Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, especially if you need access to important files. Fortunately, there are several ways to regain access depending on how your account is set up.

This guide covers the most reliable methods to reset a forgotten Windows password.

Method 1: Reset Password Using Microsoft Account (Most Common)

If your computer login uses a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online and then sign back into your PC.

Steps:

1. On another device, open this page:
   https://account.microsoft.com/password/reset
2. Select I forgot my password.
3. Enter the email address you use to sign in to your computer.

Examples:

yourname@gmail.com

yourname@outlook.com

yourname@company.com

4. Complete the identity verification.

Microsoft may send a code through:

• email
• SMS
• Microsoft Authenticator app

5. Create a new password.
6. Restart the locked computer and log in using the new password.

Note: Your computer must be connected to the internet so Windows can sync the new password.

METHOD 2 – Reset Password Using Security Questions

If your account is a local Windows account and security questions were set up, you can reset the password from the login screen.

Steps:

1. Enter the wrong password on the login screen.
2. Click Reset password.
3. Answer the security questions.
4. Create a new password.
5. Log in normally.

METHOD 3 – Reset Password Using Another Administrator Account

If another administrator account exists on the computer, it can reset the locked account.

Steps:

1. Log in using another administrator account.
2. Press Windows + R.
3. Type:
   control userpasswords2
4. Press Enter.
5. Select the locked user account.
6. Click Reset Password.
7. Enter a new password.