Forgetting your Windows password can be a very frustrating situation, especially when you urgently need to access your PC. Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft gives multiple ways to reset your login password easily — even if you do not remember your old password. In this complete step-by-step guide, you will learn the best and safest methods to reset Windows password using Microsoft account, password reset disk, Command Prompt, Safe Mode and third-party recovery tools.
This guide includes clear instructions, screenshots suggestions, FAQs, troubleshooting tips and a comparison table to help you choose the right method.
Why You May Need to Reset Windows Password
Forgetting passwords is extremely common nowadays because we use multiple accounts and logins daily. Some of the most common reasons why users need to reset their Windows password include:
- Password changed recently and you forgot it
- Someone else changed your password
- Kids accidentally set a new password
- System security updates reset login settings
- You haven’t used the PC for months
- Work or school account access issues
In all these scenarios, the good news is — your data is safe, and there are multiple methods to get back into your system without losing any files. In the next sections, we will explore each method in detail based on your login type — Microsoft Account or Local Account.
How to Reset Windows Password (If Using Microsoft Account)
If you log in to your Windows PC using your Microsoft email (Outlook, Hotmail, Live), then resetting your password is extremely easy. Microsoft provides an online password recovery process that works on any device — PC or mobile.
Here is how you can do it:
Step-by-Step Process
- Open a browser on any device (Mobile/PC)
- Visit: account.live.com/password/reset
- Select “I forgot my password”
- Enter your Microsoft email ID or Phone Number
- Click Next
- Select a verification method (SMS/Email/Authenticator App)
- Enter the received Security Code
- Create a New Password
- Return to your PC and log in with the new password
Benefits of this Method
- No data loss
- Works without a password reset disk
- Completely safe and official
Drawbacks
- Internet connection required
- Access to recovery email/phone needed
If you are unable to reset your Microsoft account password online, you can also try offline login PIN reset, which we will discuss later.
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How to Reset Windows Password (If Using Local Account)
A Local Account password is stored inside your computer and does not require an online Microsoft login. In this case, you get additional methods such as Password Reset Disk, Safe Mode, and Command Prompt.
Below are the best solutions:
Method 1: Reset Windows Password Using Password Reset Disk
A Password Reset Disk is a USB or CD that you might have created earlier while setting a password.
Steps to Reset Using Password Reset Disk
- Insert Password Reset Disk into your PC
- On the login screen, enter any incorrect password
- Select “Reset Password” option
- Password Reset Wizard will open
- Click Next
- Select your disk and create a New Password
- Restart and log in successfully
Pros:
- No data loss
- Fast and secure
Cons:
- Works only if you created the disk earlier
- Most users do not have this disk
Method 2: Reset Windows Password Using Safe Mode & Command Prompt
This is one of the most powerful methods used by technicians. If you can access Safe Mode with Command Prompt, you can replace the login credentials.
Note: This method requires some technical knowledge. Use carefully.
Steps:
- Restart your PC
- Press Shift + Restart from login screen Power Menu
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart
- Press number 4 to launch Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- Type this command:
net user
- It will list all usernames. Note your account name
- Type this command (replace username):
net user username *
- Enter new password
- Restart your PC
- Login normally using new password
Advantage:
- Works without internet or Microsoft account
Disadvantage:
- Not suitable for beginners
- May not work if system is restricted by admin policies
Method 3: Reset Password Using Windows Installation Media
If Safe Mode doesn’t work, you can use a Windows bootable USB.
Steps:
- Insert Windows Installation USB
- Press boot key (F9/F12/ESC)
- Select Repair your computer
- Go to Troubleshoot → Command Prompt
- Run these commands one by one:
copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\
copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
- Restart PC
- On login screen, click Accessibility icon
- Command Prompt will open
- Reset password using command:
net user username newpassword.
- Restart again
- Login successfully
Caution:
Do not use this method on stolen devices.
Method 4: Reset Windows Password Using Third-Party Tools (Like PassFab, iSeePassword, Ophcrack)
If nothing else works, third-party tools help unlock the system without losing data.
Popular Tools
| Tool Name | Platform | Success Rate | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PassFab 4WinKey | Windows 10/11 | 95% | Easy |
| iSeePassword | Windows 8/10/11 | 90% | Medium |
| Ophcrack | Open Source | 75% | Difficult |
Steps (General)
- Download software on another PC
- Create bootable password reset USB
- Insert USB into locked PC
- Boot from USB
- Select account and remove/reset password
- Restart and log in
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Works in complex cases
Cons:
- Paid tools
- Some features limited in trial version
Reset Login PIN Instead of Password (Windows 10/11)
If you use PIN login, follow these steps:
- On login screen → Click “I forgot my PIN”
- Verify Microsoft account
- Enter OTP code
- Set a new PIN
- Login successfully
This method is quick and can bypass the need to reset password completely.
Comparison Table — Which Method Is Best?
| Method | Works For | Difficulty | Internet Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft account reset | Email login | Very Easy | Yes | Most users |
| Password reset disk | Local account | Easy | No | Prepared users |
| Safe Mode + CMD | Local account | Hard | No | Tech users |
| Installation media | Both | Hard | No | System errors |
| Third-party tools | Both | Easy | No | Beginners |
Important Security Tips After Resetting Windows Password
Once you successfully reset your password, make sure you follow these tips to avoid similar issues in the future:
- Use a strong password with capital letters, numbers, and symbols
- Create a password reset disk immediately
- Enable Microsoft cloud recovery option
- Update recovery email and phone number
- Write password in a safe place or use a password manager
- Avoid using easily guessable passwords like 123456, name@123, etc.
These steps help keep your account safe from unauthorized access.
FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will resetting Windows password delete my files?
No, if you use the official password reset methods, your data remains safe.
2. Can I reset Windows password without Microsoft account?
Yes — Safe Mode, Command Prompt, installation media, or third-party tools can help.
3. Do I need to pay to unlock my own PC?
Official methods are free. Paid tools are only optional for advanced cases.
4. Can I reset laptop password if BitLocker is ON?
Yes, but you might need your BitLocker Recovery Key to complete login.
5. I forgot both password and PIN — what should I do?
Use Microsoft account password recovery or Command Prompt method.
6. Can I remove password completely?
Yes, using Command Prompt or control panel — but not recommended due to security risks.
Conclusion
Resetting a Windows password is easier than most users think. Whether you are locked out of Windows 10 or Windows 11, multiple safe methods are available to help you regain access quickly — without losing personal data. Microsoft account recovery is the easiest method, but if you use a local account, Safe Mode, Command Prompt, or recovery tools are great alternatives.
If you follow the steps shared in this guide carefully, you will be able to unlock your laptop/PC within a few minutes.
Now you can get back to your important work — stress-free!