Reset a Windows Computer Without the Password

If you have forgotten your Windows password, you can reset it using another administrator account on the same computer, a password reset disk you created earlier, or your Microsoft account recovery options. The method depends on what you set up before you got locked out.

The fastest route is usually a second administrator account. If someone else uses the computer or you created a backup admin account, log in as that user, then go to Settings > Accounts > Other people and select the locked account. Click Reset password and follow the prompts. Windows will ask you to create a new password without requiring the old one.

If you do not have a second admin account and you created a password reset disk on a USB drive or floppy disk before you forgot the password, plug it in at the login screen. Click Reset password, select the disk, and Windows will walk you through creating a new password. This only works if you made the disk in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • A second administrator account on the same computer is the simplest way to reset a forgotten Windows password without losing your files.
  • A password reset disk created before you forgot the password will let you set a new one at the login screen.
  • If you signed in with a Microsoft account, you can reset your password on Microsoft's website from another device and sign back in.
  • Windows 10 and 11 allow you to use a PIN or Windows Hello (face or fingerprint) as an alternative to a text password.
  • A full factory reset erases everything on the drive and should only be used if other methods are not available.

Use Your Microsoft Account to Reset the Password

If your Windows login is connected to a Microsoft account (not a local account), you can reset the password from any other device with internet access. Go to account.microsoft.com on a phone, tablet, or another computer and select Security > Password. Enter your email address and follow the verification steps—Microsoft will send a code to your recovery email or phone number.

Once you have reset the password on Microsoft's website, go back to your locked computer and select I forgot my password at the login screen. Enter your Microsoft email and the new password you just created. Your computer will sync with your Microsoft account and let you in.

This method only works if you remember your Microsoft email address and have access to the recovery email or phone number you set up with that account. If you cannot access either, you will need to use a different method.

Create a New Local Account and Transfer Your Files

If you cannot use any of the methods above, you can create a new local account with a password you know, then move your files from the old account to the new one. At the Windows login screen, select Sign-in options > Password > I forgot my password. Windows will offer to create a new account. Follow the prompts to set a username and password.

Once you are logged in to the new account, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users. You will see a folder for your old account. Your documents, photos, and downloads are inside. Copy the files you need to your new account's folder. Note that some programs may need to be reinstalled because they were tied to the old account.

This method preserves your files but does not recover access to the old account itself. If you need to keep using software that was installed under the old account, you may have to reinstall it.

Reset a Mac Without the Password

On a Mac, the fastest way to reset a forgotten password is through another administrator account. Log in as the other user, open System Settings > General > Users & Groups (or System Preferences > Users & Groups on older macOS), click the lock icon to unlock it, then select the account you need to reset. Click the gear icon and choose Reset Password. You can set a new password without knowing the old one.

If you do not have a second admin account, you can reset the password using your Apple ID. At the login screen, click the question mark or wait for the login window to show If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email and password, then create a new Mac password.

On newer Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 and later), you can also use Recovery Mode. Restart your Mac and hold down the power button until Loading startup options appears. Select your startup disk, then Utilities > Reset Password from the menu bar. This method works without needing another account or your Apple ID.

Perform a Full Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If you cannot access the computer through any other method, a factory reset will erase everything on the drive and return it to its original state. This is permanent and cannot be undone, so use it only when all other options have failed.

On Windows, restart your computer and press F11 or F12 repeatedly as it boots (the key varies by manufacturer). Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. Windows will ask whether to reinstall from the cloud or use local files. Choose cloud if you have internet; it is more reliable. The reset takes 30 minutes to an hour and will delete all your files, programs, and settings.

On a Mac, restart and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode. Select Utilities > Erase Mac, choose your startup disk, and confirm. Then select Utilities > Reinstall macOS to restore the operating system. This also takes 30 minutes to an hour and erases everything.

Before you perform a factory reset, make sure you have backed up any files you need. Once the reset is complete, you will need to set up the computer as if it were new, including creating a new account and password.

Prevent This From Happening Again

Create a password reset disk on Windows now, while you can still log in. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Add, then select Create a password reset disk. Insert a USB drive and follow the prompts. Store this disk somewhere safe—it will let you reset your password if you forget it in the future.

On a Mac, make sure you know your Apple ID email and password, and that your recovery email and phone number are current. You can check this in System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security. If you lose access to your Apple ID, resetting your Mac password becomes much harder.

Consider using a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store your passwords securely. These programs let you retrieve a forgotten password without resetting your entire account. You can also set up a PIN or biometric login (Windows Hello, Face ID, or Touch ID) as a backup way to unlock your computer if you forget your text password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my password delete my files?

No. Resetting your password through another admin account, a password reset disk, or your Microsoft or Apple ID will not delete any files. A factory reset will erase everything, but that is a separate, intentional action you choose only as a last resort.

What if I do not remember my Microsoft or Apple ID password either?

Go to the Microsoft or Apple website from another device and use the account recovery process. You will need access to your recovery email or phone number. If you cannot access those, contact Microsoft or Apple support with proof of identity—they can help you regain access to your account.

Can I reset the password on a computer that is not mine?

No. These methods only work on computers you own or have permission to use. Resetting someone else's password without their permission is not legal. If you are locked out of a work computer, contact your IT department.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much data is on the drive and how fast your internet connection is. Do not turn off the computer during the reset—let it finish completely.

Can I use a Linux live USB to access my files if I forget my password?

Yes. You can boot from a Linux live USB and access the files on your Windows or Mac drive without entering a password. However, this does not reset your password—it only lets you copy files off the drive. To actually log back in, you will need to use one of the methods described above.