Reset Windows 10 Password: Step-by-Step

This guide walks you through several ways to reset a forgotten Windows 10 password, from built-in recovery options to a clean reinstall. You’ll need access to another admin account, a password reset disk (if you made one), or a separate computer with a USB drive.

What You’ll Need

• Another Windows 10 admin account (for the Settings method)
• A password reset disk (only if you created one earlier)
• A USB drive (8 GB or larger) and a second computer (for the installation media method)
• Your Microsoft account credentials (if you use a Microsoft account to sign in)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Reset via Another Admin Account

1. Log in to Windows 10 using any account that has administrator privileges.
2. Open the Start menu, type Computer Management, and press Enter.
3. In the left pane, expand System Tools and click Local Users and Groups.
4. Click the Users folder. Right-click the account whose password you forgot and select Set Password….
5. Read the warning about losing data (it’s mostly about encrypted files), then click Proceed.
6. Enter a new password twice, click OK, and close the window.
7. Sign out and log in with the new password.

Method 2: Reset Using a Password Reset Disk

1. On the login screen, after entering a wrong password, click Reset password… below the password box.
2. Insert the password reset disk (USB or floppy) you created earlier.
3. Follow the Password Reset Wizard: choose the drive, enter a new password and hint, then click Finish.
4. Log in with the new password.

Method 3: Reset Using Microsoft Account Online

1. If you sign in with a Microsoft account (your email address), go to account.live.com/password/reset from any device.
2. Choose I forgot my password and follow the prompts to verify your identity (email, phone, or authenticator app).
3. Create a new password.
4. On your PC’s login screen, enter the new password. If it doesn’t sync immediately, wait a few minutes or restart.

Method 4: Reset Using Installation Media (Last Resort)

1. On another computer, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the tool, choose Create installation media for another PC, and select a USB drive.
3. Insert the USB into your locked PC and boot from it (press F12, Esc, or Del during startup to choose boot device).
4. On the first screen, click Next, then click Repair your computer at the bottom left.
5. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
6. Choose Remove everything (or Keep my files if you want to try preserving data, but a password reset is not guaranteed).
7. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. This erases all apps and settings, and the password is gone.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong account type: The Settings method only works if you have another admin account. Standard accounts can’t reset others.
• Forgetting the password reset disk is account-specific: A disk made for one user won’t work on another.
• Mixing up Microsoft and local accounts: If you use a Microsoft account, the online reset is the only way that doesn’t require a reinstall. Local account passwords can’t be reset online.
• Skipping the warning about encrypted files: Resetting via Computer Management can permanently lock access to EFS-encrypted files.

Tips

• Create a password reset disk for local accounts as soon as you set up the PC. It takes only a minute and saves a lot of trouble.
• Use a password hint that helps only you, not one that anyone could guess.
• Consider switching to a PIN or Windows Hello face/fingerprint sign-in—these are often easier to reset with your Microsoft account.
• Back up important files regularly, especially if you rely on the installation media method.

Troubleshooting

• “Reset password” link doesn’t appear: This happens when you have a Microsoft account or when the password reset disk was never created. Use the Microsoft account method or the installation media method.
• Computer Management shows no Users folder: You’re not on a Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition—Home doesn’t have Local Users and Groups. Use another method.
• Boot from USB fails: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI, or try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0). Ensure the USB is formatted as FAT32.
• Microsoft account reset says “too many attempts”: Wait 24 hours or use a different verification method (phone vs. email).
• After reset, the old password still works: If you used Computer Management, the change takes effect immediately. If you used the online method, sync may take a few minutes—restart the PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset a Windows 10 password without losing files?

Yes, if you use another admin account, a password reset disk, or a Microsoft account reset. The installation media method with “Keep my files” still removes installed apps and settings, so it’s not ideal.

Is there a way to bypass the password entirely?

Not legally or safely. The methods above are the only official ways. Third-party tools that claim to bypass passwords often contain malware or require you to remove the SAM file, which breaks Windows.

What if I never set a password but the login screen asks for one?

Try leaving the password blank and pressing Enter. If that doesn’t work, you may have a Microsoft account that requires a password—reset it online.

Will resetting the password delete my encrypted files?

Using Computer Management may make EFS-encrypted files inaccessible. The other methods (reset disk, Microsoft account) do not affect encryption.

How long does the installation media reset take?

Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on your PC’s speed and whether you choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”

Can I use a phone to reset a Microsoft account password?

Yes, you can use any device with a browser. The reset process sends a verification code to your recovery email or phone number.

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