The fastest way depends on what you remember
If you know your Microsoft account password, you can reset your Windows password from the login screen itself — no tools or recovery disks needed. If you do not remember your Microsoft password, or if you use a local account instead, the path is longer but still possible. The method that works for you depends on whether your account is linked to Microsoft, whether you set up a password hint, and whether you have access to another device.
Start by looking at your login screen. If you see your email address instead of a username, you have a Microsoft account. If you see only a name with no email, you have a local account. This distinction matters because the reset process is different for each.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft account holders can reset their password directly from the Windows login screen by clicking "I forgot my password" and answering security questions or using a recovery email.
- Local account passwords require either a password reset disk (if you made one before), a Microsoft account conversion, or access to another admin account on the same computer.
- If you set up security questions when you created your account, you can answer them at the login screen to reset without leaving your computer.
- Password recovery disks only work on the computer where they were created, so you cannot use one from a different machine.
- If you have no recovery method set up, your only option is to use another admin account or contact Microsoft support for account recovery.
Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen
On the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to verify your identity using a security code sent to your recovery email or phone number. Check whichever email or phone you registered with your Microsoft account — you should receive a code within a few minutes.
Enter that code into the prompt on your computer. Windows will then let you create a new password right there at the login screen. Once you set it, you can log in when ready. This method works as long as you still have access to the email address or phone number you used when you created your Microsoft account.
If you do not receive a code, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new one. If the email or phone number no longer works, you will need to contact Microsoft account support to verify your identity through other means — they may ask for the last four digits of a credit card you used, or details about devices you have signed in from.
Using security questions if you set them up
Some Windows accounts have security questions as a backup recovery method. If you see "Answer security questions instead" as an option on the login screen, click it. Windows will ask you the questions you chose when you set up your account — these might be about your birthplace, a childhood pet, or another personal detail only you would know.
Answer the questions correctly and Windows will let you create a new password without needing to access your email or phone. This method is faster than waiting for a recovery code, but only works if you actually set up security questions when you created your account. If you do not see this option, you did not set them up.
Resetting a local account password with a recovery disk
If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it now. Insert the disk into your computer, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and follow the wizard. The wizard will walk you through creating a new password. Once you finish, you can log in with the new password when ready.
Password reset disks only work on the computer where they were created. You cannot use a disk made on a different machine, even if it is the same version of Windows. If you no longer have the disk, or if you never made one, this method is not available to you.
Using another admin account on the same computer
If someone else has an admin account on your computer, they can reset your password without needing your old one. Ask them to log in with their account, then open Settings and go to Accounts > Other people. They should see your account listed. They can click your account, then click "Reset password" and create a new one for you without entering your old password.
This only works if the other person has admin rights on the computer. Standard user accounts cannot reset other accounts' passwords. After they reset it, you can log in with the new password they created.
Converting a local account to a Microsoft account
If you have a local account and cannot access it, but you can log in as another admin on the same computer, the admin can convert your account to a Microsoft account. This gives you access to Microsoft's recovery tools going forward, though it does not when ready get you back into your current account.
The admin should open Settings > Accounts > Other people, click your account, then click "Convert to a Microsoft account." They will be asked to enter a Microsoft email and password. After conversion, you can use that Microsoft account's password recovery methods to reset your access. This is a longer path than the other options, but it works when nothing else is available.
What to do if you have no recovery method
If you have no password reset disk, no other admin account, no access to your recovery email, and no security questions set up, you cannot reset your password on your own. Your only option is to contact Microsoft account support and prove your identity through other means — they may ask about past purchases, devices you have signed in from, or other account details.
Microsoft's account recovery process can take several days. Have your computer serial number, any email addresses you have used with the account, and details about when you created it. The support team will verify that you own the account before they help you regain access.
Preventing this from happening again
Once you are back in, set up at least one recovery method so you do not get locked out again. For Microsoft accounts, make sure your recovery email and phone number are current. For local accounts, create a password reset disk and store it somewhere safe — a USB drive in a drawer works well. You can also set up security questions if you have a Microsoft account.
Write your password down and store it securely if you think you might forget it. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store it encrypted so you only have to remember one master password. This is more find than writing it on paper, but either is better than being locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset my Windows password without a Microsoft account?
Yes, but you need either a password reset disk you made beforehand, another admin account on the computer, or security questions you set up. If you have none of these, you will need to contact Microsoft support to verify your identity and regain access.
How long does it take to reset a password through Microsoft support?
Account recovery through Microsoft support typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though it can take longer if they need additional information to verify your identity. Have your computer serial number and any past account details ready to speed up the process.
Will resetting my password delete my files?
No. Resetting your password only changes how you log in. Your files, programs, and settings remain on your computer. You will see everything you had before once you log in with your new password.
Can I use a password reset disk from another computer?
No. Password reset disks only work on the specific computer where they were created. If you need to reset a password on a different computer, you will need a disk made on that machine, or use a different recovery method like a Microsoft account recovery email.
What if I remember part of my password but not all of it?
Partial passwords do not work — Windows requires the exact password to log in. Use one of the recovery methods instead: Microsoft account recovery email, security questions, a password reset disk, or another admin account. There is no way to guess or partially enter a password.