How to Reset Your Windows Password (Windows 11/10) — Easy Steps

【 Complete Guide for Locked-Out Users 】

Forgetting your Windows password can be stressful — especially when you urgently need access to your files, work data, or personal documents.

The good news is that you can reset your Windows password in several safe and legitimate ways — and most of them don’t require advanced technical skills.

This guide explains all available methods, from the easiest online reset to advanced recovery options, covering both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

First — Identify Your Account Type

Before resetting your password, you must determine which type of account you’re using:

You can usually tell by the login screen:

• Email address → Microsoft account
• Username only → Local account

Method 1 — Reset Microsoft Account Password (Easiest)

If you log in using a Microsoft account, resetting your password is straightforward.

Steps

1. On another device, go to the Microsoft password reset page
2. Enter your email address
3. Verify your identity (SMS / email code)
4. Create a new password
5. Restart your PC and log in

Once changed online, the new password syncs to your PC when connected to the internet.

When This Method Works Best

• You forgot your password
• PIN login also fails
• You still have access to recovery email/phone

Method 2 — Reset Password Using Security Questions

For local accounts, Windows allows password reset via security questions.

Steps

1. Enter the wrong password on the login screen
2. Click Reset password
3. Answer your security questions
4. Create a new password

If you answer correctly, access is restored immediately.

Common Issue

Many users forget the answers — especially if the PC was set up long ago.

If that happens, move to the next method.

Method 3 — Reset via PIN (If Configured)

If you set up a Windows Hello PIN:

1. Click I forgot my PIN
2. Verify your Microsoft account
3. Create a new PIN
4. Log in using the new PIN

This is often faster than resetting the full password.

Method 4 — Use Password Reset Disk

If you previously created a password reset disk, you can unlock your PC offline.

Steps

1. Insert the reset USB
2. Click Reset password
3. Follow the wizard
4. Set a new password

Important Note

This disk must be created before you forget your password.
If you don’t have one, this method won’t work.

Method 5 — Reset via Safe Mode + Command Prompt (Advanced)

This method is for advanced users and should be used carefully.

Overview

You enable the hidden Administrator account and reset the password via command line.

Typical Process

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment
2. Open Command Prompt
3. Replace utilman.exe with cmd.exe
4. Reboot
5. Launch Command Prompt from login screen
6. Reset password using:

net user username newpassword

Warning

• Incorrect commands may damage system files
• BitLocker encryption can block access
• Not recommended for beginners

Method 6 — Reset by Reinstalling Windows

If all else fails, reinstalling Windows will remove the password.

Options

When to Use

• No recovery options work
• PC inherited from another user
• Corrupted login system

Special Cases

If BitLocker Is Enabled

You’ll need the recovery key before resetting anything.

Without it:

• Data may become inaccessible
• Reinstall may be required

Work / School Devices

If managed by IT:

• Contact administrator
• Password resets are centrally controlled
• Local reset methods may be blocked

Troubleshooting Login Reset Issues

“Reset password” option missing

Possible causes:

• No security questions set
• Microsoft account offline
• System corruption

New password not accepted

Try:

• Restarting PC
• Checking keyboard layout
• Disabling Caps Lock
• Verifying language input

PIN reset fails

Ensure:

• Internet connection active
• Microsoft account verified
• TPM functioning

Prevention Tips

To avoid future lockouts:

1. Add multiple sign-in options

• Password
• PIN
• Fingerprint

2. Create a password reset disk

3. Store recovery email/phone

4. Back up BitLocker recovery key

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

Forgetting your Windows password is frustrating — but rarely permanent.

In most cases, access can be restored using:

• Microsoft account recovery
• Security questions
• PIN reset

Advanced recovery and reinstall options remain available if simpler methods fail.

The key is to stay calm, identify your account type, and follow the safest reset path first.

タグ: Microsoft account, Local Account, Windows Password, Password Reset, how to reset windows password