How to reset a forgotten password in Windows 10?

How to Reset a Forgotten Password in Windows 10

Hey there! If you've forgotten your password in Windows 10, don't worry, I've got you covered. In this guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of resetting your password so you can regain access to your computer. Let's get started!

Method 1: Resetting Your Password with a Microsoft Account

If you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 10, you can reset your password online. Here's how:

1. On another device, go to the Microsoft account password reset page using your preferred web browser.

2. Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft account and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

3. Once you've reset your password, go back to your Windows 10 computer and sign in using your new password.

Method 2: Resetting Your Password with a Password Reset Disk

If you've created a password reset disk before forgetting your password, you can use it to regain access to your computer. Here's how:

1. On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, click on "Reset password."

2. Insert your password reset disk into the computer.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.

Method 3: Resetting Your Password with Command Prompt

If you're comfortable using Command Prompt, you can reset your password using this method. Here's how:

1. On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, press the Shift key and click on the Power button, then select Restart.

2. Your computer will restart and bring you to the Advanced Startup Options screen. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Command Prompt.

3. In the Command Prompt window, type net user and press Enter to see a list of user accounts on your computer.

4. Type net user [username] [newpassword] and press Enter, replacing [username] with your account's username and [newpassword] with your desired new password.

5. Close the Command Prompt window and sign in to Windows 10 using your new password.

Method 4: Resetting Your Password with Startup Repair

If the above methods didn't work, you can try using Startup Repair to reset your password. Here's how:

1. On the Windows 10 sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key while clicking on the Power button, then select Restart.

2. Your computer will restart and bring you to the Advanced Startup Options screen. Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Startup Repair.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair your computer. This may take some time.

4. Once the repair process is complete, your computer will restart. Try signing in with your old password. If it doesn't work, click on "Reset password" and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new password.

And there you have it! These methods should help you reset your forgotten password in Windows 10. Remember to keep your password in a safe place or consider using a password manager to avoid this situation in the future. If you need further assistance, feel free to check out our site, How Reset, for more detailed guides and troubleshooting tips. Happy resetting!

Alyson Bartell

Cybersecurity, Education, Password Security, Device Security, Networking

Alyson Bartell is a seasoned cybersecurity specialist, dedicated to simplifying complex concepts for her audience. Known for her insightful guides on password resetting and device safety, Alyson is committed to providing accessible, user-friendly content to help resolve common tech problems.