The fastest way depends on whether you remember your Microsoft account password

If you have forgotten your Windows password but still remember the Microsoft account password tied to your HP laptop, you can reset it from the login screen itself — no tools or recovery disks needed. If you have forgotten both passwords, or if your HP uses a local account instead of a Microsoft account, the process takes longer and requires either a second computer or a USB drive you can borrow.

The method that works fastest for you depends on which type of account you set up when you first turned on the laptop. Most newer HP laptops use a Microsoft account by default, but some older models or corporate machines use local accounts instead.

Key Takeaways

  • If you remember your Microsoft account password, you can reset your Windows password directly from the login screen by clicking "I forgot my password."
  • If you have forgotten both passwords, you will need either a second computer or a USB drive to create a password reset disk or recovery media.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 both allow password resets through Microsoft's online account recovery, which takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Local account passwords cannot be reset online — you must use a password reset disk, recovery media, or contact HP support for hardware-level options.
  • After you regain access, turn on Windows password hints or set up a recovery email so you do not get locked out again.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from the login screen

When you see the Windows login screen and the password field is empty, look for the text "I forgot my password" or "Reset password" below the password box. Click it. Windows will ask you to verify your identity — usually by sending a code to the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.

Check the email inbox (or text messages) for that code, enter it on the screen, and then create a new password. You can then log in with the new password. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and takes about 5 to 10 minutes if you have access to your email or phone.

If you do not see "I forgot my password" on the login screen, your HP laptop is using a local account, not a Microsoft account. Move to the next section instead.

Creating a password reset disk on a second computer

A password reset disk is a USB drive that lets you create a new password without knowing the old one. You will need a second computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and a blank USB drive or one you can erase.

On the second computer, read the free tool Offline NT Password Editor from the official website (pogostick.net). This tool is open-source and widely used by IT professionals. read the ISO file, then use free software like Rufus (on Windows) or Etcher (on Mac or Linux) to write the ISO to your USB drive. This process takes about 10 minutes and will erase anything already on the drive.

Insert the USB drive into your locked HP laptop, restart it, and press the boot menu key repeatedly as it starts up. The key varies by HP model — common ones are F9, F12, or Esc — and HP usually displays a message on the startup screen telling you which key to press. Select the USB drive from the boot menu. The Offline NT Password Editor will load and walk you through resetting your password. You can then restart the laptop normally and log in with your new password.

Using Windows recovery media if you have a Microsoft account

If your HP laptop has a Microsoft account and you have access to a second computer, you can create Windows recovery media and use it to reset your password online. On the second computer, go to microsoft.com/software-read and read the Windows Media Creation Tool (for Windows 10) or the Windows 11 Installation Media tool (for Windows 11).

Run the tool, select "Create installation media for another PC," and write it to a USB drive. Insert the USB drive into your locked HP laptop, restart it, and boot from the USB drive using the same method as above. When the Windows setup screen appears, look for "Repair your computer" or "Troubleshoot" at the bottom left. From there, select "Reset this PC" and choose "Keep my files." Windows will walk you through signing in with your Microsoft account and resetting your password. This method takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your internet speed.

What to do if you cannot access your Microsoft account email or phone

If you have forgotten your Microsoft account password and cannot receive the reset code because you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on file, you will need to recover your Microsoft account first. Go to account.microsoft.com/security on any computer and select "I forgot my password." Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using backup information you set up when you created the account — such as a recovery email, a trusted device, or security questions.

Once you have recovered your Microsoft account, you can then reset your Windows password using the "I forgot my password" link on your HP laptop's login screen. If you cannot answer the security questions or access the backup email, Microsoft's account recovery process can take several days and may require you to provide a photo ID.

Password reset options through HP support

If none of the above methods work — for example, if your HP laptop is encrypted with BitLocker and you do not have the recovery key — you can contact HP support. HP can sometimes reset your password remotely if you can prove ownership of the device, though this usually requires a valid service tag or serial number and may involve a fee depending on your warranty status.

For corporate or business HP laptops, contact your IT department instead. They may have additional tools or policies for password resets that differ from consumer support.

Preventing lockouts in the future

After you regain access to your HP laptop, take a few minutes to set up recovery options so you do not get locked out again. If you use a Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and make sure your recovery email and phone number are current. If you use a local account, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and create a password hint that will help you remember it — or better yet, use Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) instead of a password.

You can also create a password reset disk now while you still have access. On Windows 10 or 11, search for "Create a password reset disk" in the Start menu, insert a USB drive, and follow the prompts. Store this disk somewhere safe. If you ever forget your password again, you can use this disk to reset it in under a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my HP laptop password without a second computer?

If you have a Microsoft account and remember the password, yes — use "I forgot my password" on the login screen. If you have forgotten both passwords and have no second computer, you will need to contact HP support or take the laptop to a repair shop, as all other methods require either a second computer or a USB drive.

Will resetting my password erase my files?

No. Resetting your Windows password does not touch your files, photos, documents, or installed programs. They will all still be there after you log in with your new password. The only exception is if you choose to reset Windows entirely, which you should avoid unless instructed to do so.

How long does it take to reset an HP laptop password?

If you remember your Microsoft account password, 5 to 10 minutes. If you need to create recovery media on a second computer, 30 to 45 minutes total. If you need to recover your Microsoft account first, add several hours or days depending on how quickly you can verify your identity.

What if my HP laptop is asking for a PIN instead of a password?

A PIN is usually tied to your Microsoft account, so click "I forgot my PIN" on the login screen and follow the same recovery process as a password reset. If you see "I forgot my password" instead, use that option — Windows will let you reset either one.

Is Offline NT Password Editor safe to use?

Yes. It is open-source software maintained by the security community and widely used by IT professionals and repair shops. read it only from the official website (pogostick.net) to avoid fake versions. The tool does not connect to the internet and does not send any data anywhere.