If you've forgotten your Windows password and can't log in, don’t worry—you can regain access without coding or advanced tech skills. Here’s how:
Step 1: Use Password Hint
Windows may show a password hint if you set one up.
- On the login screen, click "Hint" below the password field.
- If the hint helps, enter your password and log in.
Step 2: Try a Different Sign-in Method
If you linked a Microsoft account to Windows:
- Click "Sign-in options" on the login screen.
- Choose Microsoft account password (if using PIN/password).
- Click "Forgot my password" and follow Microsoft’s recovery steps.
Step 3: Reset Password via Microsoft Account (Online)
If you use a Microsoft account (email-based login):
- On another device, go to: Microsoft Password Reset.
- Enter your email/phone and follow the verification steps (email/text).
- Create a new password.
- Restart your PC and log in with the new password.
Step 4: Use Another Admin Account
If someone else has an admin account on the PC:
- Log in with their credentials.
- Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
- Select your locked account, click "Reset Password", and set a new one.
Step 5: Reset Password via Installation USB (Offline Method)
If no other accounts exist, use a Windows installation USB:
- On another PC, download the Windows Media Creation Tool and create a bootable USB.
- Boot from the USB on your locked PC (change boot order in BIOS if needed).
- On the setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
- Type these commands (press Enter after each): move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
- Type wpeutil reboot, remove the USB, and let PC restart.
- On the login screen, click the "Ease of Access" icon (bottom-right).
- In Command Prompt, type: net user [your_username] [new_password] (Replace [your_username] with your account name and [new_password] with a new password.)
- Close Command Prompt and log in with the new password.
Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing works, reinstall Windows (back up data first if possible):
- Boot from the Windows USB as in Step 5.
- Choose "Repair your computer" > "Troubleshoot" > "Reset this PC".
- Select "Remove everything" (warning: deletes all files).
Prevention Tips
- Link a Microsoft account for easy password recovery.
- Create a password reset disk (via Control Panel > User Accounts) for local accounts.
If you’re still stuck, contact Microsoft Support or a local technician. Hope this gets you back into your PC! 🔑
