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Forgotten Password (Unable to Log In)

Difficulty: 7/10Estimated fix time: 15 minutes - 1 hour

You're at the Windows sign-in screen and realize you forgot your password, or it's not being accepted. This can be a stressful situation – essentially locked out of your own computer.

Why It Happens

Human memory isn't perfect. You might have recently changed your password and don't remember the new one, or perhaps you haven't used the PC in a long time. It's also possible (though less common) that a Windows update or glitch could cause login issues (especially if using a Microsoft account and the PC is offline).

For local accounts on Windows 10, forgetting the password means you either rely on security questions or a reset disk (if you made one). On Windows 11, Microsoft encourages using an online account which has different recovery methods.

Common scenarios:

  • • Recently changed password and forgot new one
  • • Haven't used computer in a long time
  • • Confusion between multiple passwords
  • • Windows update causing authentication issues
  • • Microsoft account vs local account confusion
  • • Caps Lock or keyboard layout issues
  • • Account type changes

How to Fix It

First, check the basics: Make sure Caps Lock isn't on, try different keyboard layouts, and verify you're typing the password correctly.

Microsoft Account (Online Account)

This is the account that uses your email (like Outlook/Hotmail) to sign in:

Option 1: Reset on Login Screen

  1. 1. On the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my password"
  2. 2. Follow the prompts to verify your identity
  3. 3. Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email or phone
  4. 4. Enter the verification code
  5. 5. Create a new password
  6. 6. Use the new password to log in

Option 2: Reset from Another Device

  1. 1. Go to Microsoft Password Reset webpage on phone/tablet
  2. 2. Enter your Microsoft account email
  3. 3. Choose verification method (email or SMS)
  4. 4. Enter the code sent to you
  5. 5. Create new password
  6. 6. Return to your PC and use new password

Note: Your PC needs internet connection to recognize the new password immediately. Connect via Ethernet or use Wi-Fi options on lock screen if available.

Local Account (Windows 10/11)

Username and password stored only on your PC:

Option 1: Security Questions (Windows 10)

  1. 1. Enter wrong password several times
  2. 2. Look for "Reset Password" link that appears
  3. 3. Click it to see security questions
  4. 4. Answer the questions you set up during account creation
  5. 5. Create a new password when prompted

Option 2: Password Reset Disk

If you previously created a reset disk:

  1. 1. Insert your password reset USB drive
  2. 2. On login screen, click "Reset Password"
  3. 3. Follow the Password Reset Wizard
  4. 4. Create a new password

Option 3: Another Administrator Account

If there's another admin user on the PC:

  1. 1. Log in with the other administrator account
  2. 2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
  3. 3. Select your locked account
  4. 4. Click "Change account type" or use Control Panel user management
  5. 5. Reset password for your account

Advanced Methods (Technical)

If no other options are available:

Windows Installation USB Method

Advanced users can use Windows installation media to access Command Prompt and enable the built-in Administrator account or reset passwords via command line.

Warning: This method is technical and can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Consider professional help if you're not comfortable with advanced troubleshooting.

Professional Service

Computer repair shops can often unlock Windows accounts with specialized tools and techniques. This is the safest option if the data is important and other methods haven't worked.

How to Prevent It

Password Management

  • • Use memorable passwords or passphrases
  • • Write down passwords and keep them in a secure place (wallet, safe)
  • • Use a password manager for complex passwords
  • • Practice typing new passwords several times after changing them

Account Setup

  • • Set up security questions for local accounts (Windows 10)
  • • Create a password reset disk when setting up new accounts
  • • Keep recovery email and phone number updated for Microsoft accounts
  • • Consider using Windows Hello PIN as alternative login

Microsoft Account Benefits

Consider switching to using a Microsoft account to log in, as password resets can be done online easily. This is especially useful for seniors or non-technical users – Microsoft accounts have a straightforward recovery flow.

Alternative Access Methods

  • • Set up Windows Hello PIN (easier to remember than complex passwords)
  • • Enable picture password if available
  • • Consider biometric login if your device supports it
  • • Keep multiple administrator accounts on shared computers

Documentation

When you change passwords, log in a couple times with the new one to build muscle memory, and update any written notes. It's far less hassle to take these preventive steps than to bypass a locked Windows account later.

Still Locked Out?

If you've tried all applicable methods and still can't access your account, professional password recovery services can help unlock your computer safely.