The fastest way depends on what you remember and what system you have

If you cannot log in, you have three main paths: use a password reset disk or recovery key you made before, use another admin account on the same computer, or reset Windows or macOS to factory settings. The first two work in minutes. A full factory reset takes an hour or more and erases everything on the drive unless you have a backup.

What works fastest depends on whether you set up recovery options ahead of time, whether another person with admin access is available, and whether you are willing to lose your files. Most people find one of the first two options available to them.

Key Takeaways

  • A password reset disk or recovery key created before you forgot the password is the fastest solution — it works in a few minutes on Windows or Mac.
  • If another person has an admin account on the same computer, they can reset your password without erasing anything.
  • Windows and macOS both allow you to reset your password through your Microsoft or Apple account if you can sign in on another device.
  • A full factory reset erases all files and programs, so use it only if the other methods are not available to you.
  • BIOS or firmware passwords are separate from your login password and require different steps to reset.

Using a password reset disk on Windows

A password reset disk is a USB drive or floppy disk you create while you still have access to your account. If you made one before, plug it in at the Windows login screen, click "Reset password", and follow the wizard. Windows will let you create a new password without erasing your files or programs.

If you did not make a reset disk, you cannot create one now — you need access to your account first. Move to one of the other methods instead.

Using another admin account on the same computer

If someone else in your household has an admin account on the same computer, they can reset your password without touching your files. Have them log in with their account, open Settings, go to Accounts, select your name, and choose "Reset password". They will not need your old password.

This works on both Windows and macOS. On a Mac, the other admin opens System Settings, goes to General, clicks Users & Groups (or Users & Groups in System Preferences on older versions), selects your account, and clicks the reset button next to the password field.

Resetting through your Microsoft or Apple account

On Windows, if you signed up with a Microsoft account email address, go to the login screen and click "I forgot my password". You will be sent to a Microsoft password reset page where you can verify your identity through a recovery email or phone number. Once you reset your Microsoft password, you can log into your computer with the new one.

On a Mac, restart the computer and hold Command-Q at the login screen to open the reset assistant. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID and answer security questions. Once verified, you can set a new password and log in.

This method requires that you have access to the recovery email or phone number linked to your account, and it only works if you set up your computer with that account originally.

Performing a full factory reset on Windows

If none of the above options are available, Windows allows you to reset the entire system from the login screen. Click the power button in the bottom right, hold Shift, and select "Restart". The computer will boot into recovery mode. Choose "Troubleshoot", then "Reset this PC", then "Remove everything".

Windows will ask whether you want to remove files locally or use cloud read. Local removal is faster. The reset will erase all programs, files, and settings, then reinstall Windows. You will need to set up the computer as if it were new, including creating a new user account.

This process takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your hard drive speed. Do not unplug the computer or close the lid during the reset.

Performing a full factory reset on macOS

Restart your Mac and hold Command-R to enter Recovery Mode. Click Utilities, then Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. The password reset utility will open. Select your account, create a new password, and click "Save".

If that does not work, you can erase the entire drive and reinstall macOS. In Recovery Mode, click Disk Utility, select your main drive, and click "Erase". Choose APFS as the format. Once erased, quit Disk Utility, then click "Reinstall macOS" and follow the prompts. This takes 20 to 45 minutes.

What to do if you have a BIOS or firmware password

A BIOS password (on Windows PCs) or firmware password (on Macs) is separate from your login password and prevents anyone from booting the computer or changing hardware settings. If you forgot this password, the computer cannot be reset without contacting the manufacturer or a repair shop.

On a Windows PC, some manufacturers allow you to reset the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery inside the computer for a few minutes, but this varies by model. Check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's support page for your specific model number.

On a Mac with a firmware password, you will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with proof of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my password erase my files?

No — resetting your password through a recovery disk, another admin account, or your Microsoft or Apple account keeps all your files and programs intact. Only a full factory reset erases everything. Use factory reset only if the other methods do not work.

Can I reset my password if I do not remember my security questions?

On Windows, if you cannot answer your security questions, you can use a recovery email or phone number instead. On a Mac, you will need access to your Apple ID recovery email or phone. If you have neither, contact Apple or Microsoft support with proof of identity.

What if I forgot both my password and the password to my Microsoft or Apple account?

Go to the account recovery page for Microsoft (account.microsoft.com/security) or Apple (iforgot.apple.com) from another device. Both services let you verify your identity through a recovery email, phone number, or security questions, then reset your account password.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to an hour on a modern computer, depending on your drive speed and how much data is on the computer. Do not interrupt the process — leave the computer plugged in and do not close the lid or shut it down.

Can I recover my files after a factory reset?

If you have a backup, you can restore your files after the reset is complete. If you do not have a backup, recovery software may be able to retrieve some files, but there is no may provide. Always keep a backup before attempting a factory reset.