Forgot Windows Password?

Tips
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Resetting a Forgotten Windows Password

If you’ve forgotten your Windows password, you can reset it depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account. Follow the method that matches your sign-in type.

Microsoft Account

  1. On another device, go to the Microsoft password reset page.

  2. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Microsoft account.

  3. Choose a verification method and enter the security code you receive.

  4. Create a new password and confirm it.

  5. Return to your PC and sign in with the new password.

Local Account (Windows 10/11)

  1. On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon, hold Shift, and select Restart. Watch a quick demo of the restart and recovery menu navigation:

  2. In the menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

  3. Identify your Windows drive by typing c: then dir, trying other letters until you see Windows and Program Files folders.

  4. Type cd windows\system32 and press Enter.

  5. Rename the accessibility tool:
    ren utilman.exe utilman.ex_

  6. Copy Command Prompt over it:
    copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

  7. Type exit and choose Continue to return to the sign-in screen.

  8. Click the Accessibility icon to open Command Prompt.

  9. Type net user to list accounts, then net user * to set a new password.

  10. Enter and confirm the new password (no characters will appear as you type).

  11. Sign in with the new password.

  12. To restore the original accessibility tool, repeat steps 1–4, then type:

del utilman.exe

ren utilman.ex_ utilman.exe