What you can actually do when you forget your password

If you are locked out of your own laptop, your options depend on what operating system you use and whether you have access to a recovery email or phone number. Windows and Mac both have built-in paths to reset a forgotten password without losing your files — but they require you to have set up recovery information beforehand. If you did not, the process is slower and may require proof of ownership.

The fastest route is almost always the one you set up when you first created your account. If you skipped that step, you will need to use a secondary method: answering security questions, using a backup email address, or contacting the manufacturer with proof the laptop is yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows lets you reset a forgotten password through a recovery email or phone number if you set one up when creating your account.
  • Mac users can reset their password using an Apple ID, a recovery key, or by booting into Recovery Mode if neither of those options is available.
  • If you have no recovery method set up, you will need to prove ownership to Microsoft or Apple before they will help you regain access.
  • The entire process can take anywhere from minutes (if you have recovery information) to several days (if you need to verify ownership).
  • Backing up your files and setting up recovery options now prevents this problem in the future.

Resetting a Windows password using recovery email or phone

On the Windows login screen, look for the text "I forgot my password" below the password field. Click it. Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft account email address (the one you use to sign in).

Microsoft will send a code to the recovery email address or phone number you registered when you created your account. Check that email inbox or text messages for a six-digit code. Enter the code on the screen, then create a new password. You will be able to log in with this new password when ready.

This method works only if you set up a recovery email or phone number before you forgot your password. If you did not, you will need to use a different method.

Resetting a Windows password without recovery information

If you have no recovery email or phone on file, you can still reset your password, but it requires more steps. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" again, but this time select "I don't have access to these options" when prompted for your recovery email or phone.

Windows will ask you security questions you answered when you created your account — things like "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?" Answer these correctly, and you can set a new password.

If you cannot remember your answers to those questions either, you will need to contact Microsoft support with proof that you own the laptop. They may ask for your product key (found on a sticker on the laptop or in your purchase receipt) or other identifying information.

Resetting a Mac password using your Apple ID

On the Mac login screen, if you have forgotten your password, click the question mark icon next to the password field, or wait for the login screen to show a hint. Then click "Reset it" or look for a password reset option.

Mac will prompt you to enter your Apple ID email and password. If you remember your Apple ID password, you can use it to create a new login password for your Mac right away. Your files will remain on the laptop and will not be deleted.

If you do not remember your Apple ID password either, you can reset that through Apple's account recovery page on any other device or computer. Once you have reset your Apple ID password, return to your Mac and use the new Apple ID password to reset your Mac login password.

Resetting a Mac password using Recovery Mode

If you do not have an Apple ID set up or cannot remember it, you can boot your Mac into Recovery Mode to reset your password. Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and when ready hold down Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.

Your Mac will load into Recovery Mode. From the menu bar at the top, click Utilities, then select Terminal. Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset window will open. Select your user account from the dropdown, enter a new password, and click "Reset Password."

Restart your Mac. You can now log in with your new password. This method works on almost all Macs, but the exact steps vary slightly depending on whether your Mac uses an Intel processor or Apple Silicon. If you get stuck, Apple's support website has detailed instructions for your specific Mac model.

What to do if you cannot remember any recovery information

If you have no recovery email, no phone number, no security question answers, and no Apple ID, you will need to prove to Microsoft or Apple that you own the laptop. Contact their support team directly — you can find links on their official websites.

Be ready to provide proof of ownership: a receipt showing you bought the laptop, the product key (usually on a sticker on the device), the serial number (also on a sticker), or a credit card statement showing the purchase. The manufacturer will verify this information and may take several business days to respond.

Once they confirm you own the device, they will walk you through resetting your password or, in some cases, will provide you with a temporary password to get back in.

Preventing this problem: set up recovery options now

The easiest way to avoid being locked out is to set up recovery information before you need it. On Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Security Options and add a recovery email address and phone number. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions, then look for your account settings and make sure your Apple ID is connected.

Write down your security question answers and store them somewhere safe — not on the laptop itself. If you use a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password), you can store this information there. Take a photo of your product key and serial number and keep it in a safe place or email it to yourself.

These steps take five minutes now and can save you hours of frustration later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On Windows, you need internet to send and receive the recovery code, so you will need to connect to WiFi or use a phone hotspot. On Mac, Recovery Mode works without internet, but you will need your Apple ID password or security questions answered. If you have neither, you will need internet to contact Apple support.

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your login password does not touch your files, photos, documents, or anything else on the laptop. You will still see everything once you log in with your new password. The only exception is if you use full-disk encryption and forget that password separately — that is a different problem.

How long does it take to regain access?

If you have recovery information set up, you can reset your password in minutes. If you need to contact the manufacturer with proof of ownership, it typically takes two to five business days. Some support teams are faster; some are slower depending on how busy they are.

What if I bought the laptop used and do not have the original receipt?

You can still prove ownership with the serial number and product key (both on stickers on the device). If you have a credit card statement showing a purchase from the previous owner, that can help too. Contact the manufacturer's support team and explain your situation — they have seen this before.

Can I use someone else's laptop to reset my password?

Yes. If you need to reset a Windows password, you can use any computer with internet to go to Microsoft's account recovery page and reset your password there. For Mac, you can reset your Apple ID password on any device, then use that to reset your Mac password. Just make sure you are using the official Microsoft or Apple websites, not a third-party site.