The most direct path depends on what you remember

If you've forgotten your Windows 10 password, your fastest route depends on whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account, and whether you set up a recovery method beforehand. Microsoft accounts can be reset online from another device. Local accounts require either a password reset disk (if you made one), a recovery key, or the built-in administrator account if it's still active. None of these routes are when ready, but they don't require buying new software or wiping your computer.

The key difference: a Microsoft account password reset happens outside your computer and then syncs when you sign back in. A local account password reset happens on the computer itself, which is why having a recovery disk or key matters. If you have neither, you'll need access to the administrator account or a way to boot into recovery mode.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft account passwords can be reset at account.microsoft.com from any other device, then used to sign back into your computer.
  • Local account passwords require a recovery disk, recovery key, or access to the built-in administrator account to reset.
  • Windows 10 has a built-in recovery mode (accessible by holding Shift while restarting) that can help you reset a local password if you know the administrator password.
  • If you set up security questions when creating your account, you may be able to reset your password directly at the Windows login screen without leaving your computer.
  • Password reset disks and recovery keys only work if you created them before you forgot your password.

Resetting a Microsoft account password from another device

If your Windows 10 account is linked to a Microsoft email address, you can reset the password online without touching the locked computer. Go to account.microsoft.com on any other device, click "Sign in," then select "Can't access your account." Microsoft will ask you to verify your identity using a recovery email, phone number, or authenticator app — whichever method you set up when you created the account.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll create a new password. This new password will work the next time you try to sign into Windows 10. The computer doesn't need to be connected to the internet for this to work, but it does need to connect to the internet at least once after you've reset the password so it can sync the change. If your computer is offline, sign in with your old password one more time if you can, connect to the internet, then sign out and back in with the new password.

If you don't remember which email or phone number you used to set up the account, or if you no longer have access to them, Microsoft's account recovery process will ask additional questions. This can take longer, but it's still free and doesn't require you to reset Windows.

Using a password reset disk if you created one beforehand

A password reset disk is a USB drive you create before you forget your password. If you made one, plug it into your locked computer, click "Reset password" at the Windows login screen, and follow the wizard. The disk contains a recovery key that lets you create a new password without knowing the old one.

If you don't see a "Reset password" option at the login screen, the disk may not have been created correctly, or Windows may not recognize it. Try a different USB port, or restart the computer with the disk already plugged in. If neither works, you'll need to use a different recovery method.

The password reset disk only works on the computer where it was created. If you moved the computer or changed its hardware significantly, the disk may not work.

Accessing the administrator account if it's still active

Windows 10 comes with a built-in administrator account that's usually disabled by default. If it's still active on your computer, you can use it to reset your own password. At the login screen, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then look for "Other user" or a user account you don't recognize — this is often the administrator account.

If you can sign in with the administrator account (it may have no password, or a password you set up years ago), open Settings, go to Accounts, and select "Other people." Find your locked account and select "Reset password." You'll be able to create a new password without knowing the old one.

If the administrator account is disabled or password-protected and you don't remember that password either, this route won't work. You'll need to try recovery mode or another method.

Using Windows 10 recovery mode to reset a local password

If you have a local account (not a Microsoft account) and don't have a reset disk, you can boot into recovery mode by restarting your computer and holding Shift as it powers back on. From the recovery menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC." Windows will offer two options: keep your files, or remove everything.

If you choose to keep your files, Windows will reset your password and let you create a new one. This doesn't delete anything on your computer — it only removes the password lock. If you choose to remove everything, Windows reinstalls itself from scratch, which erases all your files and programs. Only choose this if you have backups elsewhere.

Recovery mode requires you to restart the computer multiple times and follow several screens. If your computer won't boot into recovery mode, or if the reset option doesn't appear, your hardware or Windows installation may be damaged. In that case, you may need to use a Windows installation disk or contact a technician.

What to do if you have security questions set up

Some Windows 10 accounts have security questions (like "What was the name of your first pet?") set up at the login screen. If you see these questions when you try to sign in, answer them correctly and Windows will let you create a new password without needing a recovery disk or access to another account.

Security questions only appear if you specifically set them up when you created your account. Most people don't use this feature, so you may not have it. If you don't see questions at the login screen, this method won't work for you.

Understanding the difference between local and Microsoft accounts

A Microsoft account is tied to an email address and can be reset online from any device. It syncs your settings, files, and passwords across multiple computers if you use more than one. A local account exists only on that one computer and can't be reset online — you have to reset it on the computer itself.

You can tell which type you have by looking at the login screen. If it shows an email address, it's a Microsoft account. If it shows just a username, it's a local account. If you're not sure, try the Microsoft account reset method first — if it doesn't work, you'll know you have a local account and can try the other methods.

Some people use both types on the same computer. If you have multiple accounts, make sure you're trying to reset the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset my password without losing my files?

Yes. If you use a Microsoft account, reset it online and your files stay intact. If you use a local account and have a reset disk or recovery key, your files also stay intact. Only the "Reset this PC" option with "Remove everything" selected will delete your files. All other methods preserve everything on your computer.

What if I don't have a reset disk and can't remember my security questions?

If you have a Microsoft account, reset it at account.microsoft.com from another device. If you have a local account and no reset disk, try accessing the administrator account (Ctrl + Alt + Delete at login), or boot into recovery mode and choose to reset while keeping your files. If none of these work, you may need to reinstall Windows, which will erase your files.

How long does a Microsoft account password reset take?

The verification process usually takes a few minutes. Once you've created a new password, it works when ready on the Windows login screen. The computer may take a few minutes to sync your settings after you sign in, but you'll have access right away.

Will resetting my password affect my programs or documents?

No. Resetting your password only changes how you sign in — it doesn't touch your programs, documents, photos, or any other files. Everything stays exactly where it was.

What if my computer won't boot into recovery mode?

If holding Shift during restart doesn't work, try restarting and pressing F8 or F11 repeatedly as the computer powers on — different computers use different keys. If that doesn't work either, you may need a Windows 10 installation disk or USB drive to access recovery options. You can create one on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.