How to Reset Your Password in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Forgot your Windows 10 or Windows 11 password? Don’t worry! This guide explores various ways to reset your password on devices with these operating systems. Each method has its own steps and is suitable for different situations. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Using Your Microsoft Account

If your device is set up with a Microsoft account, you can reset your password through Microsoft’s online service. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Microsoft password reset page.
  2. Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft account or your phone number.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. Microsoft will offer various verification options, like sending a code to your email or phone.
  4. After verification, create a new password and use it to log in to Windows.

2. Resetting a Local Password with Security Questions

If you have a local account and have previously set up security questions, you can use them to reset your password:

  1. On the sign-in screen, click the "Reset password" link (this option appears if security questions are available for your account).
  2. Answer the displayed security questions.
  3. Once verified, create a new password and log in to your system.

3. Using a Boot Disk or USB for Password Reset

If you don’t use a Microsoft account and don’t have security questions set, a boot disk or USB drive can help:

  1. Create a bootable disk on another computer. You can use the Microsoft website to download a Windows image.
  2. Boot from the created disk and open the Command Prompt.
  3. Use a command to replace the system file Utilman.exe with cmd.exe to access Command Prompt on the login screen.
  4. Restart the computer, then select Ease of Access (the icon at the bottom right) on the login screen to open the Command Prompt.
  5. Enter the following command to reset your password: net user username new_password.
  6. After that, log in with your new password.

4. Resetting Password with a Password Reset Disk

If you previously created a password reset disk, you can use it for quick access recovery:

  1. Insert the reset disk and select Reset Password on the login screen.
  2. Follow the Password Reset Wizard instructions.
  3. Create a new password and log in to your system.