How to Reset Your PC When You've Forgotten the Password

The fastest route depends on what you remember

If you have forgotten your Windows password, you have several paths forward, and the one that works fastest depends on whether you set up a password reset disk, linked a Microsoft account, or have access to another admin account on the machine. Windows does not let you straightforward bypass the password — you have to either reset it through a recovery method you set up beforehand, use a Microsoft account recovery process, or boot into a special mode where you can create a new admin account. None of these routes takes more than an hour, but they do require you to have set something up in advance or to have physical access to the machine and a second computer.

The method you choose will depend on what recovery options you prepared before you locked yourself out. If you prepared nothing, you still have options, but they require more steps and another computer or device.

Key Takeaways

A password reset disk, created before you forgot the password, is the fastest recovery method and works entirely offline on your machine.
If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft email address, you can reset the password through the Microsoft account recovery website from any computer.
If you have another admin account on the same PC, you can log in with that account and reset the forgotten password from Settings.
If none of those options are available, you can boot into Windows Recovery Environment and create a new local admin account, though this requires a Windows installation disk or USB drive.
Some third-party password reset tools exist, but they require you to boot from external media and work only on machines where BitLocker encryption is not turned on.

Using a password reset disk if you created one

If you created a password reset disk before you forgot your password, this is your fastest option. Insert the disk into the locked PC, click "Reset password" on the login screen, and Windows will walk you through creating a new password. The disk itself contains the key to unlock your account — it does not connect to the internet or contact Microsoft.

If you did not create a reset disk and do not have one, move to the next section. Creating one now will not help you recover this password, but it will protect you if you forget a future one. A reset disk takes about five minutes to create and requires only a USB drive or external disk.

Resetting through a Microsoft account

If your Windows login is connected to a Microsoft email address (outlook.com, hotmail.com, gmail.com linked to a Microsoft account, or any other email you used to set up Windows), you can reset your password from any computer with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com, click "Security" in the left menu, then "Password security" and select "Change your password." You will need to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your recovery email or phone number.

Once you have reset the password at Microsoft's website, wait a few minutes, then return to your locked PC and log in with your new password. The change syncs to Windows automatically. This method works whether you are at home or somewhere else, as long as you can reach another computer or phone.

Resetting the password from another admin account

If someone else in your household has an admin account on the same PC, they can reset your password without needing a disk or Microsoft account recovery. Have them log in with their account, open Settings, go to Accounts, then "Other people," find your account name, and click "Change password." They can set a temporary password for you, which you can then change to something you prefer the next time you log in.

This method only works if the other person's account has admin rights. If you are unsure whether an account is an admin account, the person can check by opening Settings, going to Accounts, and looking at the account type listed under their name. Most household accounts created during Windows setup are admin accounts by default.

Creating a new admin account through Windows Recovery

If you have no password reset disk, no linked Microsoft account, and no other admin account on the machine, you can boot into Windows Recovery Environment and create a new local admin account. This requires a Windows installation disk or USB drive — you can create one on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool, available free from Microsoft's website.

Insert the installation media and restart your PC. When the Windows Setup screen appears, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt. Type the command net user newadmin password /add, replacing "newadmin" and "password" with your chosen username and password. Then type net localgroup administrators newadmin /add to give that account admin rights. Restart the PC and log in with the new account. Once you are in, you can reset your original account's password from Settings or delete the original account entirely if you prefer to use only the new one.

This method works on most Windows machines, but it does not work if your drive is encrypted with BitLocker and you do not have the recovery key. If you see a message asking for a BitLocker recovery key when you restart, you will need to contact Microsoft support or the person who set up the encryption. The recovery key is a 48-digit code that was provided when BitLocker was first turned on.

Third-party password reset tools

Several third-party tools claim to reset Windows passwords, including Ophcrack, Hiren's Boot CD, and DBAN. These tools boot from external media and attempt to reset or remove the password without needing the original recovery methods. They work only on machines without BitLocker encryption and only if you have physical access to the PC.

These tools are legitimate for recovering your own machine, but they do require you to read and burn the tool to a USB drive or disk on another computer. The process is more technical than the methods above and takes longer. Use them only if none of the previous four options are available to you. Most people find one of the earlier methods faster and simpler.

Preventing this from happening again

Once you have regained access to your PC, create a password reset disk when ready. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then "Sign-in options," scroll down to "Password," and click "I forgot my password." Windows will guide you through creating a reset disk on a USB drive. Store the disk somewhere safe — you will not need it unless you forget your password again, but when you do, it will save you hours of work.

You should also make sure your Microsoft account is linked to your Windows login and that your recovery email and phone number are current. If you ever forget your password in the future, you will be able to reset it in minutes from any computer. Check your recovery information by going to account.microsoft.com, clicking "Security," and reviewing the email and phone number listed under "Security info."

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have BitLocker encryption turned on?

BitLocker prevents most password reset tools from working. If you have the BitLocker recovery key (a 48-digit code Microsoft gave you when you turned on BitLocker), you can use it to unlock the drive. If you do not have the key, contact Microsoft support with proof of ownership of the PC.

Can I reset the password if I do not have a second computer?

If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can use it to reset your Microsoft account password at account.microsoft.com, then use that new password on your PC. If you have no other device at all, you will need to borrow one temporarily to create installation media or access Microsoft's recovery website.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password changes only the login credentials — all your files, programs, and settings remain on the PC. You will see everything you left behind when you log in with the new password.

What if I created a local account instead of a Microsoft account?

A local account cannot be recovered through Microsoft's website. Your options are a password reset disk, another admin account on the same PC, or creating a new admin account through Windows Recovery Environment. Going forward, consider linking your local account to a Microsoft account so you have an online recovery option.

How long does it take to reset my password?

If you have a password reset disk or a linked Microsoft account, you can reset it in 5 to 10 minutes. If you need to create a new admin account through Windows Recovery, the process takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the time to create installation media on another computer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.