How to Reset Windows Password on Windows 10 & 11 (All Methods)

Forgetting your Windows password can lock you out of your PC, but you can reset it safely without using risky third-party tools. Windows 10 and Windows 11 provide multiple built-in recovery options based on your account type and access level.

This guide explains all official and working methods to reset a Windows password step by step.

Method 1: Reset Password for Microsoft Account (Recommended)

If you sign in to Windows using an email address, your PC uses a Microsoft account. This is the safest and fastest recovery method.

Steps:

1. On another device, open the Microsoft password reset page.
2. Enter the email address linked to your Windows login.
3. Verify your identity using OTP (email or phone).
4. Create a new password.
5. Restart your PC and sign in with the new password.

Windows syncs the new password automatically once the system connects to the internet.

See also: How to Reset Your Apple ID (Apple Account) Password

Method 2: Change Windows Password from Settings (If You’re Logged In)

If you still have access to your desktop, you can change the password directly from Settings.

Steps:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Accounts.
• Select Sign-in options.
• Click Password → Change.

• Enter your current password and set a new one.

This method works for both Microsoft and local accounts.

Method 3: Use Password Hint (Local Account Only)

If your PC uses a local account, Windows displays a password hint after failed login attempts.

Steps:

1. Enter an incorrect password.
2. Click Password hint.
3. Use the hint to recall your password.

This option does not reset the password. It only helps you remember it.

Method 4: Reset Local Account Password Using Advanced Options

This method works if you can access Windows Advanced Startup and your system allows administrator command access.

Open Advanced Options:

• Restart your PC and interrupt boot two or three times, or
• On the login screen, click Power → Hold Shift → Restart

Reset Password Using Command Prompt:

• Open Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

net user

• Note your local account username.
• Reset the password using:

net user username newpassword

Example:

net user admin 123456

• Restart your PC and sign in with the new password.

This method does not remove files or apps.

Method 5: Reset Windows Using “Reset This PC” (Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows removes the password completely.

Steps:

1. On the login screen, click Power.
2. Hold Shift and select Restart.
3. Open Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
4. Choose Keep my files.
5. Complete the reset process.
6. Set a new password during setup.

Windows removes installed apps but keeps personal files.

Method 6: Factory Reset Windows (Deletes Everything)

Use this only if you want a clean installation.

Steps:

1. Open Reset this PC.
2. Select Remove everything.
3. Complete the reset.

This deletes all files, apps, and settings.

What You Should Avoid

• Do not download password-cracking tools.
• Avoid unofficial bootable ISO files.
• Do not disable Windows security features.
• Skip YouTube tricks that bypass authentication.

These methods often cause data loss or malware infections.

FAQs

Can I reset Windows password without losing data?

Yes. You can reset your Windows password without losing files by using a Microsoft account, changing the password from Settings, or resetting the local account through Advanced options.

How do I reset Windows password if I forgot it?

You can reset a forgotten Windows password using your Microsoft account online, Command Prompt from Advanced Startup, or the “Reset this PC” option if other methods fail.

Does this method work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes. All methods explained here work on both Windows 10 and 11 systems.

How do I reset Windows password using a Microsoft account?

Go to the Microsoft password reset page on another device, create a new password, restart your PC, and sign in with the updated password.

Can I reset a local account password in Windows?

Yes. You can reset a local account password using Advanced Startup and Command Prompt or by resetting Windows while keeping your files.

Will resetting Windows password delete my files?

No. Most Windows password reset methods keep your personal files intact. Only a factory reset removes files and data.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include built-in recovery options that let you reset your password safely. Always start with Microsoft account recovery if available, and use system reset options only as a last resort.