The fastest way to regain access to your Windows computer

If you are locked out of your Windows account, you have three practical routes: use a password reset disk if you created one before being locked out, sign in with a Microsoft account and reset through email or phone, or use another admin account on the same computer. The method that works depends on what you set up beforehand and what type of account you use. Most people find the Microsoft account route fastest because it works from the login screen itself.

Windows does not have a master password or a way for Microsoft to unlock your computer remotely. You cannot call support and have them reset it for you. What you can do is prove your identity to Microsoft or use recovery options you set up in advance. This guide walks through each method in order of how likely it is to work for you.

Key Takeaways

  • If you use a Microsoft account (one tied to an email address), you can reset your password from the Windows login screen by clicking "I forgot my password" and answering security questions or using a recovery email.
  • A password reset disk, created before you were locked out, lets you reset your password directly on the computer without needing internet or another account.
  • If another person has an admin account on the same computer, they can create a new password for your account from their login.
  • If none of these options are available, you will need to reinstall Windows, which erases all files on the computer.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen

This is the fastest method if your account is connected to a Microsoft email address. At the Windows login screen, click the account name or picture, then look for the text "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it.

Windows will ask you to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by email, text message, or security questions you set up in advance. If you choose email, check the inbox of the recovery email address you registered with Microsoft. Enter the code Windows sends you, then create a new password. You will be able to log in when ready with the new password.

This method requires internet access on the computer or the ability to use another device to receive the reset code. If you do not remember the recovery email address or phone number you used, or if you cannot access them, move to the next method.

Using a password reset disk you created in advance

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, you can use it now. This disk is a USB drive or floppy disk (rare on modern computers) that you made through Windows settings. Insert the disk into the computer.

At the login screen, enter any password in the password field — it does not have to be correct. Click the "Reset password" link that appears below the password field. Windows will launch the Password Reset Wizard. Follow the prompts, select your USB drive from the list, and the wizard will let you create a new password without needing to know the old one.

If you did not create a reset disk before being locked out, you cannot create one now. You will need to use one of the other methods in this guide.

Asking another admin account holder to reset your password

If another person uses the same computer and has an admin account, they can reset your password for you. They will need to log in with their account, then go to Settings > Accounts > Other people. They will see your account listed. They can click your account, then click "Reset password." They will not need to know your current password.

This creates a new temporary password that you can use to log in. You should change it to something only you know as soon as you gain access. If no other admin account exists on the computer, this method is not available.

What to do if none of these methods work

If you do not have a Microsoft account, did not create a reset disk, and no other admin account exists on the computer, you will need to reinstall Windows. This erases all files, programs, and settings on the computer. Before you do this, consider whether the computer belongs to your workplace or school — they may have their own recovery process.

To reinstall Windows, you will need another computer to read the Windows installation media from Microsoft's website. You will also need a blank USB drive or DVD. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour and results in a clean Windows installation. After reinstalling, you can set up a new account and restore your files from a backup if you have one.

How to prevent being locked out in the future

Create a password reset disk now and store it somewhere safe. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password, then click "Create a password reset disk." This takes five minutes and works even if you forget your password years later.

If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your recovery email and phone number are current. Go to account.microsoft.com, sign in, and check the "Security" section. Update any contact information that has changed. Write down your recovery options in a safe place so you can access them if you are locked out.

If you are the only person using the computer, consider whether you want to create a second admin account as a backup. This takes 10 minutes and gives you another way back in if something goes wrong with your main account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I do not have internet access?

Yes, if you have a password reset disk. You can also use another admin account on the same computer. If you have neither, you will need internet access to reset through your Microsoft account, or you will need to reinstall Windows.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password and my recovery email is no longer active?

Contact Microsoft account support through their website. You will need to prove your identity using other information associated with your account, such as a phone number or previous passwords. The process can take several days.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password through any of the methods in this guide leaves all your files intact. Only reinstalling Windows deletes files.

Can I reset a work or school computer using these methods?

Probably not. Work and school computers are usually managed by an IT department that has its own password reset process. Contact your IT support team or help desk instead of using these methods.