How to Get Into a Computer If You Forgot the Password

Forgetting your Windows or macOS login password can feel like being locked out of your own house. This guide covers the legitimate, built-in recovery methods for both platforms, from password reset disks to recovery mode, and explains what to do when those don’t work. You’ll need access to another device or a recovery key in some cases, but many methods work entirely on the locked machine.

What You’ll Need

• Another computer or smartphone (for downloading recovery tools or accessing your Microsoft account)
• A USB flash drive (8 GB or larger) if you need to create a Windows reset disk
• Your Microsoft account credentials (if you use a Microsoft account on Windows)
• Your Apple ID and password (for macOS recovery)
• Patience and about 30–60 minutes of time

Step-by-Step

Windows 10/11 – Microsoft Account

1. On the login screen, click “I forgot my password” or “Reset password” below the password field.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity via email or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.
3. Once verified, you’ll be able to create a new password. Use it to log in immediately.

Windows 10/11 – Local Account (No Microsoft Account)

1. If you set up a password reset disk earlier, insert it and click “Reset password” on the login screen. Follow the wizard to create a new password.
2. If you don’t have a reset disk, restart the computer and press F8 or Shift+F8 repeatedly during boot to enter Advanced Boot Options. (Note: This often doesn’t work on modern PCs with fast startup.)
3. Alternatively, boot from a Windows installation USB (created on another PC) and select “Repair your computer” instead of “Install now”.
4. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
5. In the Command Prompt, type copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\ and press Enter. Then type copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe and press Enter. Close the prompt.
6. Restart normally. On the login screen, click the “Ease of Access” icon (the little person with a circle). This opens a Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
7. Type net user to see the list of user accounts. Then type net user YourUsername NewPassword (replace with your actual username and a new password) and press Enter.
8. Close the Command Prompt and log in with the new password.

macOS – Apple ID Reset

1. On the login screen, click the “?” or “Reset password” hint after several failed attempts.
2. If you see an option to reset using your Apple ID, click it and enter your Apple ID credentials. Follow the prompts to set a new password.
3. If that option isn’t available, restart your Mac and hold Command+R to enter Recovery Mode.
4. From the macOS Utilities window, select “Utilities” > “Terminal”.
5. Type resetpassword and press Enter. A password reset assistant will open.
6. Select your user account, enter a new password and a hint, then click “Save”. Restart and log in.

macOS – FileVault Enabled

1. If FileVault is on, you’ll need your recovery key (given when you enabled it) or your Apple ID to unlock the disk before resetting the password.
2. Boot into Recovery Mode (Command+R), then select “Utilities” > “Terminal” and type resetpassword.
3. Follow the prompts, but note that without the recovery key or Apple ID, you cannot proceed.

Common Mistakes

• Typing the username wrong in the net user command – check with net user first.
• Using a Microsoft account reset on a local account and vice versa – they are different systems.
• Skipping the backup of the original Utilman.exe file – always copy it first so you can restore it later.
• Forgetting that FileVault encryption blocks all password reset methods without the key.
• Assuming the “Ease of Access” trick works on all Windows versions – it’s patched in some recent updates.

Tips

• Always create a password reset disk for local Windows accounts – it’s the simplest recovery.
• Use a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint/face) as a backup – they often remain accessible even if the password is forgotten.
• Keep your Microsoft account recovery email and phone number up to date.
• For macOS, write down your FileVault recovery key and store it somewhere safe.
• If you’re helping someone else, ask if they remember any password hints – often a small nudge is enough.

Troubleshooting

• Reset link not arriving: Check spam folders, wait 10 minutes, and try again. If you no longer have access to the recovery email/phone, you’ll need to use another method.
• Command Prompt doesn’t open from Ease of Access: This trick is blocked on some systems. Try the same method with sethc.exe (Sticky Keys) instead – copy sethc.exe to a backup, then replace it with cmd.exe. Press Shift five times on the login screen.
• “net user” says access denied: Ensure you’re running the Command Prompt as administrator (the Ease of Access trick should give admin rights). If not, boot from a Windows USB and use the Command Prompt from the repair environment.
• macOS Recovery doesn’t show the password reset option: If you’re on a newer Mac with Apple Silicon, hold the power button instead of Command+R. Also, ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi for Apple ID verification.
• FileVault recovery key lost: Without it, the only option is to erase the disk via Recovery Mode and reinstall macOS, which deletes all data. Always back up regularly.
• Windows says “This option is disabled by your system administrator”: This happens on managed work or school devices. Contact your IT department – they can reset the password for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I reset the password?

No, the methods above change the password without touching your files. However, if you resort to a full system reset or reinstall, you will lose data unless you have a backup.

Can I bypass the password without any recovery tools?

On Windows, the Command Prompt trick works on many systems without external tools. On macOS, you need Recovery Mode, which is built-in. So yes, in many cases you don’t need extra software.

How long does it take to reset a forgotten password?

Typically 15–30 minutes, depending on the method and whether you need to download tools. The Command Prompt method can be done in under 10 minutes if you’re comfortable with the steps.

Is it legal to reset a password on a computer I don’t own?

Only reset passwords on devices you own or have explicit permission to access. Using these methods on someone else’s computer without consent is illegal and unethical.

What if I have a work or school computer?

These devices are often managed by an IT department. Attempting to bypass the password may violate policy. Contact your IT support for a legitimate reset.

Does this work on BitLocker-encrypted drives?

If BitLocker is enabled, you’ll need the BitLocker recovery key to access the drive before you can reset the password. Without it, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.

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