How to Reset Windows 10 Password

How to Reset Windows 10 Password

/ Shayne Sherman

Why do Users Reset Their Windows 10 Password?

Users may reset their Windows 10 password for various reasons. One of the most common is when they forget it or if someone else has changed it without their knowledge. Other cases may involve resetting their password because they want to increase security on their computer by creating a new, more secure password.

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Resetting your Windows 10 password can also help when locked out of your computer due to an incorrect login attempt. Overall, resetting your Windows 10 password can restore access to your account and provide peace of mind about data protection.

The article below provides the most efficient methods to reset your Windows 10 Password.

Login with Other Sign-in Option for Your Microsoft Account

If you have forgotten or lost your local account password, i.e., a Microsoft account that’s to your user account/ administrator account, you need to reset your Windows 10 password. If you could launch the elevated command prompt, here is a chance you can reset the password via the command prompt. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the quick access menu of the device via Windows key+ X. From the list of options, double-click the command prompt (admin) option.

command prompt admin

Step 2: In the command prompt window, type net user account_name new_password and click enter to continue.

net user account name

Step 3: In the new pop window, add the credentials, i.e., user name and new password. Restart the device and check if your new credentials are working.

Reset Microsoft Account Password Online

In case of a forgotten password for a Microsoft account, one can reach Microsoft’s official website to reset the password in Windows 10. Changing passwords can be done via the sign-in screen, and here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Launch the official site of Microsoft with your browser and click the option of signing in on the screen.

sign in to microsoft

Step 2: In the sign-in pop-up window, enter the email ID attached to that account and click next to continue.

sign in with email

Step 3: In the next screen, select the forgot password option. It will launch the Microsoft account pop-up window.

recover microsoft account

Step 4: In the next window, add an alternative email ID to recover your account. Fill in all requirements and complete the wizard. Click next to continue. A code will be sent to your recovery email.

enter recovery code for microsoft account

Step 5: Enter the code in the pop-up and click verify. Add all essential information asked in the account recovery window and click next to continue.

enter your microsoft information

Step 6: Complete the wizard by adding all information in pop-up windows, and click next to continue. Once all information is recorded, a confirmation email will be sent to your recovery email ID to recover the account. Click ok to continue.

information submitted

Step 7: The email sent to the recovery account will carry the link to reset the password. Enter the email for which you forget the password. Click next to continue.

microsoft email verification

Step 8: In the next window, enter the new password, confirm it by reentering it, and click next to continue. This is how you can reset your Windows 10 password online.

resetting microsoft password

Restore Windows 10 to the Previous State

For resetting the Windows password, if you cannot change the credentials, then taking your device back to the last working state via system restore can serve the purpose. System restore will track the device with all necessary default settings and passwords. Here is how you can restore the device.

Step 1: In the search bar of the Windows main menu, type system restore and launch it. 

search system restore

Step 2: In the system restore window, select the option of create a restore point

Step 3: In the next window, select the option of system restore

click system restore

Step 4: Click next to complete the wizard. 

click next on system restore

Step 5: If you already have a restore point, select the appropriate restore point and click next to continue. Follow the wizard to complete the action. 

select system restore point

Microsoft Account Recovery in Windows

To reset the Windows 10 passwords for local user accounts, one can easily change them from the login window of the device. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Click the option I forgot my password from the Windows login screen.

forgot my password option

Step 2: In the next step, enter the email ID and provide information about how you want the verification code. Click the option of get code to continue. Enter the code in the pop-up window to continue.

type new windows login password

Step 3: In the next following window, reset the password and click next to continue. Once reset, head to the login screen and enter the new password to check if the device allows you to sign in.

password change confirmation

Create a Password Reset Disk

To reset Windows 10 password action, Windows users could use the disk to create a password reset. In this context, a USB stick can be utilized as an external device. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Log in to your local user account, and in the Windows main menu, type control in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option in the list to launch.

forgotten password wizard

Step 2: In the control panel window, click the option of user accounts. In the next window, click the option of creating a password reset disk from the left pane. In the pop-up window, click next to continue.

password reset disk wizard

Step 3: In the next pop-up window, add the name for the USB stick under the option I want to create a password key disk in the following drive. Click next to continue.

enter new password for password disk

Step 4: Add the password for your local account in the next window and click next to continue. Once the process completes, click next, followed by finish to continue.

password reset disk confirmation

Step 5: In the next step, from the login screen, attach the USB with the password reset disk and click next to continue. Again enter the USB drive name in the box and click next to continue.

usb drive name for password reset disk

Step 6: In the next pop-up window, reenter the new password to confirm the action. Click next to continue.

enter new password in usb for password reset disk

Step 7: From the sign-in screen, enter the new password to log in to the device.

login to windows with new password

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Reset Windows 10 Password

What is a Net User Administrator?

A Net User Administrator is a network user account with full access to a computer’s system resources and data. The administrator can create, delete and alter user accounts, set permissions, install programs, manage files and perform other administrative functions on the computer. They are also responsible for keeping the network secure from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

Is it Safe to Reset an Administrator Password?

Resetting an administrator password is secure as long as you know that the user account or computer you are resetting is yours. Remember that resetting a password may require access to an email address associated with the account or other forms of authentication, such as security questions.

What is the Password Reset Wizard?

The Password Reset Wizard is a tool designed to help you regain access to your account if you’ve forgotten the password. It will guide you through the steps needed to reset or update your password. You can also use this tool to unlock an account that has been locked due to too many failed attempts at logging in.

What is a Picture Password?

Picture passwords are a secure way of logging into various online accounts, such as email and banking. Instead of using a traditional password that can easily be guessed or stolen, picture passwords feature an image with multiple click points. The user has to select the correct click points in the right order to log in. This makes it difficult for hackers to guess or steal the correct password combination.

How Many Times Can I Reset My Administrator Account Password?

If you need to reset your administrator account password more than once, it’s important to understand that the process may differ depending on your device and operating system. Generally speaking, Windows users can reset their administrator account passwords up to three times in 24 hours without contacting customer support.

Should My Local Account Password be Reset?

When resetting your local account password, there are a few things to consider. Generally speaking, you should only reset your password if you believe someone has gained access to it or if you have forgotten your existing one. If you think someone has accessed your account, resetting the password would be the best action, as this will prevent further unauthorized access.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.