The fastest way back in: using another account on the same computer

If someone else has an account on your computer, they can reset your password without needing to restart or use recovery tools. This is the quickest path if you live with family, a roommate, or share a work computer.

Have the other person log in with their account. Then they open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then pressing Enter. They navigate to Accounts on the left side, then select "Other people" or "Family and other users" depending on Windows version. They find your account name in the list, click it, then click "Reset password". Windows will ask them to set a new password for your account — they can type anything, and you can change it again once you log in.

This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The new password takes effect when ready, and you can log in right away.

Key Takeaways

  • If another person has an account on your computer, they can reset your password through Settings without restarting the machine.
  • If you are the only account holder, you will need to use your Microsoft account email and recovery phone number, or a password reset disk made before you forgot the password.
  • On the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my password" to start the account recovery process through Microsoft.
  • A password reset disk created in advance is the most reliable backup method and works even if you have no internet connection.
  • If none of these routes work, you may need to reinstall Windows, which erases all files on the drive.

Resetting through your Microsoft account on the login screen

If you are the only person with an account on the computer, you can reset your password through Microsoft's account recovery system. This requires internet access and uses either your recovery email address or a phone number you registered with Microsoft.

On the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my password" below the password field. Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft account email address. Click "Next", and Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email or phone number — whichever you set up when you created your account. Check that email inbox or text messages for the code, enter it on the screen, then create a new password. Once you confirm the new password, you can log in when ready.

This method only works if you remember your Microsoft account email address. If you set up your account as a local account (not connected to Microsoft), this route will not work, and you will need to use a password reset disk or reinstall Windows.

Using a password reset disk you created in advance

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you can create before you forget your password. It stores the information Windows needs to let you create a new password without needing your old one. If you made one in the past, this is the most reliable way to regain access.

Insert the disk into your computer. On the Windows login screen, click "Reset password" below the password field. Windows will detect the disk and walk you through creating a new password. Once you set the new password, you can log in when ready. The disk itself is not erased and can be used again if needed.

If you have never made a password reset disk, you cannot use this method now. However, once you regain access to your account, you should create one for future use. Open Control Panel, search for "password reset disk", and follow the wizard to create one on a USB drive you keep in a safe place.

What to do if you have no recovery options available

If you have no other account on the computer, no recovery email or phone number registered with Microsoft, and no password reset disk, you will need to reinstall Windows. This erases all files, programs, and settings on your computer's main drive, so it should be your last resort.

You will need another computer to read Windows installation media from Microsoft's website. Create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool, then insert it into your locked computer and restart. Follow the Windows installation prompts, and during setup, choose to install Windows on your main drive. The installation will overwrite your old Windows and all its files. After installation completes, you can set up a new account and log in.

Before you reinstall, check whether your files are backed up elsewhere — an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. Once Windows is reinstalled, anything not backed up separately is gone permanently.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have regained access to your account, take steps to avoid being locked out in the future. If you use a Microsoft account, make sure your recovery email address and phone number are current. You can check these by going to Settings, then Accounts, then "Your info", then "Manage your Microsoft account". Click on "Security" and verify that your recovery contact information is correct.

Create a password reset disk and store it somewhere safe — a drawer, a safe, or with important documents. To create one, open Control Panel, search for "password reset disk", and follow the wizard. The disk takes only a few minutes to make and can save you hours of trouble if you forget your password again.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store your Windows password securely. These programs let you look up your password if you forget it, as long as you remember the master password for the manager itself.

Resetting a password on a work or school computer

If your computer is managed by an employer or school, the password reset process is different. Do not try the methods above — instead, contact your IT department or help desk. They have tools to reset your password securely and can verify your identity through their own system.

Most organizations have a password reset portal or phone line you can call. Check your employee handbook, school website, or internal IT documentation for the contact information. Have your employee ID, student ID, or other identifying information ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password if I do not remember my Microsoft account email?

If you cannot remember the email address associated with your Microsoft account, you cannot use the login screen recovery method. Your best option is to use a password reset disk if you created one, or to reinstall Windows. If your computer is work-managed, contact your IT department.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password through another account, Microsoft recovery, or a password reset disk does not delete any files. Reinstalling Windows does delete everything on the drive, so only use that method as a last resort.

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

If you receive the recovery code by email or text, the process usually takes five to ten minutes. The code arrives within a few seconds in most cases. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new code.

Can I use someone else's password reset disk on my account?

No. A password reset disk is tied to the specific account it was created for. You can only use your own disk to reset your own password.

What if I forgot my password and my recovery phone number is old?

Update your recovery phone number as soon as you regain access to your account. Go to Settings, then Accounts, then "Your info", then "Manage your Microsoft account", then "Security". You can add a new phone number or email address. If you cannot log in now, use another account on the computer or a password reset disk if available.