6-ways-to-reset-forgotten-windows-10-password - blog
6-ways-to-reset-forgotten-windows-10-password
Loading...6 Ways to Reset a Forgotten Windows 10 Password
If you’ve forgotten your Windows 10 password, it can block you from installing software, changing system settings, or even logging in at all. Microsoft doesn’t make password recovery “one-click easy,” but there are several legitimate options—especially if the PC is yours and you can verify ownership.
Below are six practical methods for resetting a forgotten Windows 10 password for local accounts and Microsoft accounts.
Important: Use these steps only on a computer you own or are authorized to administer.
Method 1: Use a Password Reset Disk
A password reset disk is Microsoft’s official “lifeline” for local accounts—but it only works if you created it before you forgot your password.
- If you have a reset disk (USB), use the “Reset password” option on the sign-in screen.
- Follow the wizard to set a new password.
Downside: You can’t create a reset disk after you’re already locked out.
Method 2: Sign In With Another Admin Method (PIN / Another Admin Account)
If you can still log in using any of these:
- a PIN
- a picture password
- a different administrator account on the same PC
…then you can usually reset the affected local account password from within Windows.
Typical options include:
- Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Control Panel → User Accounts
- Or using an elevated command prompt / PowerShell (for advanced admins)
This is often the quickest method—if you still have any working admin-level access.
Method 3: Reset Your Microsoft Account Password Online
If you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (e.g., an Outlook/Hotmail email), reset the password online:
- Use Microsoft’s account recovery workflow (“Forgot password” on the Microsoft sign-in page).
- Confirm your identity via recovery email, phone number, or authenticator.
Good to know: After resetting online, you may need an internet connection on the locked PC so it can sync the new credentials.
If you’ve lost access to your recovery email/phone: Microsoft may not be able to verify you. In that case, you’ll have to use Microsoft’s recovery process (or regain access to your recovery method).
Method 4: Use Microsoft DaRT (IT/Enterprise Option)
Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) is an enterprise-focused toolkit that can help recover systems, including resetting local passwords through its Locksmith Wizard.
Pros:
- Designed for IT recovery
- Works offline for local accounts
Cons:
- Not freely available to everyone (typically tied to enterprise licensing/subscriptions)
If you’re in an organization with Microsoft volume licensing, your IT department may already have this.
Method 5: Use Your Organization’s Recovery Process (Work/School Devices)
If the device is managed (work/school):
- Your account may be tied to Active Directory or Azure AD
- Password resets may require your IT/admin portal
In this case, the correct path is usually:
- Reset via your organization’s account portal
- Or contact IT support so they can reset credentials and device policies properly
This avoids breaking encryption, device compliance, or security controls.
Method 6: Restore Windows to a Previous Restore Point
If System Restore was enabled and restore points exist, you may be able to roll the system back to an earlier state.
However:
- System Restore is not guaranteed to “restore an old password” reliably in modern setups
- It can remove recently installed programs/drivers
- It won’t help if you can’t access recovery options or if disk encryption blocks recovery
Still, it can be worth trying if other methods are unavailable.
Best Practice After You Regain Access
Once you’re back in:
- Create a password reset disk (for local accounts)
- Add a recovery phone/email (for Microsoft accounts)
- Consider a password manager so you don’t get locked out again