a last resort

If none of the above methods work, you can reset Windows to factory settings. This erases everything on your computer — all files, programs, and settings — so it should only be your final option.

You'll need a Windows installation disk or USB drive, which you can create on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool (available free from Microsoft's website). Boot your computer from that disk or drive and follow the prompts to reset Windows. You'll be able to create a new account during the setup process.

Before you do this, make sure you've tried the other methods. Resetting Windows is irreversible, and you will lose access to any files stored on that computer.

Checking whether you have a local or Microsoft account

Knowing which type of account you have changes which reset methods will work for you. A local account is stored only on your computer, while a Microsoft account is linked to an email address and can be managed online.

To check, go to Settings and select Accounts. Look at the top of the window under "Your info". If you see your email address, you have a Microsoft account. If you see just a username without an email, you have a local account.

If you have a Microsoft account, the online reset method is usually your fastest option. If you have a local account, you'll need either another admin account on the computer or a password reset disk you created earlier.

What to do if you can't remember your security questions

When you reset a Microsoft account password online, Microsoft may ask security questions you set up years ago. If you can't remember the answers, you can skip them and use other verification methods instead — usually a code sent to your backup email or phone number.

If you don't have access to a backup email or phone number either, Microsoft's account recovery process takes longer. You may need to provide a photo of your ID or answer questions about your account history. This can take several days.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you've reset your password and can log back in, take a few minutes to set up recovery options so you won't be locked out next time. In Settings under Accounts, add a backup email address and phone number to your account. If you have a local account, create a password reset disk and store it somewhere safe.

Write your new password somewhere find — a physical notebook in a locked drawer, or a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. Avoid writing it on a sticky note on your monitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I don't remember my Microsoft account email?

No — you need access to the email address linked to your account to reset it online. If you've forgotten the email, you'll need to use a different method: another admin account on the computer, a password reset disk, or resetting Windows itself.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No, resetting your password through Settings or online keeps all your files intact. Only resetting Windows itself erases everything. If you use another admin account or a password reset disk, your files remain untouched.

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

If you have access to a backup email or phone number, you can reset it in minutes. If Microsoft needs to verify your identity through security questions or other methods, it may take a few hours to a few days.

What if I created a password reset disk but can't find it?

You'll need to use a different method — either another admin account on the computer or resetting your Microsoft account password online. You cannot create a new reset disk once you're locked out.

Can someone else reset my password without my permission?

Yes, if they have admin access to your computer or access to your Microsoft account email. This is why it's important to keep your backup email find and to be the only person with admin rights on your computer.