How to Change Another User’s Password in Windows 10

This guide shows you how to reset the password for another user account on a Windows 10 PC. You’ll need administrator access to the computer, and you should have the user’s permission if the account belongs to someone else. The steps work for local accounts (not Microsoft accounts) and for Microsoft accounts when you have the admin rights.

What You’ll Need

• An administrator account on the Windows 10 PC (you’ll need its password).
• The exact username of the account you want to change (you can find it in the list of users).
• If the target is a Microsoft account, you’ll need the user’s current password or access to their email to reset it online.

Step-by-Step

1. Log in with an administrator account. Use an account that has admin rights. If you’re already logged in as a standard user, you’ll need to sign out and log in as an admin.
2. Open Computer Management. Press Windows + X and select Computer Management from the menu. If you don’t see it, type “Computer Management” in the Start menu search and click the result.
3. Navigate to Local Users and Groups. In the left pane, expand System Tools and then Local Users and Groups. Click on Users folder.
4. Find the user account. In the middle pane, you’ll see a list of all user accounts on the PC. Right-click the account you want to change and select Set Password.
5. Read the warning. A dialog box appears explaining that resetting a password can cause the user to lose access to encrypted files and stored passwords. Click Proceed if you understand and want to continue.
6. Enter the new password. Type the new password in the New password field, then type it again in the Confirm password field. Click OK.
7. Confirm the change. You’ll see a message that the password has been set. Click OK.
8. Notify the user. If you changed the password for someone else, let them know the new password and remind them to change it after they log in (if desired).

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong account type: If the target is a Microsoft account, the steps above will only change the local password, not the Microsoft account password. You’ll need to reset it online at account.live.com/password/reset.
• Typing the username incorrectly: Make sure you select the correct user in the list. Right-click and choose Properties to verify the full name if needed.
• Forgetting the admin password: You cannot change another user’s password without admin rights. If you don’t have the admin password, you’ll need to ask the admin to do it.
• Not understanding the data loss warning: Resetting a password can make encrypted files (like those using EFS) inaccessible. Always warn the user before proceeding.

Tips

• Use a strong password: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable info like names or birthdays.
• Tell the user to change it later: After they log in, they can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Change a password to set their own.
• Consider using a password reset disk: For local accounts, creating a password reset disk in advance is a safer way to reset passwords without admin access.
• Check if the account is a Microsoft account: Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If it shows an email address, it’s a Microsoft account.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see “Local Users and Groups” in Computer Management. This happens if you’re not using an admin account. Log out and log in with an administrator account. If you’re on Windows 10 Home, the snap-in is hidden; you can use the Command Prompt method instead: open Command Prompt as administrator and type net user username newpassword (replace with actual username and password).

The user can’t log in after the change. Double-check the password for typos. If the account is a Microsoft account, the local password change won’t affect the online password. Have the user reset their Microsoft password online.

I get an “Access denied” error. Your account may not have admin rights, or User Account Control (UAC) is blocking. Right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” before running the net user command.

The password change succeeded but the user loses access to files. This is expected if the files were encrypted with EFS. The user should have backed up their encryption key. If not, they may need to use a previous backup or recover from the original password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change another user’s password without admin rights?

No. You must have administrator privileges. If you don’t, you’ll need to ask an admin to do it for you.

Will changing the password affect the user’s files?

It can. If the user has encrypted files (EFS), they may become inaccessible. Also, saved passwords in browsers and apps may be lost. Always warn the user.

How do I change a Microsoft account password?

Go to account.live.com/password/reset and follow the steps. You’ll need access to the recovery email or phone number.

What if I don’t know the username?

In Computer Management, go to Local Users and Groups > Users. You’ll see all accounts. You can also type net user in Command Prompt to list them.

Can I change a password for a domain account?

No. This guide is for local accounts. Domain accounts are managed by your network administrator.

Is there a way to reset a password without admin access?

For local accounts, you can use a password reset disk if one was created. Otherwise, you may need to reinstall Windows or use third-party tools, which are not recommended for security reasons.

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